Independent MPP Randy Hillier would like to be premier.

The outspoken member, who was booted from the Progressive Conservative caucus for comments he allegedly made in passing on the floor of the legislature, made his announcement over the weekend in front of a supportive crowd in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

"The purple wave is coming to Ontario," said Hillier, flanked by people wearing People's Party of Canada (PPC) gear. If formed, the party, related in part to the PPC, will be known as the Ontario First Party. Hillier said in his announcement that paperwork was being passed around to garner supportive signatures for the effort. "The Ontario purple wave gets launched very soon. So come join us," he added. The next scheduled provincial election is June 2022.

Standing to his side was one woman with an "Arrest Dr. Eileen De Villa" sign, referring to Toronto's chief medical officer of health, and in the background someone else waved an InfoWars flag, a far-right conspiracy theory website.

Hillier has consistently been skeptical of COVID-19 measures that are recommended by a consensus of public health experts. He has also posted or retweeted skeptical comments about vaccines, which are safe and effective, on social media. Hillier has appeared in Queen's Park without wearing a mask, in contravention of established rules, and recently apologized for sharing, without permission, baseless information about some Ontarians that suggested their recent passing was related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Watch: MPP @randyhillier announces running for Premier of Ontario in the 2022 provincial election with the NEW Ontario PPC party. 👇

Make sure you like, share, and subscribe to @media_speech pic.twitter.com/ObC62C0ZP0

— Jon Nisbett (@nisbett_jon) November 8, 2021

The emergence of Hillier as the leader of a new party creates a couple of electoral possibilities. For one, it could complicate matters for the Progressive Conservatives. The 2021 federal election showed that the PPC was able to pull down some meaningful votes in certain ridings, even if it wasn't competitive in any of them, and that in tight ridings that could make a difference.

Moreover, the Ontario First Party represents a schism of sorts. Jim and Belinda Karahalios have launched the New Blue Party in part as a more conservative alternative to the PCs, and one that is more skeptical of public health measures.

Jim Karahalios took to Twitter to voice his criticism of Hillier.

I’ve battled fakes before:
Patrick Brown
Brian Patterson
Erin O’Toole
Doug Ford
I’m still walking.
Now I’ll battle two fakes at once in Doug Ford & Runaway Randy Hillier.
It’s my burden that must be done to ensure a brighter future by effectively fighting manipulators. #onpoli

— Jim Karahalios (@jimkarahalios) November 7, 2021

Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford marked Nov. 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day. The occasion honours First Nations, Inuit and Metis veterans who served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War and other conflicts.

"Indigenous service members made great sacrifices to join war efforts, including leaving their families and communities for considerable lengths of time," the minister said in a statement. "Many also had to travel great distances on foot just to enlist, including William Semice, who walked over 500 miles from Lake St. Joseph to Port Arthur, Ontario."

It is estimated that about 12,000 Indigenous people have served in Canadian Forces' actions. Among them was William Bolduc, an Ojibwa airman whose service was recognized by King George VI with the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross.

"We will never forget the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans, to whom we owe an unending debt of gratitude," added Rickford.

In brief: Hillier’s new party, marking Indigenous Veterans Day

Read this for free.