"The Dawn of a New Party"

December 10, 2003

Now the hard work begins.  That’s not to say the process that led to the unification of the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties was easy.  In fact, both Stephen Harper and Peter MacKay deserve recognition for managing to overcome the mistrust, misunderstanding and miscommunication that previously prevented the merging of the two parties, despite many serious attempts, throughout the past few years. 

And what a feat it was!  No matter what the efforts of the party leaders or officials, in the end, it was the approval of the grassroots members of both parties that was required.  The result was a resounding “yes!” across the country and in every province. 

First the Canadian Alliance vote came in with 95.9% of members supporting the merger.  Then, despite dire warnings of rejection by some national media and political pundits, PC party members voted 90.4% in favour of merging with the Alliance to form the new Conservative Party of Canada. 

Such overwhelming support is a clear statement of purpose that will undoubtedly help to propel our new party through the difficult weeks ahead.  There is, after all, a great deal of work to be done in less than four months!

Mr. Harper and Mr. MacKay announced this week that, in legal terms, the Conservative Party of Canada has been created and registered and that their old parties no longer exist.  Though certainly worth celebrating because of its historical significance, the “official birth” of the new party was a relatively straightforward step in the merger process compared to the tasks to come.

The Conservative Party’s presence in the House of Commons must be established and developed.  This involves amalgamating two separate caucuses, including assigning MPs to critic portfolios and to caucus officer positions, such as Whip, House Leader and Question Period Director.  Having already had the opportunity to work with the PC caucus for seven months as part of a Parliamentary coalition, I am confident that this process, though hurried due to a tight time frame, will proceed smoothly.   

Then there’s the monumental undertaking to select a new leader, which requires organizing a leadership campaign, convention and vote … all by March 19, 2004.  Senator John Lynch Staunton has been designated interim leader of the Conservative Party, but the sooner we have a permanent elected leader in place to champion the policies and principles of the party, the sooner this national conservative movement can establish its presence among Canadian voters … just in time for a general election … which Paul Martin is widely expected to call in April. 

The coming weeks will be busy, frenzied … and exciting!  This is a happy and important moment for Canada and for democracy.  No one is promising or expecting miracles, but the simple reality is that the Conservative Party will put an end to the vote-splitting that has allowed the Liberal government to remain in power despite neglecting its responsibilities to Canadians.

In the short term, one conservative voice will ensure a strong and viable opposition, which is something this country needs as much as it needs a principled and accountable government.