UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL TRANSFORMED Introduction

On October 16, 2003, after weeks of pated to be called shortly after Paul Focus prolonged, difficult, and on-again-off- Martin assumes the Liberal leadership This News in Re- again negotiations, a deal was an- in February 2004. They are confident view story focuses on the proposed nounced that could have profound and that a single, right-of-centre party will merger of the far-reaching consequences for Canadian be able to give the long-ruling Liberals Progressive Con- politics. Progressive Conservative what they have not had to face since servative Party and Leader Peter MacKay and Stephen 1993, a strong, unified opposition with the Canadian Harper, Leader of the Canadian Alli- broad support across the country, and Alliance into a ance, appeared to have achieved what with a very real chance of forming the single right-wing political force, and their predecessors in both parties had next government. the impact of this sought and failed to attain for almost a But the pro-merger euphoria has been merger on the decade. The right wing of the Canadian matched by some strong expressions of Canadian political political spectrum, split in two since the misgivings and warnings that the deal scene. dramatic federal election of 1993, was may not live up to its promise. A num- finally to be reunited into a single party, ber of prominent PC figures, including to be called the Conservative Party of former prime minister , have YV Sections . Both MacKay and Harper, condemned the agreement as a sell-out marked with this symbol indicate along with those in their respective of core party principles, and view it as content suitable for parties who backed the deal, were full nothing more than a takeover by the younger viewers. of relief and satisfaction that it had at Alliance. Some Western Alliance last become a reality. But they were members worry that the new party also very aware of the fact that it was might downplay specific regional Did you know . . . likely to encounter considerable skepti- interests, along with socially conserva- The terms right and cism, if not outright resistance, from tive positions on moral issues, in an left wing origi- nated in the French many in the PC and Alliance rank and attempt to bolster its support in urban Revolution? In the file. The ink was hardly dry on the areas of Eastern Canada. With Paul seating plan of the proposed merger when a group of Martin positioned to move the federal French National disaffected PC activists led by former Liberals to the right, considering his Assembly, those party leadership candidate David Or- fiscally conservative record as finance who wanted greater democracy chard warned that it would take the deal minister, there is some concern that the and change tended to court in an effort to declare it legally new party might find it difficult to carve to sit on the left invalid. out its own right-of-centre stance in while those who The proposed merger is to be ratified opposition to him. preferred to main- by December 12, 2003. Members of There is also the issue of who would tain a strong both parties will have the opportunity to lead the new party. Both Harper and monarch and less change sat on the cast their votes on the deal. Following MacKay are expected to compete for right. Those in the that, a leadership campaign for the new the job. Along with them, other possible centre were more party will begin, with the new leader to candidates include former willing to compro- be chosen in March 2004. Pro-merger premier and New mise. In Canada, figures in both the PC and Alliance Brunswick Premier . the Alliance and PC parties have gener- parties are hoping their efforts to unite Previous PC leadership candidates, ally taken a right- the right will come to fruition prior to and , are also of-centre position. the next federal election, widely antici- not ruled out as potential contenders.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 19 Whoever is to win the party leadership, decline from major- to minor-party “Our swords will one of the first priorities will be to give status. The proposed merger between henceforth point at the Liberals, not at the new party a real sense of identity the two parties appears to have taken each other.” — and unity in order to rally right-wing them both a huge step forward in the , forces for the struggle against the goal of achieving right-wing political , Liberals. Since the entry of the Reform unity. But whether or not their October 17, 2003 Party, the ’s prede- grassroots members, to say nothing of cessor, onto the federal political scene the Canadian electorate as a whole, will in 1993, there has been a great deal of pass a positive judgment on the deal suspicion and hostility between it and remains very much an open question. the PCs, who blame it for their sharp

To Consider 1. Why is the proposed merger between the PC and Canadian Alliance par- ties such an important development for Canadian politics?

2. What are the main advantages and possible drawbacks of the merger for both parties?

3. How do you think the merger will impact on the Canadian political scene, particularly in the run-up to the next federal election, which will probably be called sometime in early 2004?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 20 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED Video Review Activity

Viewing and Reacting This video deals mainly with the Watch the video, and while doing so, make notes about why this story is consid- backroom negotia- ered to be so important for politics in Canada. Also identify and note your tions leading up to impressions of some of the individuals who are interviewed in it, indicating the proposed their views about the proposed merger between the two parties. After viewing, merger agreement form groups to share the information and impressions you gathered from the between two video. As a group, discuss why you think this story is so important for Canada, Canadian political and how you think it will influence the course of political events in the future. parties, the Pro- gressive Conserva- Viewing for Information tives (PC) and the Watch the video again, this time recording the following information: Canadian Alliance. A number of key 1. What are the two political parties that are considering a merger? figures involved in the deal give their ______and ______views about it, and what they think it 2. Who are their leaders? will mean for the future of their ______and ______respective parties and Canadian 3. Who is going to be the next leader of the Liberal Party? politics in general.

4. Name three prominent Conservatives who are opposed to the proposed merger.

5. What two communities are used as examples of how a “united right” party might be able to win against the Liberals in the next election?

6. How many seats did each of the following parties win in the 2000 federal election?

a) Liberals ______

b) Canadian Alliance ______

c) Progressive Conservatives ______

7. In how many ridings did the combined PC-Alliance vote exceed the total of the victorious Liberal candidate in the 2000 federal election?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 21 8. How many elections did win as leader of the PCs in the 1980s?

9. What policy made Mulroney’s government very unpopular in the early 1990s?

10. What new political party won a large number of seats in the 1993 federal election at the expense of the Conservatives?

11. Who was its leader? ______

12. In what area of Canada was the Reform Party unable to gain much sup- port?

13. What was the name of the group of dissident Alliance MPs who formed an alliance with the Conservatives in 2001?

14. Name three major issues on which the PC and Alliance parties have adopted very different positions.

15. Who is being considered as a possible candidate for leadership of the new party?

Viewing and Reflecting Watch the video again, and after doing so, form groups to discuss and respond to the following questions. 1. Do you think the merger between the PC and Canadian Alliance parties is a good thing for these two parties? Why/why not?

2. Do you think the merger is a good thing for and politics in general? Why/why not?

3. Do you think the new Conservative Party will have any realistic chance of defeating the Liberals in the next federal election? Why/why not?

4. Who do you think would make the best leader for the new party? Why?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 22 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED Anatomy of a Deal

The negotiations leading up to the PCs will require a two-thirds majority Definition proposed merger between the Progres- in favour. This might prove difficult, is an old name sive Conservative (PC) Party and the considering the fact that there appears for a member of the Progressive Canadian Alliance were painful and to be more grassroots opposition to the Conservatives. difficult. But on October 16, 2003, unity move among PC members than Liberals are some- Peter MacKay and Stephen Harper among their opposite numbers in the times referred to as announced that a deal had been made. It Alliance. However, it is widely ex- Grits. was now up to the card-carrying mem- pected that many former PC members bers of each party to indicate whether or who support the deal, along with Alli- not they approved of the agreement. ance members who can also join the Here are some of the main points of the party, will sign up prior to the Decem- merger accord, and the timelines neces- ber 12 deadline in order to ensure that sary for their implementation, along the merger receives a vote of confidence. with a brief analysis of their potential implications for both parties: 3. A new leader for the Conservative Party is to be chosen between March 19 1. Canada’s new right-of-centre politi- and 21, 2004, under a system where cal party, the result of a merger between each federal riding association will be the PCs and the Canadian Alliance, will given an equal weight in determining be called the Conservative Party of the result. Under this system, each of Canada. This decision is obviously the 301 federal ridings will have 100 meant to appeal to PC members, who points toward the outcome, with candi- were afraid that their long-standing dates earning points on votes they tradition as one of the two founding receive. For example, a leadership political parties in Canada might be lost candidate who receives 50 per cent of if the new party changed its name. the votes cast in an individual riding However, the omission of the term will be awarded 50 points. This deci- Progressive from the new party’s name sion was made as a result of PC con- is significant. It indicates the rejection cerns that the Alliance’s larger member- of the progressive, or “” ship base, mainly concentrated in its values of strong government and a well- heartland, would otherwise funded social welfare state, that have have an undue influence on determining motivated many PC leaders past and the victor of the party leadership race in present, including former party leader- a one-member-one-vote election. ship candidate and merger opponent . 4. The two parties will combine their assets and liabilities, and reconstitute 2. Members of both the PC and Cana- their respective local riding associa- dian Alliance parties must vote to ratify tions. Current members of both parties the deal by December 12, 2003. Ac- will have to purchase new Conservative cording to the constitutions of each Party membership cards, and will not party, a simple majority (50 per cent automatically be enrolled into the new plus one) will be enough for the Alli- party. The PCs have more to gain than ance to approve the merger, while the the Alliance from this point in the

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 23 agreement. The party is basically broke regardless of their ability to pay. This and has had major difficulties in endorsement of Canada’s universal, fundraising since its poor showing in fully funded public health-care system the 2000 federal election. But it also gives is important. In the past, the Canadian the Alliance, with a much larger mem- Alliance was viewed as supporting bership, considerable influence in local substantial changes, including the party riding associations, assuming that introduction of a “two-tier” system current Alliance members renew their where those with the financial means to memberships in the new party. do so would have access to a higher level of medical care than those with- 5. There is a general agreement of core out. By endorsing medicare as it cur- principles the new party will espouse, rently exists, it is hoped that such including equality of the French and concerns have been put to rest. English languages across Canada. This Canada’s health-care system is an policy plank is intended to reassure important national value for many those within the PC party that the ideal Canadians. of bilingualism and ’s distinc- tive status will be honoured within the 7. Party policies must be approved by a new party. It indicates the willingness majority of delegates representing a of the Alliance to fully embrace official majority of provinces. This principle of bilingualism, something it and its the “double majority” is a concession to predecessor, the Reform Party, were the PC party, since it recognizes the previously reluctant to do. As a result of concern about how party policies might its recognition of the place of the be adopted. If a simple majority of French language in Canadian society, party members alone were to be the sole the new Conservative Party may be able criterion for enacting new policies, then to make some electoral inroads into the Alliance, with a larger membership Quebec. It will need to do this if it base, mainly concentrated in Alberta, expects to be a serious contender for would have had a clear advantage. As a federal power. result of this requirement, new party policies must win broad support in 6. The new party is committed to the different regions of the country before principle that all Canadians should have they can be adopted. reasonable access to quality health care,

Activities 1. After reading the passage above, prepare a chart organizer to summarize the information contained in it about the main terms of the merger proposal between the PC and Alliance parties. Use the following headings: a) party name, b) how the deal will be approved, c) how a new party leader will be chosen, d) party membership, e) core party principles, and f) how party policies will be adopted.

2. Form groups with your classmates to discuss the main terms of the merger proposal. As a group, discuss these terms and evaluate their possible consequences for the new party. Assess the extent to which you think they represent a significant set of compromises between the two parties in- volved, and how successful you think they will be in improving the new party’s prospects prior to the next federal election.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 24 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED Timeline

Recent History of the Pro- 1988 Mulroney announces his inten- gressive Conservatives tion to negotiate a free-trade agreement with the , reversing the 1983 Quebec and 1976 leader- position he took against the idea in the ship candidate Brian Mulroney wins the 1984 election campaign. He calls an PC leadership race following Joe Clark’s election on the deal and defeats his loss of party confidence. Mulroney is Liberal and NDP opponents, who split bilingual, charismatic, and determined to the anti-free-trade vote between them. lead the party to victory. Mulroney becomes the first Conserva- tive federal leader to win back-to-back 1984 retires from majority election victories since John political life. Later that year, his succes- A. Macdonald. The Canada-U.S. Free sor, , calls a federal election. Trade Agreement comes into effect in Capitalizing on a mood for change and January 1989. widespread disillusionment with the Liberals, Mulroney leads the PCs to a 1990 The fails to huge majority victory. Mulroney cam- win approval when Newfoundland and paigns on a promise to persuade Quebec do not ratify it by the dead- to approve the new Canadian Constitu- line. This represents a serious political tion, which it had refused to sign when it defeat for Mulroney, who had staked was enacted in 1982. his reputation on gaining its acceptance. 1985 Declaring that Canada is “open , his Quebec deputy for business” Mulroney seeks to im- leader, announces that he is quitting the prove relations with the United States, Conservatives and forming his own which had become strained under party, the Bloc Québécois, to campaign Trudeau. He develops a strong friend- for Quebec independence from Canada. ship with President Ronald Reagan at Jean Chrétien becomes the new federal the “Shamrock Summit” where the two Liberal leader. first broach the topic of a free-trade 1991 As a deficit-slashing move, agreement. Mulroney’s government introduces the 1987 Mulroney and the provincial seven-per-cent Goods and Services premiers negotiate the Meech Lake (GST), an extremely unpopular move Constitutional Accord, intended to for many Canadians who already be- recognize Quebec as a lieve themselves to be overtaxed. within Canada in order to win its accep- 1992 The tance of the Constitution. The deal represents Mulroney’s second attempt requires three years to be formally to reach a constitutional deal with the ratified. In Alberta, the Reform Party is provinces, territories, and other interest founded with as its groups. Despite widespread discussions leader. It champions right-wing poli- and the endorsement of many political cies, Western regional issues, and is figures from all parties, it is voted down strongly opposed to the Meech Lake in a national referendum. Accord.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 25 1993 Faced with growing discontent in Alberta provincial cabinet minister, to Did you know . . . his party, Mulroney announces his lead it. Day continues to promote right- later resignation. He is replaced by B.C. MP wing unity, but the PCs under Clark left the PC party to become leader of , who leads the party to remain aloof. In the 2000 federal elec- the Quebec Liberal its most humiliating showing in any tion, the Alliance and PCs compete for Party? He led his federal election in Canadian history. right-wing votes, allowing the Liberals party to victory Jean Chrétien’s Liberals trounce the to win a third consecutive majority. early in 2003. Conservatives, winning a majority. The Day’s inept performance during the NDP also loses ground. But the big campaign does not inspire Alliance story is the emergence of two strong members. Quote new parties on the federal scene— “This new creature, 2001-2002 A group of unhappy Reform, which sweeps the West, and this so-called Alliance MPs unites with the PCs under Conservative Party the Bloc Québécois, which becomes the the name Democratic Reform Caucus, of Canada, if it Official Opposition. Jean Charest, one to indicate their dissatisfaction with goes forward, will only two Conservative MPs to survive be an illegitimate Day’s leadership. But after Stephen the electoral debacle, becomes the Harper replaces him in 2002, most of creation conceived party’s new leader and assumes the in deception and them rejoin the Alliance. born in betrayal.” thankless task of rebuilding it. — David Orchard, 2003 After Clark resigns as party 1997 Chrétien leads the Liberals to leader, MP Peter MacKay Star, another majority victory, with Reform October 18, 2003 wins the PC leadership race. He prom- coming in second. The PCs regain some ises David Orchard, his main rival for support in and else- the job, that he will never agree to a where, but remain the fifth party in merger with the Alliance. But months Parliament under Charest. later, MacKay enters talks with Harper 1998-2000 Joe Clark comes out of to achieve just such a deal. On October retirement to lead the PCs for a second 16, the formal announcement is made time. Manning steps up his efforts to that the two parties plan to merge to persuade disaffected Conservatives to form the Conservative Party of Canada, join what he calls a United Alternative in time to contest the next federal of the right. The Reform Party changes election as a single right-of-centre its name to the Canadian Alliance, and party. chooses , a former

Responding 1. Why was the Mulroney era such a favourable period in the history of the PC party? Why did it start to lose support at the end of Mulroney’s admin- istration?

2. Why did the Reform Party and the Canadian Alliance pose such a serious challenge to the PC party in the 1990s and early 2000s?

3. What do you think were the most important political events in Canada that took place a) during the Mulroney era, 1984-93, and b) from 1993 to 2003? Give reasons for your answers.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 26 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED Point/Counterpoint

1. “Canada has been waiting for more altar. . . . How does putting an end to Here is a selection than a decade for a true national opposi- the party square with the constitutional of viewpoints from newspaper tion party, one capable of seriously obligation to promote it? And when this editorialists, politi- challenging the Liberal Party. Since the new vehicle is crushed by the Liberals, cal columnists, and Progressive Conservative Party splin- what excuse will the unite-the-righters party activists tered under Brian Mulroney into the use to explain away yet another failure? regarding the Conservatives, the Reform Party (in And what solace will there be for those merger of the PC and Canadian 1987, succeeded in 2000 by the Cana- left holding the ashes of the legacy of Alliance parties. dian Alliance) and the Bloc Québécois Cartier and Macdonald, sacrificed in a (in 1990), the Liberals have had a free transparent reach for power?” — former ride. The closest thing to an effective PC leadership candidate David Orchard, opposition of late has been . , Oct. 23, 2003 With luck, the agreement in principle between Alliance Leader Stephen 3. “If the conservative movement in Harper and Conservative Leader Peter Canada is ever to elect a government, MacKay will change all that. In seeking people in all factions must realize that to put Humpty Dumpty back together half a loaf is better than none at all. again, they are performing a service not These two parties’ combined forces just for their parties, but for the country. mean more money, better candidates, A choice between prospective govern- more volunteers and a whole lot more ing parties is crucial to a healthy de- momentum than either currently or mocracy. Only an intelligent union of probably ever will have as separate the two conservative parties can restore entities. Best of all, it means an end to that choice” — Globe and Mail edito- vote-splitting. Every possible measure rial, October 17, 2003 must be taken to defeat Joe Clark, David Orchard, and the other merger 2. “On or before December 12, 2003, obstructionists. Indeed, Alliance mem- the Progressive Conservative Party of bers should consider joining the Canada will vote on whether to cease to just so they can help push this deal exist. The party created by John A. through from the PC side. Otherwise, Macdonald and Georges-Etienne the right will remain fragmented and Cartier in 1854, that founded Canada, weak for at least one more election.” flung a railroad across it, negotiated the — National Post editorial, October 18, entry of the West into Confederation, 2003 gave us the second national railway, gave women the vote, bequeathed us 4. “History shows that parties that wish the Bank of Canada, the CBC, and the to challenge the Liberals and form Canadian Wheat Board, that gave majority governments must offer a aboriginal Canadians the right to vote, platform that appeals to Canadians in the only party that has ever been able to every region. Our first-past-the-post defeat the Liberals, is now being asked electoral system makes it difficult for to vote to extinguish itself, to scrap its parties to win seats in every region, but constitution and wait shivering by the they must always be seen as trying. The

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 27 Bloc Quebecois does not yet aspire to 5. “Dear Peter [MacKay], I write to you form a government, but the Alliance in sorrow and disappointment. As you and the Progressive Conservatives do. know, I voted for you on May 31, 2003, There is nothing tactically wrong with to be the leader of the Progressive these latter two parties uniting, but to Conservative Party of Canada. I did so, position this move as one to “unite the partly influenced by your pamphlet, right” is politically dangerous, if uniting which was distributed at the conven- the right means uniting social conserva- tion. You spoke of a new conservative tive, anti-government and pro-Ameri- course. You listed six priorities of the can constituencies and, in effect, creat- new conservative course and set out in ing the Canadian Republican party. detail your views on the economy, There is certainly room in Canada for a health, security, democracy, quality of party that wishes to scrap gun registra- life, and justice. There was no mention tion, bring abortion back under the of the Canadian Alliance and their Criminal Code, lower for the radical views. . . . Little did I know your well-off, reinstate the death penalty, sellout of the PC party was well under- oppose legalizing marijuana and same- way. . . . In many ways the Alliance sex marriage, and stand shoulder to Party is reflective of the National shoulder with the United States when Citizens’ Coalition—which Stephen its government wishes to overthrow a Harper once led—that has taken a lot of regime it doesn’t like. But it is a very money from their 40 000 members by small room, certainly less than the 30- promoting divisions in Canada region- per-cent popularity the Alliance and the ally, demographically, and racially. I Conservatives enjoy these days.” — want no part of it. Canada does not need pollsters Michael Adams and Keith a party of division. The Progressive Neuman, , October Conservative Party is Canada’s tradi- 31, 2003 tional nation-building party. Peter, you have betrayed it.” — former PC cabinet minister , Toronto Star, October 24, 2003 To Do 1. For each of the passages above, state whether the author is in favour of or opposed to the idea of a united right-wing political party. In your own words, explain the main points the authors make to support their posi- tions.

2. Write a careful response to one of the statements, indicating whether or not you agree with it, and why.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 28 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED New Party/New Leader

Several names have been presented as and has long-time Conservative roots in possible candidates for the leadership of his home province, where he is very the new Conservative Party of Canada. popular. He suffers from a credibility Here is a brief summary of some of problem, however, dating from his them, with their backgrounds, strengths, promise to leadership rival David and weaknesses. Orchard that in return for his support he would never enter a deal with the 1. Stephen Harper, Leader of Alliance to merge the two parties. He is the Canadian Alliance also viewed as lacking political experi- Stephen Harper was one of the Reform ence, and does not have a very high Party MPs to win election in 1993, profile nationally. representing a Calgary constituency. However, he did not contest the 1997 3. Mike Harris, former PC Pre- election, instead choosing to lead the mier of Ontario right-wing National Citizens’ Coalition. Mike Harris was the leader of the He was persuaded to re-enter politics to Ontario PC Party from 1990 to 2002, contest the Alliance leadership against and won back-to-back majority victo- Stockwell Day, and became leader in ries for it in 1995 and 1999. His “Com- 2002. He is fluently bilingual, holds a mon Sense Revolution” policies won master’s degree in political science, has favour from fiscal conservatives across strong credentials among the fiscal the country, in both his own party and conservative wing of both the Alliance the Alliance. He is probably the best and PC parties, and was successful in known of the potential candidates rebuilding the Alliance after Stockwell across Canada, and has strong support Day’s departure. He is widely consid- among business groups who favour his ered to lack charisma, and his personal- tax-cutting, pro-free-enterprise policies. ity can sometimes appear aloof and He does not speak French, however, arrogant. So far he has not succeeded in and is unpopular with those who recall raising the popularity of the Alliance his handling of the Walkerton tainted across Canada, and has not been able to water scandal, the shooting of Native strengthen its position in either Ontario rights leader Dudley George, his cuts to or Quebec. education and health care in Ontario. He has even been partially blamed for 2. Peter MacKay, Leader of the the recent hydro blackout in Ontario Progressive Conservatives (seen as part of his legacy, although he Peter MacKay is a former lawyer and had retired as premier). His successor, Crown prosecutor from Nova Scotia , recently suffered a major whose father, Elmer, was a cabinet election defeat at the hands of the minister in the governments of Joe Ontario Liberals, indicating the public Clark and Brian Mulroney. He was first support for Harris-style neo-conserva- elected as an MP in 1997 and won the tive policies may be waning. Harris PC leadership race in 2003, succeeding recently declared that he was not a Joe Clark. He is viewed as a strong candidate for the leadership of the new performer in the House of Commons party. If he does not enter the race, it

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 29 makes the campaign even more wide- not submerge the former’s identity and open and may attract more candidates. core principles. Lord nearly lost the recent New Brunswick election, indicat- 4. Bernard Lord, PC Premier of ing that his support in his home prov- New Brunswick ince is declining. There is some doubt The youthful Lord was a lawyer before that he is ready to enter national poli- winning the 1999 provincial election to tics, considering the fact that he is not become New Brunswick’s PC premier. well known outside Atlantic Canada. He is bilingual and has good relations with both former PC prime ministers 5. Other possibilities Brian Mulroney and Joe Clark. He also Other possible candidates include has support from the “Red Tory” fac- Preston Manning (former Reform tion of the party because of his strong leader), (former Ontario commitment to education, health care, minister of Health, Alberta Premier and social programs. He has consis- and previous PC leadership tently backed a merger between the PC candidates Jim Prentice and Scott and Alliance parties, providing it does Brison. Analysis 1. Using the chart below, indicate the major strengths and weaknesses of each of the four major potential candidates for the leadership of the new Conservative Party of Canada.

Potential Candidate Strengths Weaknesses Stephen Harper

Peter MacKay

Mike Harris

Bernard Lord

2. Which of the candidates would you choose for the party leadership if you were a member of the Conservative Party? Why?

3. What other names would you suggest as possible candidates for the leadership? Why?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 30 UNITING THE RIGHT: FEDERAL POLITICS TRANSFORMED

Further Research Activity: Slogan/Symbol for the New Party To get some idea of For political parties competing for votes today, image is as important as leader- the range of possi- ship and the substance of their policies. The new Conservative Party of Canada bilities for logos or will need an image that is both a continuation of and a clear break from those slogans, you might of its two predecessors, the PCs and the Canadian Alliance. Form groups with visit the official your classmates to discuss and design what you think would be a suitable logo Web sites of Cana- and slogan for the party that would present a favourable image of it to the da’s major national electorate and that would appear new, exciting, and different from the other parties for some parties. Be prepared to explain the rationale for your choices, ideas: Canadian Alliance, Note: Political parties today usually employ a distinctive colour for their cam- www.canadian paign signs, billboards, etc. The Liberals use red, the NDP orange, and the Bloc alliance.ca; Bloc Québécois light blue. Traditionally the PCs used a darker shade of blue, while Québécois, the Alliance opted for green and blue. Both the Liberals and the NDP employ www.bloc the Canadian maple leaf as part of their party logos. quebecois.org; Liberal Party of Once each group has decided upon and designed a new logo and slogan for the Canada, party, one member should be chosen to present its choice to the rest of the www.liberal.ca; class for critical analysis and discussion. of Canada, Rough Designs and Notes: www.ndp.ca; Progressive Con- My Suggestions My Rationale servative Party of Canada, Possible Logo(s) www.pcparty.ca.

Possible Slogan(s)

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