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Home , Belinda Stronach, John Bracken, Lowell Murray, Preston Manning, Stockwell Day, Tony Clement

THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER Introduction

The new Conservative Party of that her father had built. She has often Focus has deep roots in this country. This been portrayed as a spoiled little rich This News in Re- party grew out of the first federal party girl who inherited her millions and her view story exam- ines the history of that governed our country; at Confed- powerful position from her father. the Conservative eration, in 1867, the Conservatives were Although she had no previous political Party of Canada in power and dominated Canadian experience, Stronach did play the role and the recent race politics for the next three decades, of facilitator during the merging of the to elect its first losing popularity during the 1920s and Alliance and the PC parties. leader. The candi- 1930s. In the 1940s the Conservative came to the leadership dacies of , Tony Party incorporated elements of the old race with plenty of political experience, Clement, and Progressive Party and adopted the new most recently his eight-year stint in the are label Progressive Conservative Party PC Party as a cabinet minister, featured. (PC Party). However, the party contin- with four portfolios, from 1995 to 2003. ued to struggle electorally until 1983, Clement was described by the media as when leader was “geeky” and lacking confidence. He YV Sections marked with this elected prime minister. The PCs re- countered these portrayals with prom- symbol indicate mained in power until the Liberals won ises of being the only candidate with content suitable for a sweeping majority in 1993. The PCs tested political experience and appeal to younger viewers. were devastated and won only two seats. more than just Western Canada. During this time the Reform Party Stephen Harper stepped down from was formed, and by the late 1990s the being the leader of the Alliance Party to Reform Party tried to convince the PC take part in the race. He was considered Party to join a United Alternative of the the likely winner from the start of the right. The PCs were not interested in a race. Harper was bilingual, had the merger. The Reform Party then changed most political experience of all three its name to the . In candidates, and had been one of the the 2000 federal election the PCs and driving forces in creating the new the Canadian Alliance competed for Conservative Party of Canada. votes, and the Liberal Party won yet As the three candidates hit the cam- another majority. Serious talks began paign trail it became obvious that they between the Alliance and the PCs in only differed on a few political issues. September 2003, and they agreed to Belinda Stronach appeared to be the merge in December of 2003. They most moderate of the three because of named their new party the Conservative her support for same-sex marriage and Party of Canada. A leadership race her pro-choice stance on abortion. The began in January 2004. candidates agreed on many campaign Belinda Stronach, Tony Clement, and issues, including increasing support for Stephen Harper soon declared their the military, lowering taxes, cancelling candidacies. Each aimed to not only be the gun registry, repealing the decrimi- leader of the new party, but also the nalization of marijuana, and forging next during closer ties with the United States by the next federal election. Belinda developing a North American security Stronach had served as CEO of Magna perimeter. Because their political International, an auto parts company beliefs were so similar, the race was

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 19 more focused on experience, reputation, angry rat. They are going to attack us Quote and campaigning skill. like never before” (, “The truth is that The leadership campaign lasted 59 March 21, 2004). the new party seems neither days. Harper dominated Western He delivered high praise to Stronach progressive nor Canada, the heartland of the old Reform and Clement, and indicated he looked conservative in the and Alliance parties. Stronach was forward to working with them as impor- Canadian tradi- ahead in and the Maritimes, tant members of the party. His speech tion.” — Senator two areas where the PCs either had ended with an attempt to reach out to all Lowell Murray, strength or were once dominant. De- four branches of his party: the Red who will continue to sit as a Progres- spite support for Stronach from impor- Tories, the economic conservatives, the sive Conservative in tant PC leaders such as former prime social conservatives, and the democratic the Canadian minister Brian Mulroney and former reformers. With the political right Senate, Ontario premier , Harper united in name, it is up to Harper to Star, February 26, pulled ahead early in the voting and foster a cohesive and effective party. 2004 never fell behind. The final breakdown Since the next federal election will most was: Harper, 55.5 per cent; Stronach, 35 likely be held in spring or fall 2004, the Did you know . . . per cent; and Clement 9.5 per cent. Conservative Party of Canada has mere Although there Once the votes had been counted months to put together a campaign to were 250 000 Harper made his victory speech and convince they have a solid possible voters in warned his party: “The tired, old, alternative to the Liberal Party of the Conservative corrupt Liberal Party is cornered like an Canada. Party, only 92 500, or 37%, actually cast ballots for the Questions new leader? Why 1. Briefly retrace the history of the Conservative Party of Canada since 1867. do you think so many members did not bother to actually vote in this first leadership campaign of a new political party?

Definition 2. Why do you think the candidates share the same opinions on so many Red Tories refers to political issues? members of the Conservative Party who are more 3. Of the three candidates whom would you have voted for as leader? Why? moderate on social issues. They were once a significant part of the former PC Party. 4. Develop a list of three suggestions you would give the Conservative Party in order to help them to win the upcoming federal election.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 20 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER Video Review

1. What two parties recently merged in Canada? Respond to the questions as you view the video. 2. Complete this chart. You may need to finalize it after the video ends.

Candidate Strengths Weaknesses My Impressions Stephen Harper

Tony Clement

Belinda Stronach

3. What three issues did the candidates agree on?

4. What Liberal problem convinced many Conservatives that they might be electing not just a leader, but a future prime minister?

5. In your view, which candidate is the best public speaker?

6. Do you think that the new Conservative Party can defeat the Liberals in an election later this year? Explain in your notebook.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 21 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER Short History of the Conservative Party

1867 Called the Liberal-Conservative However, his government soon disinte- The birth of the Party at the time of Confederation, it is grates under his erratic leadership and new Conservative Party in 2003 is but led by John A. Macdonald and domi- scandals. Defeated in 1963, Diefen- one event in a long nates Canadian politics for the first baker is later forced out as leader in a series of name three decades after Confederation. By bitterly divisive leadership battle in changes and coali- the 1870s, the party is known simply as 1967. tions for the con- the Conservative Party and is a strong servative move- 1963-1983 Aside from Progressive supporter of Canada’s British connec- ment in Canada. Conservative briefly being The twists and tion. After Macdonald’s death, a series prime minister for several months in turns of this party’s of leaders fails to keep the party popu- 1979, there are two more decades of history make for an lar. and the Liberals Liberal rule in Canada after interesting and govern from 1896 to 1911. complex under- Diefenbaker. This is in part due to the standing of Cana- 1917 Eager to unite Canadians in the growth of the independence movement dian politics. face of the terrible divisions of the First in Quebec and the inability of conserva- World War, Conservative PM Sir tive voters to organize into one party. (first elected in 1911) Further Research 1983 Brian Mulroney wins the PC invites Liberals to join his government leadership race in a divisive campaign To learn more and forms a Unionist government that about two of the following Joe Clark’s “loss of party major issues con- easily wins the famous “Khaki” election confidence.” Mulroney quickly moves fronting former PM of 1917. Borden retires in 1920. His to unite Conservatives across the coun- Brian Mulroney, go successor fails to keep try and rebuilds the party in Quebec by to the CBC Digital the Unionists together, and the party attracting soft nationalists to his side. Archives site at finds electoral success difficult. www.cbc.ca/ 1984 Mulroney leads the PCs to a archives for an 1930s Prime Minister R.B. Bennett audio-visual pres- smashing majority victory (211 seats) forms a Conservative government, but and, as prime minister, tries to persuade entation of the persistence of the Great Depression Canada-U.S. Free Quebec to sign the Canadian Constitu- Trade Agreement leads to its defeat in 1935. The rise of tion, which it had refused to sign when and Constitutional new parties such as Social Credit, it was enacted in 1982. Discord: Meech Progressive, and the CCF (later NDP), Lake. also offer competition for the Conserva- 1987 Mulroney and the provincial tive Party. premiers negotiate the Meech Lake Constitutional Accord that was intended 1942 When is elected to recognize Quebec as a distinct soci- leader, the Conservative Party incorpo- ety within Canada. In , the rates elements of the old Progressive Reform Party is founded, with Preston Party and adopts the new label Progres- Manning as its leader. It champions sive Conservative Party (PC Party). The right-wing policies, Western regional party promises a more reform-minded issues, and is strongly opposed to the platform. Victory continues to elude the . It soon siphons off party. conservative votes in Western Canada. 1957-1963 Progressive Conservative (Stephen Harper is an important leader wins a huge policymaker for the new party.) victory in 1958 (208 of 265 seats).

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 22 1988 Mulroney announces his inten- convince the PCs to join what he calls a Quote tions to negotiate a free-trade agreement United Alternative of the right. The “Our new Con- with the United States. He calls an Reform Party changes its name to the servative Party must be ready to election on the deal and defeats his Canadian Alliance and chooses govern, its leader Liberal and NDP opponents, who split as its new leader. Day, must be ready to the anti-free-trade agreement vote like Manning, promotes right-wing lead.” — Stephen between them. Mulroney becomes the unity, but the PCs do not want to take Harper, Toronto first Conservative federal leader to win part in a merger. In the 2000 federal Star, March 20, back-to-back majority election victories election the PCs and the Canadian 2004 since John A. Macdonald. Alliance compete for votes, and the 1989-1992 The Free-Trade Agree- Liberal Party wins another large major- ment comes into effect, the Meech Lake ity. Stockwell Day, although winning Accord fails, the seven-per-cent Goods new seats, is soon discredited as a and Services Tax (GST) is imple- credible leader. mented, and the , 2001-2002 Some Alliance and PC another attempt to reach a constitutional MPs unite under the name Democratic deal, is voted down in a national refer- Reform Caucus to indicate their dissat- endum. Mulroney’s personal popularity isfaction with Stockwell Day. Stephen plummets, and elements of his party Harper replaces Day as the leader of the begin to fragment into the Reform and Canadian Alliance Party, and most Bloc Québécois parties. members of the Democratic Reform 1993 The unpopularity of his policies Caucus return to the Canadian Alliance forces Mulroney to retire from office. Party. , Canada’s first female 2003 Joe Clark resigns as PC Party prime minister, leads the party to its leader, and Peter MacKay wins the most humiliating result in any federal leadership race. MacKay begins merger election in Canadian history. The party talks with Harper even though he had wins a mere two seats. The Liberal earlier pledged to fight a merger of the Party wins a majority, the Reform Party two parties. On December 12 the two sweeps the West, and the Bloc parties join to become the new Conser- Québécois becomes the Official Oppo- vative Party of Canada. sition. 2004 Stephen Harper beats Belinda 1997 The Liberal Party wins another Stronach and Tony Clement in the majority, with the Reform Party coming Conservative Party of Canada leader- in second. The PC Party remains the ship race. The new leader prepares to smallest of the five parties in Parlia- take his new united, right-of-centre ment. The new leader, , party into a federal election expected resigns to become leader of the Liberal within a few months. Party of Quebec. He later becomes (Source: Adapted from News in Review, Premier of Quebec. November 2003 and Columbia Elec- 1998-2000 Joe Clark comes out of tronic Encyclopedia, 2003) retirement to lead the PC Party for a second time. tries to

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 23 Questions 1. Identify the different party names conservatives have adopted since Con- federation.

2. Who was the most successful Conservative leader in the 19th century?

3. Who was the most successful Conservative leader in the 20th century?

4. In your opinion, which leader of the past versions of the Conservative Party has been the best leader? Explain.

5. In your opinion, how successful will Stephen Harper be in keeping his party united? Why?

6. Why do you think Canadians have generally been unwilling to give the Conservative Party as much support as they have given to the Liberal Party?

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 24 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER YV The Candidates

Name Belinda Stronach Tony Clement Stephen Harper Stronach on leading the Clement on leading the Harper on leading the party: “We need to restore party: “Canadians need party: “It’s not just about people’s faith in government answers from us too . . . who will make the best and democratic institutions Canadians want experience, leader of the opposition. . . . and the political process, someone who knows how to It is about who is ready to particularly young people. I govern. . . . They want a become prime minister of can do that. I will do that.” bridge-builder.” — The this country.” — The Globe — , Globe and Mail, February and Mail, February 23, 2004 January 21, 2004 23, 2004

Birth Born May 2, 1966, in New- January 27, 1961, in Man- April 20, 1959, in Toronto, market, Ontario chester, England Ontario

Family Divorced twice; single Married to Lynne Golding, Married to Laureen for 10 mother; two children a lawyer; three children␣ years; two children

Education One year of Business Political Science degree and Economics undergraduate Studies courses from York Law degree from University and graduate degrees from the University of

Work Until the leadership race Before he ran for public He worked in the energy Experience she worked for Magna office in 1995 he worked as industry in Alberta, and at International, a major a lawyer in Central and the automotive supplier Eastern as a consult- where he taught as a owned by her father. She ant to Western companies sessional lecturer. He was became CEO in 2001, presi- and local governments an economist, and became dent in 2002, and has been seeking counsel on privatiza- President of the National named the most powerful tion and economic restruc- Citizens Coalition in 1998. woman in Canadian busi- turing. He also served as ness and the second most president of the PC Party of powerful woman in inter- Ontario. national business.

Political Never held political office. He became president of the He worked for a PC MP in Experience She was a key behind-the- Ontario PC Party in 1990 1981, and a Reform MP in scenes facilitator of the and was elected as an MPP 1988. He was elected as a merger negotiations between in Ontario in 1995. He Reform MP in 1993. He the Progressive Conservative served as Minister of Mu- became leader of the Party and the Canadian nicipal Affairs and Housing, Canadian Alliance Party Alliance Party. Environment, Transporta- and was elected to the tion, and Health. He was a House of Commons in Founding President of the 2002. He oversaw the Canadian Alliance Party in Alliance’s merger with the 2000. He ran unsuccessfully PC Party to form the new for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Ontario PC Party in 2002. He Canada in 2003. He was lost his seat as an MPP when elected leader of the the Ontario PCs were de- Conservative Party of feated in 2003. Canada in March 2004.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 25 Inquiry Quote 1. Read the three quotes at the top of the chart. What do they reveal about “I have to reach each candidate? With which quote do you most agree? Why? out to everyone. I’m leading a 2. Make a list of qualities the candidates for the Conservative Party of unified party. There Canada leadership race had in common. is a need for us to be united so that 3. Which candidate would you have chosen and why? Use specific reasons to we can defeat the support your answer. Liberal Party.” — Stephen Harper, 4. Which one of the three candidates has the most political experience? National Post, March 22, 2004 5. Should experience make a difference when choosing a political leader? Explain your answer.

6. What question would you ask each of the candidates about leading the new Conservative Party of Canada?

7. Why do you think Stephen Harper won the leadership race in March 2004?

8. Use the same headings in the left-hand column on the chart and develop a profile of your ideal political leader.

9. Would you like to lead a national political party in Canada? Why or why not?

10. Are you going to get involved in election campaigns in the future? Ex- plain.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 26 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER Candidates’ Policies and Positions

Belinda Stronach Tony Clement Stephen Harper

Same Sex Marriage • permit same-sex marriages, but • does not endorse same-sex • does not endorse same-sex would not force churches to marriage marriage conduct ceremonies • vote to retain the traditional • vote to retain the traditional • vote to redefine the traditional definition of marriage definition of marriage definition of marriage

Health Care • committed to universal public • committed to universal public • committed to universal public health care health care health care • open parliamentary debate • allow more private sector deliv- • change the about how to provide better ery of publicly funded services, to allow the provinces to imple- services including day surgeries ment private health-care delivery • consider two-tier health care

Taxes • lower corporate and personal • exempt Canadians turning 18 • cut taxes to make Canada the tax rates from paying federal taxes on their “lowest-taxing economy in the • get rid of the tax on capital first $250 000 in earnings world” investment • cut the capital gains tax • implement the gas transfer tax • make mortgage interest tax for the municipalities and cut all deductible federally funded programs • allow parents and students to deduct post-secondary tuition from income tax

Foreign Affairs • forge closer ties with the U.S. • forge closer ties with the U.S. • forge closer ties with the U.S. • develop a secure, North Ameri- • develop a secure, North Ameri- • develop a secure, North Ameri- can security perimeter with the can security perimeter with the can security perimeter with the U.S. U.S. U.S.

Military • rebuild military with new • provide adequate funding for • rebuild over-extended military equipment and funding of decent pay and updated equip- $1-billion per year for 10 years ment • eradicate defence deficit Environment • develop a Canada-U.S. solution • develop a Canada-U.S. solution • develop a made-in-Canada solu- to saving the environment rather to saving the environment rather tion to saving the environment than an international treaty like than an international treaty like rather than an international treaty Kyoto Kyoto like Kyoto

Gun Registry • get rid of gun registry • get rid of gun registry • get rid of gun registry

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 27 Belinda Stronach Tony Clement Stephen Harper Marijuana • repeal decriminalization of • repeal decriminalization of • repeal decriminalization of marijuana laws marijuana laws marijuana laws

Abortion • pro-choice on abortion • pro-choice on abortion • pro-life on abortion

Economy • put more money into educa- • give more money to municipali- • strengthen Free Trade Agree- tion ties ment of the Americas • increase job creation • strengthen Free Trade Agree- • encourage private sector to • decrease the cost of social ment of the Americas create jobs services

Did you know . . . To Consider In Ontario, in the 1. List the major similarities and differences of the positions the candidates 2000 election had on the central issues in the campaign. In your opinion are there more Conservative and similarities or differences in their positions? Alliance votes exceeded Liberal 2. With which positions do you most agree? Why? votes in 24 of 103 ridings? It is statis- 3. With which positions do you most disagree? Why? tics like these that encourage support- 4. Which positions do you not understand or need more information about? ers of the newly united Conservative 5. Assume the role of a reporter. Create three interview questions to ask Party of Canada. each of the three candidates.

6. Based on the positions revealed in the chart write a paragraph explaining which candidate you would have voted for and why.

7. Do you think the positions held by Stephen Harper have the support of most Canadians? Why? Why not?

8. If a federal election were held today, would you support the new Conser- vative Party of Canada? Explain fully.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 28 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER YV Point: Counterpoint

Read the following collage of statements by or about the major leadership candidates for the recent leadership race of the new Conservative Party of Canada. For each, check off whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Be prepared to explain your position to your peers. When finished reading and responding to the quotes, answer the questions at the end of this section.

1. “This business is supposed to be about service to others. I don’t like talking about myself. I know politicians who go home and have the video running so they can watch their every appearance. But I hate watching myself on televi- sion.” — Stephen Harper, National Post, March 6, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

2. Referring to Belinda Stronach: “It’s astounding, really. Is there any other practice, profession or business in which an application like hers would be taken seriously? Or would her résumé have been shuffled summarily to the bottom of the pile when it became clear that no matter how attractive and likeable a person she was, not only did she not have the experience germane to the job, but she had not completed university, not done any public service of note, and was not even bilingual.” — Judith Timson, The Globe and Mail, March 3, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

3. “Give me 40 days in the campaign trenches with , and I will give you the keys to 24 Sussex Drive. . . . I am ready to be prime minister of Canada.” — Belinda Stronach, National Post, March 6, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

4. “It is essential to have a leader who can speak French, who can debate in French to win seats in Quebec.” — Stephen Harper, , March 8, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

5. Referring to Belinda Stronach: “Not much fire, and certainly not worth giving up a Sunday afternoon when someone was offering to watch it for you. And yet, despite everything, there remains this nagging sense that someone very important was standing on that stage Sunday afternoon. Perhaps not the future prime minister of Canada. But close.” — Roy MacGregor, The Globe and Mail, March 8, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

6. “‘Our new party needs a new leader who can build bridges between all parts of Canada and ensure we can and will all work together,’ the former Ontario health minister thundered. . . . In a shot at Harper, who has alienated some in Quebec and , and Stronach, who does not speak French, Clem- ent said the Conservatives must be modern and moderate.” — Robert Benzie, Toronto Star, March 20, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

7. “Politics is very much a personal activity. Sure there’s technology and data- bases, but unless you understand how important it is to have the personal touch, you’re not going to be very successful for very long. That’s something I feel I excel at.” — Tony Clement, Toronto Star, March 15, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 29 8. ‘She’s a candidate not because she’s demonstrated substance on policy or political commitment. She’s a candidate because she has money.” — former PC leader, Joe Clark, Toronto Star, March 16, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

9. “‘I think we can all agree that lower taxes are better,’ Stronach said. It wasn’t the only time in the 90-minute debate when the three contenders for the party’s leadership found themselves nodding in agreement. On questions of the gun registry, Senate reform, the deficit, and funding for the Armed Forces, Stronach, Harper and Clement gave much the same answer. The de- bate was a sometimes testy exchange but it was no great clash of ideological visions for the new party.” — Bruce Campion-Smith, Toronto Star, February 28, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

10. “Conservatives should pick their battles carefully and make their argu- ments skilfully.” — Stephen Harper, Toronto Star, March 27, 2004 Agree ______Disagree ______

Questions 1. With which quote do you most agree? Why?

2. With which quote do you most disagree? Why?

3. Do you think that Belinda Stronach is a likely candidate for prime minis- ter in the future? Explain.

4. Read quote number six. Clement is saying the new leader needs to be “modern and moderate.” What does he mean? Why is this a shot at Harper and Stronach?

5. Read quote number seven. What is Clement saying? Provide an example of a politician having a “personal touch.” Do you agree or disagree with him? Support your opinion.

6. Although Harper has clearly won the leadership race, do you believe that he is the candidate most likely to win a federal election? Explain fully in your notebook.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 30 THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHOOSES A LEADER Final Activity: Strategy Session

In the next federal election Stephen Harper will be leading the new Conserva- Did you know . . . tive Party of Canada. His national competitors will be from the New In the next federal Democratic Party (NDP) and Paul Martin from the Liberal Party. election, the leads the Bloc Québécois, a powerhouse only in the province of Quebec. The number of seats most important thing for Harper’s Conservative Party is to make sure they have rises from 301 to a successful electoral strategy in place well before the campaigning begins. If he 308? Due to grow- can win enough seats to control the House of Commons, Harper will become ing populations, the next prime minister of Canada. Assume that you are a member of Harper’s three provinces will election planning team charged with designing a successful campaign strategy. gain more seats. They are Ontario (3), Alberta (2) and Instructions 1. Access the NDP, Conservative Party and Liberal Party Web sites to become (2). To stay in- familiar with their platforms. (The – www.liberal.ca, formed about this Canada’s – www.ndp.ca, and the Conservative Party of election, consider Canada – www.conservative.ca) visiting Elections Canada at 2. In groups fill in a Campaign Strategy Organizer using the ideas your group www.elections.ca. believes will lead Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada to victory in the next federal election.

Extension Activity Campaign Strategy Organizer Elections Canada is Know Your Audience organizing Student 1. What segments of the Canadian population do you already appeal to? Be Vote 2004 to specific. encourage young people to get 2. What segments of the Canadian population do you still need to reach out to interested in fed- and convince to vote for you? Be specific. eral elections. To get your school Party Message involved, register at 1. State the message that summarizes the party’s beliefs and intentions if www.studentvote elected. 2004.ca. 2. Design a powerful slogan that will appear on television, billboards, pam- phlets, buttons, bumper stickers, and radio. 3. List the three major campaign issues the party should focus on during the campaign (e.g., the sponsorship scandal, environment, health care, taxes, for- eign affairs). Explain the party’s stance on each of the issues and why it should win votes. 4. Note the party’s major weaknesses and suggest a way to deal with them.

Campaigning With a Purpose 1. From an image consultant’s perspective, offer detailed suggestions to help improve Harper’s and the Conservative Party’s appeal to Canadians. 2. List the strategies that should be used to attract younger voters and convince them to vote for Harper and the Conservative Party. 3. List ways to target the segments of the population that are undecided about whom to support.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 31