STATEMENT BY STEPHEN HARPER
Three years ago the party I lead, the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance, was founded with the aim of creating a united alternative to the Liberal government.
Today, as Leader of the Opposition, it is my honour to share the stage with Mr. Peter MacKay, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, to announce the fulfillment of that objective.
Mr. MacKay and I will today sign an agreement in principle to create a new political party, the Conservative Party of Canada, to contest the next federal election in every riding with every asset of both our parties behind it.
The Conservative Party of Canada will combine the institutional history and expertise of the P.C. Party with the grassroots democracy and energy of the Canadian Alliance. In doing so, it will confront a Liberal government which seeks re-election on little more than the argument that the opposition is divided.
This division of conservatives is ending. Our swords will henceforth point at the Liberals, not at each other.
Arriving here today was not, as you all know, an easy matter. It was not easy because it is without precedent. On our part, let me just say that seeing at last a will in both parties to come together, we were determined to do everything within reason to ensure that this moment would not pass. I believe our party is a winner in this agreement. I believe the P.C. Party is also a winner. But I have no doubt the Canadian electorate is the biggest winner of all.
Our emissaries, facilitators, and staff involved in this process deserve my deep gratitude for what they have accomplished. I am particularly grateful for the support and leeway allowed to me by the National Council and Parliamentary caucus of the Canadian Alliance.
But most of all I want to thank our grassroots members for their guidance and their prayers throughout this process. It is to them that I now turn over this agreement for judgement. Let me assure all of our members that their commitment to our political values - free enterprise and fiscal responsibility; social responsibility and accountability; and democratic reform and the renewal of our federation - continue to guide the efforts of your Leader, party officials and elected Members of Parliament.
