| History
A New Party. A Proud Tradition. On October 16th, 2003, the leaders of the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada announced an agreement in principle to unite under a new political banner: The Conservative Party of Canada. In December 2003, the merger was overwhelmingly ratified by members of both parties and the Conservative Party was officially born. While the merger marked the first time in two decades that Canadian conservatives spoke with a single voice, conservatives have been building a stronger, safer and better Canada for over 140 years. Conservative achievements include Confederation, women’s suffrage, the Canadian Bill of Rights, the Free Trade Agreement and, since the election of a new Conservative Government in 2006, historic political reforms including fixed election dates, enhanced family support through the Universal Child Care Benefit and the re-building of the Canadian military. Over the years, conservatives in Canada have fought elections under many different party banners. But the core principles of the conservative movement have not changed: Conservatives stand for Canadian sovereignty and a strong national defence, open federalism and national unity, free enterprise and individual achievement, and the opportunity for all Canadians, regardless of background, to achieve their dreams in a safe and prosperous country. In short, a Canada that is strong, united, independent and free. On March 20th, 2004, the new Conservative Party elected Stephen Harper as its first leader. Just two months later, he led the party through its first national election campaign. Overcoming tremendous odds, the fledgling party and its new leader reduced the Liberal Party to minority status in the House of Commons, ending 11 years of Liberal majority rule. As Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, the new Conservative Party provided Canadians with a real alternative to the Liberal government. It developed innovative and practical new policy ideas such as the Federal Accountability Act, the Public Transit Tax Credit and the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant – ideas Conservatives would later implement in government. Campaign 2006 On November 28th, 2005, Paul Martin’s Liberal government was defeated on a motion of non-confidence moved by Stephen Harper. Parliament was dissolved the next day and the stage was set for a general election on January 23rd, 2006. During Campaign 2006, Stephen Harper promised to “Stand up for Canada” by representing Canadians who work hard, pay their taxes, and play by the rules – the people ignored by the Liberals during their long years in power. He campaigned on clear, bold ideas and fought back against a Liberal campaign of fear by offering hope to a country that had become disillusioned with rampant waste, mismanagement and corruption in the federal government. Canada’s New Government On January 23rd, 2006, Canadians voted for change. Two weeks later Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his cabinet were sworn in as Canada’s New Government. Since taking office, the new Conservative Government has replaced an old Liberal culture of entitlement with a new culture of achievement. Conservative achievements include:
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