From:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/17/in...partner=GOOGLE
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/17/in...partner=GOOGLE
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
EDMONTON, Alberta Oct. 16 — After more than a decade of often bitter relations, Canada's two conservative parties reached an agreement Thursday to unite into a single party in an effort to give the governing Liberal Party a competitive race in national elections next year.
The Canadian Alliance, a populist party strong in the west, and the Progressive Conservative Party, which is strong in the Maritime Provinces, remain far behind the Liberals in the polls. But the leader of the Progressive Conservatives, Peter MacKay, predicted that the unifying of the right will spark "a groundswell of support" that would completely change the political dynamics of the nation.
The Liberals dominate the House of Commons, and recently won provincial control in Ontario and Quebec, the provinces that dominate national politics.
Mr. MacKay said the goal is to create an "exciting national conservative party that brings people together and offers Canadians a choice."
The parties face difficult issues on how to unify behind one leader, work out who will be responsible for their respective party debts, and mesh platforms. The Canadian Alliance has espoused more conservative positions on social and economic issues and uses sharper rhetoric.
"There has to be a big tent and diversity of views" in the new party, said Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance leader.
EDMONTON, Alberta Oct. 16 — After more than a decade of often bitter relations, Canada's two conservative parties reached an agreement Thursday to unite into a single party in an effort to give the governing Liberal Party a competitive race in national elections next year.
The Canadian Alliance, a populist party strong in the west, and the Progressive Conservative Party, which is strong in the Maritime Provinces, remain far behind the Liberals in the polls. But the leader of the Progressive Conservatives, Peter MacKay, predicted that the unifying of the right will spark "a groundswell of support" that would completely change the political dynamics of the nation.
The Liberals dominate the House of Commons, and recently won provincial control in Ontario and Quebec, the provinces that dominate national politics.
Mr. MacKay said the goal is to create an "exciting national conservative party that brings people together and offers Canadians a choice."
The parties face difficult issues on how to unify behind one leader, work out who will be responsible for their respective party debts, and mesh platforms. The Canadian Alliance has espoused more conservative positions on social and economic issues and uses sharper rhetoric.
"There has to be a big tent and diversity of views" in the new party, said Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance leader.
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