Conservative Party of Canada
Parti conservateur du Canada
(Federal)

2006

2006

LEADER: Stephen Harper.

BRIEF HISTORY: Formally founded in 2003, through a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. Commonly nicknamed as the "Tories." First fielded candidates in 2004.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Conservative Party is an amalgam of two contrasting views about conservatism in Canada. Historically, the Progressive Conservatives touted traditional "Red Tory" ideals like state funded social programs, rejected closer ties with the United States, and attempted to model Canada after centuries-old British institutions. Western Canadian conservatism, as embodied in the Canadian Alliance party, was more inspired by U.S.-based conservatism. These "Blue Tories" seek closer ties with the United States, privatization, smaller government as well as reform of political institutions on the American/Australian model, and a decentralized federalism with a limited government in Ottawa and stronger provinces, as also advocated by Brian Mulroney). The Tories generally support a market economy approach.

MAIN WEBSITE: Conservative.ca

FEDERAL PARTY PROVINCIAL & RIDING ASSOCIATIONS:

Coming Soon.