A Letter From Mackay

[Cameron]

MacKay Message – September 26, 2003

Dear Progressive Conservative:

Over the past few weeks most of you have read, heard or seen

conflicting media reports about ongoing discussions our Party is having

with the Canadian Alliance.  I wanted to take this opportunity to

clarify some of the misconceptions that have been reported in the media.

The conservative movement in this country has been divided for over a

decade now.  Different attempts to bridge the gap separating us from the

Canadian Alliance have been tried.  Unfortunately none have succeeded.

The result has been a period of quasi-one party rule in Canada.  This

has not been good for us, for our country, or for our democracy.

I firmly believe that conservatives in Canada will again be reunited

one day.  I believe that a big enough tent can be built to accommodate

conservatives of all colours, as well as those desirous of uniting under

a common conservative banner.  My preference is to see this happen

sooner rather than later. 

On June 26th I met with Stephen Harper.  I proposed we appoint eminent

persons, or emissaries, from each of our parties.  Their job would be to

discuss ways in which our two parties could find common cause.  All

discussions would held away from the glare of the media.  Privacy is

essential to allow for full and drink discussions of often contentious

issues. 

I chose three individuals I trust completely to represent our Party:

The Right Honourable Don Mazankowski, the Honourable Bill Davis, and

Loyola Hearn, MP.  I have absolute faith these people will fully

represent the best interests of the PC Party of Canada and its

membership.

Since my meeting with Mr. Harper in June, our Conservative emissaries

have had two face-to-face meetings with their Alliance counterparts.  A

third meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday, September 29th.  From

the beginning I have made it very clear that if unity efforts do not

represent conservatives and like-minded Canadians in all regions of

Canada, they will fail.  I have made it equally clear that the PC Party

and the CA are to be considered as equal partners if the talks are to

have any chance of success. 

Whatever happens in the discussions that are taking place, one thing is

certain: no decisions regarding this initiative will be made without

first being discussed by our caucus and the membership of our Party.

I am firmly committed to the values and principles of the Progressive

Conservative Party of Canada.  I want to take those values and

principles to a larger audience.  If we can achieve cooperation that

allows that to happen, our Party benefits, and most importantly,

Canadians benefit.

In the mean time, I hope you will put your trust in our emissaries to

continue their work. 

I know this process is not easy.  However, we must explore the

possibilities open to us.  Canadians deserve it.

Sincerely,

Peter MacKay

Leader

[Mr. Chater]

hmmm...its quite interesting. It somewhat sounds like everything is riding smooth "for the better of Canada" and i hope things are as "canada deserves it."

heh, now we know there is a meeting this monday and will hear for the results hopefully they wont be too bad