April 4-7, 1991
Centennial Auditorium, Saskatoon
Chair: Diane Ablonczy
Read the 1991 Reform delegates’ package
With a rising membership, more than 1,300 people were expected in Saskatchewan as the growing party sought to prepare for the next election in western Canada.
Expansion to Ontario and Atlantic Canada had nearly 97-per-cent support among delegates, followed by an impromptu rendition of “O Canada:” Reform members approved the decision with a mail-in referendum ballot. One delegate tried to exclude the Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa metropolitan areas.
Manning’s keynote speech focused on national unity and the Quebec question, saying Reform would not be beholden to the province’s interests in future negotiations.
There were 60 proposals were to amend the policy book – including fixed election dates, no public financing for political parties, referendums for constitutional change, GST abolition, removal of industrial subsidies, Supreme Court’s regional representation.
A resolution amendment promoting the introduction of health care user fees was defeated.
PASSED resolutions included:
- leaving language laws to the provinces and no forced bilingualism
- eliminating the multiculturalism and Indian Affairs departments in Ottawa
- moderate positions on the constitution and immigration
- a reaffirmed commitment to a Triple-E Senate and a party executive with equal provincial representation.
Resolutions would require a majority in each province as well.
Delegates voted against starting provincial Reform parties.
Finance officials reported $465,000 in the election war chest.
Among the keynote speakers was Deborah Grey, the party’s first MP after winning a 1989 by-election in Beaver River, Alta.
