October 23-25, 1992
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Chair: Cliff Fryers
With Canadians about to vote on the Charlottetown constitutional accord, more than 1,500 Reform members met to reaffirm their opposition and consider a draft election platform.
Reformers agreed to tackle the federal deficit with reductions to pay and pensions for politicians, along with cuts to federal administration and programs, subsidies and grants, and better efficiency at National Defence. They would promise a balanced budget within three years of being elected.
Policy planks passed included a flat tax, the eventual removal of GST, and caution on free trade with Mexico. The party removed a potential reference to making agricultural supply management more “consumer sensitive.” but kept a commitment to end global subsidies.
Constitutional reform would be based on equality of citizens and provinces, but not necessarily the “indivisibility of the federation.” The motion was left to the judgment of the leader and caucus.
Reformers committed to binding referendums, recall mechanisms, and MPs voting based on constituent views on moral issues “such as abortion and capital punishment.”
Preston Manning’s leadership received 96-per-cent support.
