January 27-29, 2000
Ottawa Congress Centre
Chairs: Tom Long (Ontario Conservative campaign chairman in 1995, 1999) and Val Meredith (Reform MP for South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, B.C.)
- About 1,100 delegates were in attendance as the United Alternative concept moved to the next step of forming a new party. They voted on a draft constitution and 75-point policy framework: "Our vision includes peace, order and government; true equality of citizens and provinces; minimal government intrusion in people's lives; respect for the important role of families; and fiscal prudence tempered with compassion."
- Five names were proposed: Canadian Conservative Reform Alliance and Canadian United Reform Alliance (both would be shortened to Canadian Alliance), Canadian Reform Party of Canada Alliance, Reform Party of Canada, and the Canadian United Reform Alliance. Delegates voted Saturday to adopt the first option.
- Reform members gave 75-per-cent confidence in Manning’s leadership. Manning pledged to seek the leadership of the new party, but Reform members still had to give their approval in a referendum. If the vote failed, Manning would resign as Reform leader.
- Alberta Treasurer Stockwell Day was a guest speaker.
- Less than 50-per-cent confidence in the leader would lead to an automatic leadership campaign. A “one member, one vote” system was adopted.
