asecond opinion “A defining moment.” That’s what Preston Manning has called the Reform Party of Canada’s biennial Assembly taking place this week in Vancouver. According to Manning, the federal Reformers must finally shake off the follies and foibles that have plagued the party thus far. It is now time to either emerge as a credible alternative to the Liberal government or be rel- egated to the dustbin of histo- ry as just another quirky western protest party. The pressure on the Reformers — much of it self- induced — is now enormous. A big part of the challenge rests on the future of the Progressive Conservative Party. Traditionally, the Tories have been the only national alternative to the Liberals. Reformers would dearly love to assume this historic. mantle. but haven’t been able to accommodate the Tories. Indeed, ham-handed attempts _ Park Royal South (0utsie locaton Pa to discuss a merger and sub- sequent threats of a forced marriage have only firmed the resolve of many Tories to fight again another day. I recently discussed future political prospects with our North Shore Members of Parliament and their Conservative challengers from the 1993 campaign, Here’s what they had to say: North Vancouver's Ted White is “totally against a merger.” The energetic Reform MP doesn't believe a coalition with the Tories is necessary. He's also skeptical about a merger between the elites of the two parties, believing any union must take place at the grassroots level. “We've already shown in the west that the vote can move over." says White. But can it move back? Will McMartin was the Progressive Conservative can- didate who unsuccessfully opposed White in North Vancouver (Yes, that would be the same Will McMartin involved in the disastrous, behind-the-scenes negotia- tions between Socreds and Liberals during the latter stages of the recent provincial election campaign —- more Manicure {Polish not included) Rey. $18. Electrolysis Get tu che tux of unwanted hair permanently FREE 10 mn. cersultatwn, FREE 5 min. treatment Chez Elle #207 - 1331 Marine Dr., West Vancouver to the first 30 customers (sizing is limited) *Minimum purchase of $15, about that another day). He says it is “extremely unlikely for any kind of a merger before the next tlec- tion.” MeMurtin is optimistic that the Tories will make sig- nificant gains from their cur- rent pathetic standing of only two seats in the House of Commons. “There's no place to go but up.” he predicts with a laugh, adding: “There might be more of an appetite for a merger after the next elec- tion.” In West Vancouver- Capilano, similar sentiments prevail. Reform MP Herb Grubel attended the recent Winds of Change conference in Calgary exploring options for uniting the political right in Canada. Grubel concludes that “there will be no official merger between Reformers and Conservatives because the party organizations aren’t prepared to throw in the towel.” While lamenting the fact that party activists are entrenched in their positions, Gnubel believes there is a strong desire for conservatism Cellulite Treatment 10 sessions {needle tow incladed) [Reg $400. Yasmin $200 Not valid with other specials Expires June 30/96 ESTHETICS & HAIRS 922-1225 in the political marketplace. Meanwhile, former West Vancouver-Capilano MP and Tory cabinet minister, Mary Collins, says she personally does not favor any kind of a merger between the Progressive Conservatives and Reformers. “The value systems of the two parties are very different ——~ most of my friends who are Conservatives see it that way.” Collins suggests that there may be a realignment of par- ties taking place at the nation- al level, but believes it’s too early to forecast what the party system of the future will lock iike. “There will be Conservative and Reform candidates in the next elec- tion,” she predicts. Sale runs June 8th - 15th caiaieimecaiatenaatateiatatamnatatan oan} Regul Friday, June 7, 1996 ~ North Shore News - 7 Preston pushed by Reformers David Mitchell There are those who advo- cate 2 union of all right-wing parties at both the federal and provincial levels. The foily of such a position is the mistak- en assumption that there is some kind of a monolithic right-wing vote to either pre- serve or split. History tells us this is non- sense. More important, mod- crn politics is largely non-ide- ological, with voters support- ing parties, leaders and candi- dates who connect with them at a personal level. The tnitial success of the Reform phenomenon was based upon a profound con- nection with western voters wanting change and democra- tic renewal. If the Reform Panty of Canada can refocus its attention towards its origi- nal goals of institutional change and fiscal discipline, it may be uble to reignite the populist flame that once lit its pathway to Ottawa. But if Reformers chavse to pursue 2 primarily ideolog- ical route based upon a pot- pourri of extreme right-wing policies, the party will likely become increasingly margin- alized and irrelevant. The latter scenario would create an opportunity for the rebirth of Progressive Conservatism. That's why so many observers will be keen- ly watching the Reform Assembly this weekend to se? what kind of a defining moment Preston Manning can fashion. {i BANK PREFERRED SHARES | ® Quarterly Income ® Tax Savings * Sefety of Capital © Liquid : Bank of Nova Scotia. PRM os of June 6/1996 Minimum investment $25,000 subject to change without prior notice “Interest equivalent, ‘Based on current yield AAIDLAND WALWYN. BLUE CHIP CYPRESS TEN DOLLARS OFF MOUNTAIN Royal Robbins SPORTS — Polo Shirt ar $54.95 with coupon only - net redeemable for cash THINKING™ Chris Carter. .Financiat Advisor ee een ae SSS ng g lot sale)