Red Tory

Red Tory is a nickname given to a political tradition in Canada's conservative political parties. Red Tories were traditionally to the left of the rest of the party. Originally it referred to the branch of the Tory party that was committed to the welfare state. Modern Red Tories, however, define themselves as "fiscally conservative and socially progressive". The term Blue Tory has been coined to describe more right wing Canadian conservatives.

Red Tories post-merger

One of the most important issues facing the newly created Conservative Party is what will happen with the Red Tories. Some high-profile Red Tories had opposed the merger and did not support the new party. The union has resulted in a number of Red Tories leaving the new party, either to retire or to defect to the Liberals. The latter group includes Members of Parliament (MPs) Scott Brison, André Bachand, Keith Martin, and John Herron. Joe Clark served the balance of his parliamentary term as a Progressive Conservative, outside of the new Conservative party caucus, before retiring from politics.

Related Topics:
Conservative Party - Members of Parliament - Scott Brison - André Bachand - Keith Martin - John Herron - Joe Clark

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Other high-profile Red Tories such as Sinclair Stevens and Flora MacDonald applied to re-register the old Progressive Conservative Party name; however this was refused by Elections Canada. On March 26, 2004, the Progressive Canadian Party was registered with Elections Canada. It aims to be perceived as a revival of the "PC Party". It is not clear how successful it will be in this regard, as no prominent former PC Tories such as Clark, Stevens, or MacDonald, or any sitting MP or senator, is associated with the new party.

Related Topics:
Sinclair Stevens - Flora MacDonald - Progressive Conservative Party - Elections Canada - March 26 - Progressive Canadian Party - Senator

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Finally, some Red Tories have decided to join the new Conservative Party. A group of them formed the Red Tory Council, a group constructed to give voice to the Red Tories, monitor the party and its positions, and to prevent too great a swing to the right.

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Belinda Stronach, a member of the new party and relative newcomer to politics who placed second in the first Conservative leadership election, spoke up for government intervention to ensure growth in the economy, and generally stood against social conservatism, particularly in her personal support for same-sex marriage. Stronach's positions on these issues are ones that some Red Tories support, and she was considered by many to be among the most prominent Red Tory members of the Conservative caucus in the 38th Parliament.

Related Topics:
Belinda Stronach - Social conservatism - Same-sex marriage - 38th Parliament

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However, she crossed the floor and joined the Liberals in the Canadian House of Commons on May 17, 2005.

Related Topics:
Crossed the floor - Canadian House of Commons

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