Tory leadership: Should the CPC change the way it picks its leader?

A proposed change to the Conservative Party of Canada's constitution is expected to become a hot issue at the party's convention, which begins on Thursday in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)A controversial proposal to change the Conservative Party of Canada's constitution, in a way that would favour ridings in Ontario and western Canada, is expected to become a major focus of the party's national convention.

The change would give more weight to bigger riding associations, including in a leadership vote, The Canadian Press reports.

But three Conservative bigwigs - former Ontario premier Bill Davis, former federal finance minister Dan Mazankowski and Senator Gerry St. Germain - say the proposal goes against the very foundations of the CPC. The CPC formed when the Progressive Conservatives and Canadian Alliance merged in 2003.

"As long as the goal of the Conservative Party of Canada is to elect Conservative governments, the principle of equality of electoral district associations and the discipline that it entails must therefore remain an integral part of our governance," according to a letter signed by all three and sent to party members.

MP Scott Reid, who is lobbying for the change, says the new system would "ensure that all regions of the country have a strong say in electing the leader, but also that the leader has to win a legitimate majority of all votes cast. ..."

Currently, each riding association is awarded 100 points during a leadership contest, CP reports. After each party member casts his or her ballot, points are awarded based on the percentage of members in the riding that voted for each contestant. Reid's proposal would move the party closer to a one-member, one-vote system.

The three-day convention begins Thursday in Ottawa.

Do you think the CPC needs to change the way it chooses a leader? Which system do you prefer, the equality principle or one-member, one-vote? Why? Please let us know in the comments field below.


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