Here is the open letter from the group of prominent members of the Progressive Conservative Party on the merger with the Canadian Alliance.

Over recent weeks, we have heard from a number of high profile opponents to the creation of a united Conservative Party. We respect the differing opinions within our Party but on this matter we must vigorously disagree. The time for a united Conservative Party is now.

Some opponents have questioned the process for ratification. These criticisms should be laid to rest. Our management committee has instituted a system that ensures equality of ridings. One region with a strong membership base cannot control the vote. It is a fair and equitable way to build the new Conservative Party.

The history of our Party is one of coalition building and honourable compromise. In a real sense that is what all successful political parties are. Today, our opponents in the Liberal Party are truly the most divided Party in the country. But they understand the fundamental importance of maintaining a strong, workable coalition. That is what Canadians expect of us as well.

Canadians disapprove of the split in the Conservative movement. They believe it demonstrates a lack of the reasonableness, flexibility and willingness to compromise that they look for in their government. Our division has diminished the stature of our leaders on the Canadian stage. It has ensured that our policy ideas, no matter how worthy, do not receive serious consideration from either the voters or the media given their conviction that none of these ideas could ever become policy anyway - a circular, self fulfilling prophecy.

It has been said that those expecting moderate policy in the new Conservative Party are "dreaming in Technicolor." This is absolutely mistaken. First, not all policies of the Canadian Alliance should be dismissed out of hand. There is much we can learn from each other. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it should be remembered that there is a natural movement in politics towards the median voter. This will happen in the Conservative Party. In fact, the movement from Reform party to Canadian Alliance to Conservative Party is indicative of the pull of the median voter. Large numbers of non-ideological, moderate Tories went to the Canadian Alliance after it's creation because of their hunger for a single conservative alternative and our apparent unwillingness to become involved in such a process. An examination of our party platforms in the last election shows clearly that far more unites the two parties than divides us.

The agreement in principle reflects this. It is not full of empty platitudes, as has been suggested. It adopts principles very similar to our own - most taken almost verbatim from our own constitution. It offers Canadians a principled, pragmatic and moderate vision of our country. Once our membership rolls are rejuvenated by moderate conservatives across the country and undecided voters disappointed with the status quo, the moderating of more extreme positions will be a matter of simple math and political necessity.

Finally, it has been suggested that this new Conservative Party will be unpalatable to Canadian voters. We do not accept this. The Conservative Party of Canada will showcase the very best of both parties. We believe Canadians will take an honest look at this new Conservative Party and offer their strong support. The agreement reunites the conservative family, it contains the best principles and elements of both parties, it will attract a larger number of qualified candidates for parliament, and in addition, simply coming together in this way demonstrates the type of principled maturity Canadians expect in those seeking to govern.

However, even if we did accept that argument, the concern it raises is one of electoral success. If that is the concern, certainly the status quo is no answer. Those who believe electoral success will come to us eventually, through stubbornness and attrition, are those that wish to see a Canada with unaccountable one party rule for years to come.

We strongly support the agreement in principle signed by Peter MacKay and Stephen Harper. We applaud both Peter and Stephen for their determination to do the right thing for Canada. We congratulate the emissaries of both parties the hard work that went in to making this happen. We believe that this agreement should be ratified. The time is right and the conditions are right. We urge all members of our Party to unanimously and vocally endorse the creation of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Ultimately, the Conservative Party of Canada will be what we make it. There will be many opportunities to debate and discuss policy. We need to be there in numbers to take part in those discussions. Only through that process can we create a platform made up of the policies that will best improve the lives of all Canadians. We ask you to join us and the vast majority of our national caucus in this effort to create a stronger Party and a stronger Country. We are excited for the future.