OTTAWA — Quebec Conservatives have set the stage for potential political dynamite at the spring Tory convention, saying their stand on abortion, gay marriage and bilingualism is the only way to wrest power from Paul Martin's Liberals.

A list of their recommendations obtained by The Canadian Press includes positions on bilingualism and abortion that could leave "blood on the convention floor," says one western MP.

Tory Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, who helped pare down more than 100 policy recommendations by Quebec Conservatives to just 22 for debate, says the Quebec wing sees itself as a voice of tolerance at the Montreal convention.

"Equilibrium," he said, raising one hand level with the other, as he sat in his Senate office for an interview.

"We're building a nation on tolerance," Nolin said, and it's important that Quebec policy suggestions "be perceived as equilibrium and I think the key word is tolerance."

The wing's top three policy choices for debate March 17-19 are for an improved federal government policy on bilingualism, more help for industrial development and maintaining abortion rights.

At least one Conservative says he relishes the chance to lock horns on policy, and conventions are the place to duke it out.

Tory justice critic Vic Toews said reconciling views will be a test for the party on issues such as abortion.

"A little bit of blood on the convention floor won't hurt -- we'll have paramedics standing by," he said from his Manitoba riding.

The Quebec wing wants a policy that says "A Conservative government would not reopen the debate on abortion, and will support the status quo."

Toews said while he's willing to listen, he couldn't adopt the position.

"Oh no, of course not, no," he said.

"I would never phrase any policy that way. I can see that causing some concern."

Nolin acknowledged the divisive nature of some issues, including gay marriage.

"For us, that's been decided, it's over," he said of the controversy but pointed out Liberals are also divided.

"All parties have opinions, it's a fundamental personal, moral issue.

"I believe in freedoms and I believe an individual must have the freedom to decide and when someone thinks that his or her values are so important that they can impose those values on others, well, that's where I start to have a problem."

Nolin, appointed to the Senate by former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, suggested the Quebec party's role could help moderate hardline views held by other Conservatives on a range of policy.

"I think we have an important role to play because we are an important, integral part of the fabric of our country," he said. "For that reason it's important for Quebecers to affirm our difference in the party, because that difference also exists in the country."

Toews said the party's challenge is not to avoid policy fights, it's to get the party behind whatever policy it does adopt to show the electorate it can govern.

"I hope there are differences," he said.

"I come from a very strong socially and fiscally conservative riding and it's important for people in my riding to be exposed to some of those ideas and have them explained to us."