Progressive Conservatives have elected to change Canada's political landscape. Tory delegates have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a political marriage with the Canadian Alliance.

CTV.ca News Staff

Progressive Conservatives have elected to change Canada's political landscape. Tory delegates have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a political marriage with the Canadian Alliance.

The percentage in favour of the merger was even higher than expected, with a full 90 per cent of Tory delegates calling for the dissolution of the Progressive Conservatives in order to create the Conservative Party of Canada.

Votes were cast in 27 cities across the country.

"What an incredible victory for Canada," PC leader Peter MacKay happily remarked to party members in Ottawa. "With this overwhelming vote, we have just become Paul Martin's worst nightmare."

"Finally, after 10 years, the Liberal Party will be facing a united, strong, conservative family in the next federal election."

While the merger seemed assured, those opposing the union still tried to make their voices heard. Former Tory leader Joe Clark urged members "not to approve this suicide."

Former cabinet minister Flora MacDonald called on members not to "demolish the traditions" of her once mighty Progressive Conservative party and merge with a party that has "no higher purpose than opportunism."

Other veteran party members, such as Sen. Marjorie LeBreton, quietly voiced their opposition by wearing black to reflect their dark mood.

MacKay acknowledged the opposition, but called on merger dissenters to come on board the new party and respect the will of the majority.

"We not only want you, we need you with us to build this new national alternative," he said.

On Friday, Alliance members also overwhelmingly approved the merger, with almost 96 per cent of party members backing the union.

Now, with the merger approved, the two parties will begin setting up a new headquarters and probably appointing an interim leader while the new party conducts a leadership race to select its first elected chief. The leadership convention will take place March 21.

Alliance leader Stephen Harper has already turned his attention to his unofficial leadership campaign. The Globe and Mail said Harper is so confident of the outcome, he's already picking his campaign team.

MacKay, for his part, is promising to take a "leadership role" in a new, united conservative party. He told reporters he would make a decision by January as to a leadership bid.

CTV Newsnet's Mike Duffy noted that MacKay still owes $400,000 from his spring campaign for the Tory leadership, and is estimated to be personally responsible for about $150,000 of that.

Also expected to run for the leadership is Calgary lawyer Jim Prentice and Nova Scotia MDP Scott Brison.

MacKay wouldn't say who would be leading the new party in the House of Commons.

Meanwhile, on Friday, an Ontario judge dismissed David Orchard's lawsuit against the Tories over the proposed merger. Orchard and 22 other disgruntled Tories had been fighting to ensure the historic party's name and assets were left standing regardless of whether a new party is created.

Superior Court Justice Russell Juriansz said the suit was without merit and dismissed it "in its entirety."

"In this proceeding I was asked to make declarations that the PC party cannot merge, transfer its assets, or dissolve without the unanimous consent of every one of its individual members," Juriansz wrote.

"I have decided, based on the view I take of the law, that it is not appropriate to make such declarations."

Orchard left the door open for an appeal.

Sinclair Stevens, a Mulroney-era cabinet minister opposed to the merger, hinted on CTV Newsnet that some might try to keep the old Progressive Conservative Party alive. He promised an announcement on Monday.