Buoyed by his party's overwhelming vote in favour of creating a new Conservative Party of Canada, Progressive Conservative Leader Peter MacKay is exuberant.

CTV.ca News Staff

Buoyed by his party's overwhelming vote in favour of creating a new Conservative Party of Canada, Progressive Conservative Leader Peter MacKay is exuberant.

"Last night was an overwhelming endorsement of the direction that I've led the party. It's a feeling of exhilaration, a very, very positive 90 per cent approval," MacKay told CTV's Question Period on Sunday.

"I'm not kidding myself in thinking we have a lot of work to do to get policy, to get candidates, to go through a leadership contest, but there's an exhilaration amongst Conservatives.

"You may not see it but there's momentum out there."

And he's not going to let detractors temper his enthusiasm.

"Participation is what is important at this point," MacKay said, denying suggestions he is bracing for an exodus of Progressive Conservatives unhappy with the move.

"There's been a generational shift," he said, adding that he's got "nothing but respect" for outspoken merger opponent Joe Clark.

"He's made an enormous contribution to public life and to the Progressive Conservative Party, but this is the path we're on."

"I would hope that Mr. Clark would take it upon himself to play a role -- an active role -- not a detracting role."

MacKay says he's not worried the progressive wing of his party will abandon the new political entity.

In fact, he expects the opposite.

"I think you'll see Progressive Conservatives step up and play an active role."

As for the short timetable the new party has to establish itself ahead of a possible spring election call, MacKay says he relishes the challenge.

"We're going to have to earn it the old-fashioned way. That means going out, working hard. It means getting candidates who believe in this."

"It's about participatory democracy. That's what the progressive wing ... has to recognize. They can shape it, they can help shape the policy, and they can help elect the leader."

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

The same day, an Ontario judge dismissed David Orchard's lawsuit seeking to ensure the historic party's name and assets were left standing regardless of whether a new party is created.

Now, with the merger approved, the two parties will begin setting up a new headquarters and finding an interim leader while a leadership race is organized. The new party's leadership convention will take place March 21.

But MacKay is still not ready to make his candidacy for the leadership of the new party official.

"There is no reason not to do it," he explained, before adding the caveat he is still consulting supporters, family and friends.

"I think there has to be a leadership contest. I'm seriously considering entering into this race, and it's something I'll decide in the very near future."