Expert: Adam D. McDonald - 2/14/2002

Question
Dear Adam, hello to you.
I must say I am a bit confused. How can conservatives be progressive? Isn't that a contradiction in terms?

Thanks for the clarification,
Glenn

Answer
Hello Glenn,

Thank you for your question.

The name,  "Progressive Conservative Party of Canada" is, indeed, a contradiction in terms. However, the reason for this somewhat confusing name is historical.

Until the 1920s, there were two parties in Canada: Conservatives and Liberals. A western-based protest party, called the Progressives, entered an election and did surprisingly well. Over time, however, its policies were seen as unworkable and the Conservative Party took it over, adding its name to the Conservative one.

Thus, the Progressive Conservatives were born.