An anniversary provides good reason to review accomplishments and check one’s course to see how it lines up with ones beliefs and ideals.

Six years ago this week, on November 28th, 2005, the Liberal government of the day fell to a non-confidence motion introduced by Stephen Harper. Two months later, Canada voted for change, saying yes to a minority Conservative government.

Subsequently, that government formed one of the longest running and most productive minority governments in Canada’s history. In 2011, Prime Minister Harper became the first of Canada’s prime ministers to win a majority after winning two minority governments in 2006 and 2008.

The Opposition parties often accuse Conservatives of working from an ideological base. They’re right.

Dictionaries define the word ideology as a body of concepts and ideas that shape one’s goals, make up one’s comprehensive vision, and form their way of looking at things, particularly politically. No party is a void where ideology is concerned. Every political party throughout history has had its own—some negative, and some positive.

A party’s history always gives a good glimpse of its ideology, and how it has shaped its policies. I would encourage any interested constituents to review the webpage, www.conservative.ca, which briefly explains the 141-year-old tradition of Canadian conservatism.

In brief, Conservatives have always stood for sovereignty and a strong national defence. They believe in open federalism and national unity; in free enterprise and individual achievement. They work to preserve and promote opportunities for all Canadians to live in a “safe, healthy, and prosperous country.”

Most of all, to be Canadian and Conservative means standing for a strong, united, independent, free Canada. This is the ideology Canadians have chosen for their government many times over the course of Canada’s history.

Some of the Conservative government’s achievements that flow from its ideology include:

• Strengthening Canada’s Sovereignty and Place in the World
• Strengthening the Federation and our Democratic Institutions
• Providing Effective Economic Leadership for a Prosperous Future
• Tackling Crime and Strengthening the Security of Canadians
• Improving the Environment and Health of Canadians.

We must always act in a practical manner based on our principles.  If we act without appealing to a strong principled base, we will be tossed and driven like a wave in the sea. All political parties should have a well-defined ideology so that when they deal with issues, we can predict what their approach will be.

Our government is staying on course. Each new day in Parliament brings new challenges. But Conservative tradition, with strong support from members across the country, stands firm. The positive ideology that has guided our accomplishments and goals thus far will continue to do so in the future.

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The audio version of Garry's Nov. 28, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here