It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the conclusion that the Liberal and New Democratic Parties should merge and become one entity known as the Liberal Democratic Party of Canada. I am convinced that it would be in the best long-term interests of both parties but, far more important, it would be in the best interests of Canada. Canadians deserve a clear choice when they next vote.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper won a majority on May 2 with only 40 per cent of the votes cast. He has the right to show what he can do. It is possible that he might govern well enough to earn a second majority. But what if he implements unpopular socially conservative policies? And, what if he allows the Americanization of Canada with its ultimate goal of a North American Union? In that case, after nine years of Conservative rule, Canadians might be desperate for change.

Should the Liberals and NDP not merge, one can forecast a scenario where the two parties spend far more time and energy fighting each other than concentrating on the weaknesses in the Conservative armour. Each opposition party might think it was the best alternative, but in reality the progressive vote would be badly split. We would inevitably see the opposite of the days when first the Reform and then the Alliance Party split the conservative vote with the Liberals laughing all the way to the voting booths. The majority of Canadians would not be laughing if there were no unified, progressive, pro-Canadian alternative waiting in the wings.

I can understand Liberal reverence for the traditions of Laurier, St. Laurent, Pearson and Trudeau, and NDP nostalgia toward Coldwell, Douglas, Lewis and Broadbent. But no party can live on memories alone, it must be relevant in the face of unprecedented world turbulence.

The Liberal Party has been in decline for some years since winning became more important than the desire to serve. Liberals have lost their zeal for radical policies essential to the public welfare.

The flip side of the Liberal decline has been a spectacular rise of the NDP — now clearly in the driver’s seat. Consequently it would have to be understood that Jack Layton would lead the new party through the next election. I got to know him well in 2003 when there was a move afoot to create a new progressive, pro-Canada party at a time when the Progressive Conservatives were feeling the pinch and many of its more progressive members were up for grabs. Stephen Harper’s seduction of Peter MacKay effectively put an end to that idea.

Meanwhile any reservations I might have had about Layton becoming prime minister were allayed. He is not as far left as Pierre Trudeau was when he became leader of the Liberal Party, and he has mellowed considerably since. Furthermore, Layton has several advantages in addition to momentum. He is the first party leader since Mackenzie King to have a reasonable grasp of monetary theory. He hasn’t talked about it publicly, but I have no doubt that he will because the issue is the most urgent one facing Canada and the world today.

Another strong point is the fact that Jack is well liked in Quebec, and could be a convincing voice for federalism in the event of another referendum which appears to be increasingly inevitable. Layton will be well positioned to argue that a strong Quebec within a strong Canada is the best and happiest solution for all concerned.

Finally, timing is everything in politics. It would be irresponsible for the two parties to spend precious time and millions of dollars trying to build up strength in the other’s territory. The numbers tell the story and ignoring them would bring a stark reminder that neither hubris nor bravado can substitute for vision.

Negotiations should begin at once with the objective of having the deal sealed by the time Parliament meets in the fall. A marriage of two such proud traditions may be less than total bliss, but the differences will have to be ironed out in a spirit of good will because the stakes are so tremendously high that failure is not an option.

Paul T. Hellyer, Former Liberal defence minister, Toronto