Hellyer sat as an independent Member of Parliament, and began his attempt to form his own political party in early June 1971.
The party was to advocate putting more money in circulation to reduce unemployment, and using wage and price controls to prevent inflation from occurring.
Hellyer gave a 25-minute speech to the predominantly francophone convention, of which only two minutes were in English, explaining how wage and price controls combined with controls over monopoly industries would enable the government to ensure full employment, eliminate inflation, and provide a guaranteed annual income.
He received applause for his comments about it being Action Canada policy that French-speaking Quebecers should be able to work in their own language.
[1] Hellyer later accepted Progressive Conservative Party leader Robert Stanfield's invitation to join the PC caucus.