[2] The party subscribes to libertarian and classical liberal tenets; its stated mission is to reduce the size, scope, and cost of government.

[8][9] The party achieved registered status in the 1979 federal election by running more than fifty candidates.

[citation needed] Many Libertarians were also attracted to provincial Progressive Conservative parties that moved to the right during the 1990s in Ontario under Mike Harris and in Alberta under Ralph Klein.

[citation needed] Jean-Serge Brisson led the party from 22 May 2000 until 18 May 2008, when he was succeeded by Dennis Young.

Young defeated outgoing party president Alan Mercer for the leadership.