Ignatieff plans to sit down and 'listen' to Harper

The newly minted interim Liberal leader reacts to the news that Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans to fill 18 vacancies in the unelected Senate with Conservative loyalists before Christmas.

CTV National News: Roger Smith with details on the first day of the party's hope for the future

Shortly after officially taking command of the Liberal Party on Wednesday, Michael Ignatieff had both a warning and an olive branch for Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Dec. 11 2008 7:59 AM ET

Freshly minted Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff says Canadians have sent a clear message they want their leaders to listen to each other and co-operate -- and he plans to do just that.

One day after being crowned the new party leader, Ignatieff told CTV's Canada AM one of his first orders of business will be to sit down with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and hear him out.

"I think it's right for me to listen," Ignatieff said.

"I think the Canadian people are sending us all a message that it's time for us to listen. Mr. Harper didn't listen to the opposition, he lost the confidence of the House of Commons, he's unable to govern without the confidence of the House of Commons, so it's time that he sat down."

However, he added, "I haven't seen him do much listening so it will be interesting to see if he starts now."

Ignatieff said he had a short congratulatory talk with Harper Wednesday night, but they haven't yet scheduled a sit-down meeting.

In his inaugural news conference as leader on Wednesday, Ignatieff said he was willing to honour the coalition agreement forged between the Liberals and the NDP to topple the Conservatives -- unless the government comes up with a budget he can live with at the end of January.

Earlier this month Ignatieff appeared to be lukewarm on the idea of the coalition, which requires support from the Bloc Quebecois to bring down the Tories.

He said on Thursday the Conservatives will have to draft a budget that puts the needs of Canadians first, if they expect his support, which is essential to keeping the government alive.

"I think what Canadians want us to do is to have a budget at the end of January that protects the most vulnerable in our society," Ignatieff said.

"We're going to have more unemployment next year, we're going to have families really having a hard time putting food on the table and they're going to want their government to make sure they're looking after them, that's number one."

The budget must also include stimulus for the economy that will provide a jolt to business people and entrepreneurs, Ignatieff said.

He told CTV's Mike Duffy Live on Wednesday that Harper must also ditch his "my way or the highway" style of government.

"You can't run a minority Parliament like this: we are fed up with it, we won't have it anymore."

While NDP Leader Jack Layton seems intent on toppling the Tories in January no matter what, Ignatieff struck a more diplomatic tone Wednesday.

"Canadians can't trust us politicians if we say things like 'I'm going to vote against the budget even though I haven't seen it,'" Ignatieff said.

"It seems to me, that (approach) treats the Canadian people with disrespect."

Ignatieff became leader after the party consulted with about 800 influential Liberals from across Canada, and follows a caucus meeting held earlier in the day in which MPs also endorsed the new leader.

In a media release, party president Doug Ferguson said Ignatieff will take over the party's top job at a "historic" moment.

"Our interim leader will be called upon to lead our caucus and our party through a volatile Parliament, and a possible federal election in the midst of the worst economic crisis in memory," Ferguson said Wednesday afternoon.

During the Grit caucus meeting in Ottawa Wednesday morning, Bob Rae, who withdrew from the Liberal leadership race Tuesday, nominated Ignatieff for the leadership position.

Comments are now closed for this story

Peter Rapsey
said

Not all Canadians vote Conservative. In fact a lot of Conservatives I know don't vote Conservative because of 1 man. If you are Canadian, you must understand, even though I disagree with their reason to be, that a vote for the Bloc is as legitimate as a vote for the Conservatives or Liberals or any other party. Those that vote Bloc are as Canadian, and have valid opinions on a range of topics...the economy being one of them. A Canadian that dismisses someone because they vote Bloc is not a true Canadian in my eyes...although their opinion smells of bigotry, their right to have that opinion still stands in this beautiful country.

Chuck
said

Conservatives would do well to realise that 62% of the country did NOT vote for Harper. Harper's trying to run a minority parliament as if he had a majority. If Harper continues in that fashion he will not do well with the electorate.

DGRose
said

I'd sit down and listen if I were you too, Michael. Contrary to what your rabid party boosters assert, you're not automatically admired and respected across Canada, and the Liberal party is hardly poised to bounce back in 2009. Listen to Layton, and Duceppe and see what happens to you, not for you, in an election.

Danielle - Alberta
said

What Mr. Ignatieff needs to remember is that he is the opposition, and Harper is the Prime Minister, as chosen by the electorate. He has technically not lost the confidence of the commons yet, and clearly not that of the country.
Surely he needs to listen, but perhaps he has forgotten that the Conservatives have been listening and changing bills as per opposition demdands. No, Mr. Ignatieff, not one Canadian voted for you. It would be wise to respect the governement in power a little bit.

Fred - Brandon MB
said

Iggy thinks that he has the upper hand right now, so I'm not sure how much "listening" he will do. I think that this is all posturing before the Liberals & NDP seize power. Now Iggy as PM will be an interesting scenario. A PM who has bullied his way to party leadership without election, wants to take control of government without an election. Welcome to Stalinist Canada comrade!

Laurel
said

I hope these two leaders can work together but I did not like the comment Iggy made about the Prime Minister not listening when the Liberals haven't been doing that for 30+years. If you want to work together, then let's try to make nice. Personally anyone that has lived outside of the country for that many years is out of touch with we want. As for Rene, you don't need a francophone to respond to the needs of Quebec. You are not any different than the rest of us and WE should think of ourselves as CANADIANS!! It is not law that a PM or leader has to be from the east or french!

CC-western Canada
said

1. 55% of the people DID NOT vote for a coalition. There are many many many Liberals and NDP that do not agree with this coaltion.

2. Harper dense? He is widely considered one of the smartest politicians in decades...by all political stripes.

3. If the Queen didn't intervene we would not have a Parlimentary system. Which in turn would make Canada a Republic (the obvious way to go). If that were to happen then we would have a President, and your little coalition wouldn't exist AT ALL.

Iggy, is doing the right thing and sitting down with Harper. I will respect any leader that doesn't oppose EVERYTHING just because it's Harper. Oppose because it's the right thing to do...not because you want to grandstand. I hope these two men can sit and work together. In truth...neither of these men want a coalition. I also find it hard and am skeptical that any Liberal leader is more concerned about the public than the power.

sharon in ontario
said

The Libs have selected their leader(how that was done is their business..it could be Mickey Mouse for all I care) I also understand that a coalition is perfectly legal.What I object to is the moral issue, being as the coalition can only survive at the pleasure of the Bloc.The "agreement" is signed sealed and delivered and is being held over Mr.Harper's head as a threat .Ignatief issued that warning yesterday.."Our way or your going down".In future, I would like to see the Libs, NDP and the Bloc standing united at press conferences as the "Coalition Party" where they can ALL be grilled and can present their coalition platform.I want Ignatieff to acknowledge that he is speaking for the ENTIRE opposition..not just the Libs.That would be the fair and transparent thing to do.

Lloyd Rowat
said

In the last election the Canadian electorate did not overwhelmingly elect anyone. The voters stayed home in record numbers and it is a shame to see the leaders of this country have inspired such apathy. No one was a winner in the last election, least of all the taxpayer.
The support that the Conservatives garnered represents less then 1/4 of electorate, the other parties support was marginal.
I think all parties should take this as a clear message. Canadians are not inspired by any of them. The parties must work together, in this time of economic uncertainty, not as coalition of one or two parties, but as a coalation of Canadians. The leaders of the parties have an opportunity to engrave thier names in history and restore Canadian's faith in their leaders. Work together on the foundation set forth in the Constitution, an instrument of democracy we proudly defend with the lifes of our brave. Remember...Peace, order and good government.

David Ottawa
said

Pierre Trudeau was the most popular prime Minister in Canadian history but in 1972 he won 38 % of the vote in 1974 43% and in 1980 44% ..he never had a majority of the popular vote, but people never said the majority did not vote for him so he should not be prime minister. Harper just like Trudeau was elected by the people of Canada.

Mr Canadian we are not in China!!!
said

All canadians are allowed to vote and it,s people like like that are most dangerous!!!

I am not a separatist but I respect the choice of any canadain that is paying taxes to the Federal government.

We have a democracy in Canada. Why don't you try to act that way? What needs to be done is work as Canadian including all citizens not english Canada against Quebec.

You are not better than the separatists in my view, both wrong for Canada!

Just curious
said

So, if the marriage between the Liberals and the NDP still exits, do we now have Mr. and Mrs. Jack Layton or Mr. and Mrs. Iggy?

On another front, I wonder what the Liberals and the NDP would be proposing if the Alberta and Saskatchewan oilsands deposits sat in Ontario and Quebec. Would we be hearing the same tune? I really don't see either Party pushing a carbon tax or a complete oilsand mining shut down if the deposits existed in those two Provinces.

Lastly, with their Green platforms, are the NDP and the Liberals not contradicting themselves when they insist on bailout money for the auto and forsestry business? Don't our automakers pump out products that, in their current form, hurt the environment and don't we clear cut the very trees that help clean our atmosphere?

Just curious.

Jeff from Ottawa
said

What I have yet to figure out when listening to all the arguments is how did "Canadians overwhelmingly" elect Harper and the Conservatives yet they only have a minority government despite having no opposing parties on the right of the political spectrum to split votes with? If we had the two-party system like in the States the Conservatives would have lost convincing.

Nancy - BC
said

So Iggy is willing to "listen" to Harper. His tone is very confrontational and tells me that he also doesn't get it.

Work together!!

Richard L. Provencher
said

I sure hope Iggy is serious, but should not use the coalition as wedge. He has already stated in a recent news report, the Ndp WILL NOT get any seats in a Liberal cabinet should the coalition topple the Tories and form a government. So much for his signed signature. How come the press corps has not demanded a copy of the two agreements signed, apparently one with the Bloc, then one only with the NDP and Liberals? Or is there a hidden agenda from the opposition?

GHW
said

There is always so much posturing in Politics. Following are bullets of where I believe things really stand.
- The people did overwhelmingly vote for Harper and his team relative to the other parties running. If the coalition ran for government as a coalition, it would not receive the kind of support they claim they have.
- If Ignatieff rejects the budget the GG has two choices, let the coalition run government or call an election. I believe she�d call an election.
- If the coalition is allowed to run government the electorate will be most displeased with the Liberal Party in the next election and there would be a good chance the Liberals will be running against someone more popular than Harper.
- If the GG calls for another election and if Ignatieff puts up a big stink about leading the country with this unpopular coalition I believe the Liberal Party will not do any better. If he separates himself from this coalition early on then his chances are much better.
- If Ignatieff supports the budget and gives Harper another year to run government while offering a sound intelligent opposition he would stand a pretty good chance of coming out on top in the next election approximately one year from now. Harper will have presided over one year of economic down turn combined with his unpopularity in the east.

So my advice to Ignatieff and Liberals in general is patience. If you push too hard too quickly you�ll regret it in the long run.

Respectfully yours,
An Independent Voter

J.C.
said

People claim Harper is a bully yet it was the opposition that forms a coalition and basically says,"Do it our way or you are out." Democracy or bullying?? Now the Libs have a new leader. Will he use reason, or will those behind him force him to continue with the coalition power grab? The former Lib government has left the Cons with more than 50 billion that they are expected to repay to the UIC. More hidden costs from their term in office under Chretien and Martin yet they expect the people to rally behind them. Yes, now it comes out how the Libs managed to pay down the debt. Theft!! How much other "Theft" do we not know about that will be left on the Cons to rectify??? And the Libs are the party that some want to rule??? Can't believe some of these people. Take from the health care, the provinces, and the UIC to pay the debt!! Give Quebec everthing they want though so we have unity. This is good policy??? Oh and I do not believe that Ignatieff will be a saviour as the Americans believe Obama is. Time will tell about Obama. After all it was his party that started all this economic instability under Clinton with their legislation re mortgages in the first place.

Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)
said

So the threat yesterday to "take them down" was what? Ignatieff should make up his mind and then keep his mouth closed until he has a consistent vision of his plan. Oh, I forgot, someone showed him the polls and it turned out the coalition still is viewed badly, and a large hunk of his own supporters (LPC rank and file) think his appointment was fishy, regardless of technical correctness.

Colin
said

Good start Iggy. Harper should have learned a lesson now and understand he's only a minority government, even on the 2nd term, which means most voters don't like him. Iggy keep it up and make this Government perform better.

Big Bear
said

This is so funny. The Canadian parliamentary system is designed so that the only time we have a democratic system where parties must talk to each other and negotiate is when there in a minority government. When we have a majority government, we basically have a dictatorship as the ruling party no longer needs to listen to the people to govern the country they are free to do whatever they want.

Long live the minority government!

Scott in Halifax
said

Paul, to say that 55% of voters elected coalition MP�s is only partially correct. You have to remember that 62% of Canadians didn�t want the Conservatives in power, at the same time 73% didn�t want the Liberals in power, and even a greater percentage that didn�t want the NDP in power. As for the Bloc, you shouldn�t even count them in on the stats because their main goal is to split the country and they will never lead this country. To turn around and say that 55% voted for the coalition is incorrect, because the coalition did not exist in October, just a bunch of unorganized boobs. Now they are a somewhat organized bunch of boobs with a better Liberal leader that is willing to talk.

As for the Governor General and The Queen, well I can tell you that they just saved not only the day, but a crap load of taxpayers dollars so we don�t have another foolish election only months after the last one. A level head was what was needed, because the heads of the so called coalition had theirs where the sun doesn�t shine.

I think Canada we do better with Mr. Ignatieff at the helm of the Liberal party, as he has already stated that he wants to work with Prime Minister Harper � something that was beyond the scope and comprehension of the other boobs.

Ken, one more time so you get the message:
said

Canadians did not elect Harper to run the government.

Canadians elected a Parliament.

Parliament, not Harper, gets to decide who runs the country.

If Harper does not enjoy the confidence of the majority of the Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, his government falls.

No, that's not some illegal conspiracy. That is how Canada's system of government works.

Canadians did not
said

Conservatives got about 38% of the 60% of the votes cast.

Let's round up to 40%.

The Conservatives got about 24% of the possible vote, then.

Vic from Whitby
said

Chretein wouldn't even sit and listen to his own caucus or finance minister, but The Conservatives must listen to the newly crowned Liberal Leader

Mitch
said

I want to be absolutely CLEAR: I did NOT vote for Harper -- I am from among the MAJORITY whose votes did NOT count.

Jo
said

Actually, Mr. Ignatieff caught my attention on Canada AM this morning when he said that he was willing to listen to the Prime Minister..I thought, finally, a mature politician..and then he added the comment that Mr. Harper wasn't known for listening..shame, shame..it changed the whole context of the message for me!

Stan
said

How much does Ignatieff REALLY understand what the Canadian peoplple need after being away for so long. He should have ran for USA office and not jump into the Canadian politics.

Dave in Victoria
said

Dear Iggy. You say it is time to listen. Well Listen up. The people of this great country are fed up with childish behavior by ALL parties. We are fed up with threats made by ALL parties. Get along or be prepared for a quick exit at the next election, which I am now hoping is sooner than later. Each elected memeber makes over 150,000 dollars plus perks. Start earning it.

Scott in Halifax
said

Mel from Calgary
said

Stephen Harper doesn't even consult his own cabinet ministers or caucus; why would he do this for the opposition.

Can someone as partisan as the prime minister change in such a short period of time?

Alex Laney
said

Overwhelmingly elected Harper? You are overwhelmingly incorrect. More people voted for other than Harper, and voted along similar lines, social-democratic, pro-environment. It's Harper who needs to toe the line. He may have defeated Dion, but he has not won the confidence of more than a quarter of Canadians. Ignatieff is a PM-in-waiting. Get used to it.

Greg Mosolf
said

There is no 'silver bullet' for the current economic reality. Bailouts, stimulus packages, interest rate reductions etc. etc.
I am just thankful that the first shot at a coalition government failed, as the U.S. Auto Industry handout seems to be in serious peril at the moment. We would have looked rather foolish if we were first out of the gate with a multi-billion dollar aid package as proposed by the opposition coalition. Billions lost if the Big 3 declare bankruptcy.
It now seems possible that oil prices will drop even further, $20/barrel is not out of the question, and the impact falling prices will have on our economy cannot be measured yet.
Is it prudent to wait for the U.S. government to move first in order to gauge our path? I believe it may be, and spending our way out of this mess seems to me to be somewhat counter intuitive.
Satement by Layton: "Layton said he didn't believe Harper and the Tories would deliver a "miracle" budget."
Does this infer that he himself or some unknown entity can deliver a "miracle" budget?

God help us - although I am reasonably certain that he doesn't have time to work on our new budget.

Greg Mosolf
Calgary

Sharon in Toronto
said

Uh, hello Mr. "Tail Does Not Wag the Dog..." Math is obviously not your strong suit. Canadians did not "overwhelmingly elect" Mr. Harper. In fact they distrusted him to the extent that they held him to a minority (again).

Jerry
said

In replay to the comment that

�The tail does not wag the dog...Mr. Ignatieff
Mr. Ignatieff would do well to reflect on the fact that Canadians overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper.�

If a coalition agreement can be forged between the Liberals and the NDP, with the help of the Bloc Quebecois to bring down the Tories, to topple the Conservatives then face the fact that Canadians did not overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper.

And bear in mind that Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes Provinces add up to more then 2/3 of the population of Canada and we don�t want Mr. Harper

Gerald from Belleville
said

Coalition can't, and won't work. The Liberals are notoriously byzantine and Machiavellian in their politics. The NDP have their heads in the clouds. The Bloc cares only about Quebec. Things would fall apart at the seams. Besides, the Bloc will fight for what is best for them...the moment they think they can squeeze an extra advantage out of this coalition, they will...and the Libs won't have a choice to say yes if they want to survive. For those who think I support the Cons: they are way too conservative and their ideals clash hard with a lot of the population, they also tend to be bullies.

I don't trust Ignatieff, for various reasons I've stated on these boards time and again. Liberal is the only party I will NEVER vote for.

However, in these hard economic times, I think it is crucial that the Liberals and Cons each extend an olive branch to each other. As far as I'm concerned, all 4 major parties (Libs, Cons, Bloc, NDP) should sit together and draft a viable budget. Will this happen? I don't know, but I hope so. I don't want a coalition...and no one voted for a coalition, much less a coalition led by Iggy. But the opposition parties can take action without the need for a formal coalition come January if the Cons refuse to at least listen. This whole confrontation with the Cons BEFORE they issue a budget is only a power play and in the end would hurt Canada way more than the Cons ever could alone.

Colonel Count Klaus Von Stauffenburg / Valkyrie
said

After reviewing this article it is refreshing that Mr. Michael Ignatieff is willing to sit down with the Prime Minister and discuss economic options with him.

As a Conservative voter, this is what we pay our MP's to do; listen and introduce legislation for the public good.

Now, in regards to the issue of democracy, some comments on this blog suggest that the coalition has the right ot govern. Not so.

In Canada, we have elections which decide which party is entrusted with power. Coalitions are decidely undemocratic. If the Liberal/NDP/Bloc coalition had run on their "platform" in a bona fide election then...fine! BUT, they did'nt!

Now, lets all take a valium, allow our elected officials, to produce an economic budget which won't bankrupt Canadas treasury!

Michael Ignatieff, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe should realize that the taxpayers are FED-UP with excessive taxation which impoversihes the rest of us who are'nt employed by the Fed or Prov Public Services and / or Automotive & Transportation unions.

Note: warning to OC Transpo & GM, Ford & Chrysler unions:
Be thankful you still have a job. The Air traffic controllers in the US during the early 1980's were fired by President Reagan after refusing modest wage concessions regarding their generous $85000+ per year jobs for life! Reagan brought in the Military to run the air traffic control centres!

So, to re-cap, the Liberals & NDP coalition do not have the right to arbitrarily seize power, regardless of the "spin" brought forward by their self-serving supporters and voters demand better.

So...kindly deliver a budget in the New Year which addresses the electorates concerns while protecting the Federal Treasury from excessive waste!

Per Ardua Ad Astra!

Ralph Austerman
said

As a conservative, it was refreshing to hear that Ignatieff is willing to work with Harper instaed of against him. In the past listening to Dion & Layton, it's like their egos & pride were hurt from the election. Their attitude is, because we can form a coalition, we will, regardless wether it is good for the country or not. When are they all going to start acting like adults & not children. The country needs all of our parties to co-operate & work together to get through these economic times & check their egos at the door.

Jimmy from ON
said

This just in: Iggy plans on listening to Harper...
Really, what choice does he have? Not listening would be shooting himself in the foot, the moment he's handed the gun. Let's hope they all grow up a little, and drop the ridiculous notion of a coalition propped up by separatists.

Tim in Cape Breton
said

"The tail does not wag the dog...Mr. Ignatieff..."
I can't believe you are even allowed to speak in public. Canadians did NOT overwhelmingly elect Stephen Harper! Since when does a MINORITY government mean overwhelming support? He got support form a third of the country. As for arrogance and entitlement, look in the mirror at your CONservatives who don't feel they ever have to listen to anyone and can steamroll through with whatever they want. Lesson learned chump, they're getting taken to the shed out back for a regular whupping on this one and they deserve it. Grow up and try and show common sense if possible idiot.

LHB in Montreal
said

Finally, a saner head is beginning to prevail in the Liberal Party. A Leader that is willing to listen and respect the majority of Canadians. Refreshing. (61% of Canadians said no to a coalition and if that is not a majority WHAT IS?)

I venture to say that Mr. Ignatieff's statement about using the Coalition was to appease the Rae supporters in is Caucus. Is latter one, about dialoguing with Mr. Harper probally reflects the more level headed members of his Caucus as it was just a knee-jerk result of being afraid of loosing their political financial subbsidies, nothing to do with what is best for Canada.

Maybe Mr. Layton could take a page out of Mr. gnatieff's book, opposing for the sake of it, shows disrespect for Paliament.

In the near future we will be made to assess if the new Opposition Leader has the integrity to respect what he says. Let us hope we are entering a new ERA in politics.

As for Mr. Harper, whom I believe is the best person at this time to govern the Country, I hope this Crisis, will make you more conciliatory to the Opposition's demands.
They can't be all wrong.

Am I naive in believing there is still hope for stability in Ottawa ?????.

As for those that keep on bringing the old 2004 letter saying Harper was ready to form a coalition with the BLOC conviently leave out the FACT that he back-out because his integrity would not permit him to AGREE to their demands a la Layton and Dion for the sake of power at all cost.

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

Wgen Chretien was PM he did what he wanted and he only received a minority of Canadian votes, particularly if you use the math that many bloggers use. Harper is the PM and he sets policy. He should listen to the Liberals (I'd forget the NDP since they live in some dreamworld only they understand) but he decides where the country is going. You can't govern without making decisions and that is what Harper does. In Canada the left wing media will criticize and twist everything Harper does, the Bloc will blackmail and use the separation card to get more for Quebec, the NDP will want to throw money at every conceivable problem, and the Libs can never develop policy on anything. In such an environment Harper must make decisions and he does. What is so wrong with that. I suspect what is wrong is that he comes from Western Canada and the Eastern intelligensia resent a "redneck" governing Canada.

SteveA
said

Umm, let me guess. After this meeting Iggy will come out and say "He's not getting the message, he won't listen."

This Canadian DOES want an election. Soliders sacrificed their lives for Canada, the whole country. The Coalition Bloc must never get empowered

canuckistani
said

Last time I checked, the Harper regime has produced the largest budgets in Canadian history! The Tax and spend moniker of the Libs died when Martin becam Finance minister in '93. Mulroney, then Campbell and now Harper will have added over 400B of the 500B national debt. That's about 80%, folks. Think before you use fearmongering to justify your inadequacies. Harper's $100/month child care plan has also backfired with UNICEF putting our support services at, guess where, the bottom of the heap. Don't know about you, but I think Canada, for all of its perceived warts, should be lead by people that believe it citizens deserve better plans than 30 second stunts like Harper is addicted to. Under Chretien, love em or hate em, we rose to the top of the world's best places lists. Now we're falling down the list, have a governemnt in suspended animation, no real plans for anything and a PM that's protecting his behind ahead of every other issue. Alberta will bleed jobs - and with no NEP to blame this time, who will they look to for answers? Don't know, don't care. They made their choice with Harper. Ask him yourselves....

Brian Good
said

I think that Mr. Ignatieff would do well to listen to his own line of BS. He wants Mr. Harper to listen, how about giving Mr. Harper a chance. When he was second in command he didn't do much one way or the other leaving Mr. Dion to do as he wanted. Now it's Mr Ignatieff's turn to lead, and I hope he can do this. I'm not convinced he won't like any thing proposed by Mr. Harper or the conservative government - looking for any reason to topple this government. He won't ever form a coalition realizing that the NDP and the Bloc won't want to send us back to an election. Do you think he would be any less direct in how he will lead. Let's face it, you want a prime minister to lead that is his role, the last prime minister that didn't lead - I believe was crowned Mr Dither's - and how did that work out for the Liberals?

Lets Hope
said

Lets hope the Liberals are finally blessed with a degree of sanity and that Harper has learned a little humility and they collectively can help Canada.No hope for that dirty little power hungry Layton or Duceppe the dope.

Chris Hodgson in Ontariariari-Oh!
said

We'll see come January what takes place,the opposition parties will each have their own wish list on how our tax dollars should be spent and how much.Whether even they can agree as the official "coalition" or not will remain to be seen.I don't agree with this "gun to your head" method of dealing with the government.If their demands are too excessive we could be paying for years through increased taxes etc.to get through these tough times.Prudence and balance must be the only means to approach the problems we will all face.It would be a shame to see us fall back on the gains we have made in the last few years on debt reduction and budget balancing.It would hurt our productivity and other future growth prospects if we overspend.We would be back at the mercy of foreign banks paying interest on debt for generations to come.

vance from North Bay,On
said

Ominous storm clouds are looming on the horizon for the NDP instigated and led coalition which is becoming increasingly more unstable with the passage of time.Now with the new Liberal Messiah coronated and in place,it is almost certain that the Liberal party will support the Governments budget on the 27th Jan and spell the demise of the marriage between the NDP and Liberals,assuming the coalition is still intact by then.The divorce is going to be both messy and ugly because the NDP will be forced to abandon their aspirations of becoming bonafide participants with their 6 promised cabinet seats in a governing coalition Government.thus lending legitimacy to their Party for the first time in history.Oh so close Jack,but yet so far!!Now we all know there is nothing worse than a woman scorned.the woman in this instance being no other than Layton himself.All the romance and intimacy will rapidly dissipate as if it never was and all their energy will be transformed into furious and vitriolic attacks against the Liberal Regime of such magnitude never before witnessed in the annals of time.In fact it's completely within the realm of possibility that Jack and his gang will support the Conservatives on upcoming legislation and confidence motions at the expense of the Liberal Party just for spite and to avenge a marriage gone sour(it's called cutting off your nose despite your face).But that shouldn't surprise anyone,after all the NDP are opportunists and don't stand on principle,it's all about power stupid and absoutely nothing else.Remember,you heard it here first!!

Pen
said

I think that it is time to get rid of the PC party, talk about your sneaky and unprepared policies. I have followed the PC party and all of their mistakes and wathced the effect it has had on me and my family. I hope that Mike will be up to teaching Harper and valuable lesson. If Harper doesn't want to listen then I guess it will be bye bye Harper finally

Chuck Napier
said

I feel great disappointment in our political system when the "ELECTED OFFICALS' want to play petty politics in this time of crisis in our economy. When will they grow UP and start doing what they were elected to do,THEIR JOB, and not putting their trotters in the public trough.

John
said

Harper wanted to tighten the governmental belt and control the civil servant unions before the stimulus package was released for our TANKING private sector. if this measure was not taken our unions would have cried foul and went on strike to negate any economic gain. Unions are friendly to NDP GREEN and lastly LIBERAL. 100% fact and most Canadians know this. So Harper was clearing the way for the package to do the most good and get our private sector going again. Canadians see this smart leadership and if put to a election will give him his majority in a second. Government workers are well off and the people who represent them need to back off... because the other 80% of the economy is in real and dire trouble. Go on strike when Ontario hasnt lost 70 000 bone marrow jobs. Go on strike when Ontario hasnt lost 70 000 tax payers. Or is this all about another sick day? Thanks brothers and sisters I will think of you while Im paying my carbon tax off of my welfare cheque. Merry Christmas and Bah Humbug to you useless toads may the new year bring pain and suffering to you all.

Randy
said

I hope the Conservatives and Liberals can work together now that Dion is gone. It is in the best interest of Canada and Canadians for them to put their differences aside in these tough times and just get down to business. Lastly, the vast majority of Canadians did not vote for Jack Layton and the NDP, so please Jack, shut up, sit down and let the big boys go to work!

Jason
said

"Mr. Ignatieff would do well to reflect on the fact that Canadians overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper."

(1) 62% of Canadians voted for a party other than the Conservatives. I would hardly call that overwhelmingly.

(2) Canadians don't elect Prime Ministers or governments. We elect Members of Parliament. Canadians should stop embarrassing themselves with their ignorance of our Parliamentary system.

If the Honourable Mr. Harper (who knows full well how our Parliamentary system works) insists on governing like his party has a majority in the House of Commons, he will soon find himself on the Opposition benches.

It's nice to see the Mr. Ignatieff is willing to work with the Conservatives, but so far his message is that it depends on the Conservatives willingness to work for the good of Canadians - and to date, the Conservatives have been more focused on themselves than Canadians.

G L
said

Clearly, Conservative supporters are falling victim to the propaganda that Mr. Harper has delivered.

As a leader of a minority government, Mr. Harper MUST consider the recommendations of the other parties, INSTEAD of calling confidence votes.

I voted Liberal, but accept that the Conservatives won the election - and yes, it was fair! Liberal supporters need to stop whining, and Conservative supporters need to stop thinking they have "carte-blanche" on the country. It's not how it works!

nota
said

Imagine if you will a coalition government fronted by a man almost universally detested in his own country, and backed by an ill informed egomaniac with 18% of the vote. Policy secretly dictated by a supporting but not officially involved regional separatist party. Power behind the throne supplied by a couple of non-elected and possibly senile has beens. Welcome to the twilight zone.

We can be thankfull that episode is over.

Different song but same old story!
said

Beware, just another song same old story. Don't expect too much from a politician that is more interested in his future than his country.

The focus should be on getting involved to find solutions for the economic situation not how and when can I defeat the government.

This would be of course to try to get elected and get hin hands in the cookie jar!

Margaret Taylor
said

Just because something is constitutionally legal, does not make it morally or ethically right.

I'm tired of hearing about "the majority of Canadians overwhelmingly voited" for the Opposition parties. According to our Parliamentary system, the Cosnervatives won the largest number of seats in the House. Period. They also won MORE seats in October 2008 than did in the previous election. Period. That means, to me, that more people supported the Conservatives than each of the other individual political parties. It's only when they form a "coalition" that they outnumber the Conservatives. That's our Parliamentary system. Get over it!

What this country needs is both of the major parties putting aside their partisan differences to work TOGETHER to help Canada weather the current global tsunami that's about to hit us big time.

Mr. Ignatieff needs to do more than just "listen" to what the Prime Minister has to say. He has to work with the Prime Minister to create a national strategy for the economy.

M. Claffey - Western Canadian
said

There is NOTHING that can convince me to accept this coalition as long as the Bloc is involved. I don't care what Ignatieff trys or doesn't try, Harper is toast. There is absolutely no way to fight these guys. Harper forever carries the negative stigma of being from the West and the elite in Ontario don't want us! There is nothing Western Canada gains from Eastern Canada and it is time to cut our losses and have a referendum. http://westcan.org

canuckistani
said

Remember Harper has not closed the deal in three successive elections. His team are a bunch of neutered dogs, starting with Harris hacks that really do not know how to "consult" with anyone. The creepiness of many of the other anonymous Cons only makes the Mulroney Cons look respectable. Iggy is not stupid, not prone to emotional outbursts and will use logic to illuminate Harper for what he is: a master tactician without a plan. The Senate stacking move that he's planning before Christmas will be interesting. For a man slamming federal institutions, he sure has used them as useful cover in the last few years. The GG and now the senate, what's next? a petition to the queen? He's sewered his Quebec chances, had no response to the economic turmoil, and placed Canada in another fantasy election scenario. Stupid is as stupid does. People spend so much time blaming the Libs, but guess what? They're not in power. Harper has to lead, not act like Hugo Chavez with suspected enemies of the state in our closets, under our beds, in the drinking water.....

Maureen
said

Like many posters here I really hope that Ignatieff will listen (however as others have commented I have big doubts, but he can prove me wrong). I would love to hear what the Liberal alternatives are (since they have no policies they might just be making it up on the fly). However if Ignatieff presents the coaltiion as an alternative he will find once again Canadians are against it. He might want to reflect on the fact that he has even less of a mandate than Dion who at lead tried to lead the Liberal party in the last election (Ignatieff wasn't presented as a leader of the Liberal party so he is again once removed from legitamitely suggesting that he lead any government).

Dick Varley
said

Most everyone tries to manipulate the latest election results to show how one party or another received or did not receive a majority of votes. No party had an overwhelming appeal to the voters of Canada. However, the difficulties in parliament rest squarely with the voters of Quebec. In recent times the majority of Quebecers have refused to vote for a federalist party. It is unfortunate, for constitutional reasons, that one province has so much power in our federation. Posters here who suggest that that any party running in a federal election should have candidates in are more than one province certainly reflect the mood of the rest of Canada. If regional representation is important then a revised elected Senate would be more appropriate.

Calm before the Storm !!!!!
said

Mr. Ignatieff is a playing this out with great wisdom. He knows he has all the power by giving Mr. Harper the responsiblity over his Christmas holidays to worry about the country. After yesterdays bailout proposal by the US government, he has a great deal to think about. I think the Conservatives have no choice but to save themselves by delivering Canadians and the auto workers their Christmas presents in the budget this January. Mr. Ignatieff is putting the squeeze on Mr. Harper. Don't kid yourselves Canada. All is fair in love and politics!!

Eric. Burlington
said

Mr. Ignatieff has, with subtleness,
declared his main goal is still to bring down the Government regardless of what is in the budget, possible by continuing with a coalition. Mr. Ignatieffe fails to understand or has conveniently forgotten, that MP's are voted into office to do the will of the people. After the coalition was formed, 62% of Canadians (the majority) voiced their preference for the present Government to stay in power and get on with the job of governing. Ignatieff is still spinning the Liberal lie that this is all about the economy. All intelligent Canadians know it's all about politicians having to get their noses out of the taxpayers trough. Carry on with you coalition, Mr. Ignatieff, it will be the Liberals downfall

Matt in New Glasgow, NS
said

"Mr. Ignatieff would do well to reflect on the fact that Canadians overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper."

Funny, I don't remember seeing Mr. Harper's name on the ballot when I voted. I didn't see Mr. Dion's or Mr. Layton's name there either. I did, however, take great pleasure in voting for Elizabeth May (and AGAINST Peter MacKay). Canadians vote for MP's, NOT party leaders. And I would hardly call what Harper won "overwhelming." His party got 38% of the vote. I would use the term "overwhelming" if he had got something like 90%, but less than 40% is NOT overwhelming. Getting 38% of the vote is NOT a mandate to force failed neo-conservative policies down our throats. Wake up Mr. Harper! Your Republican idols south of the border, and the neo-cons from Australia that you plagiarized just got the boot, and before long you will suffer the same fate.

Canadians elected a Parliament, and in order to be a legitimate government, you need to have the confidence of Parliament. Harper clearly does not have this confidence, yet has suspended Parliament to save his own job. It's a shame that many hard working Canadians will have to sacrifice their jobs at the altar of the Conservative Party, when those jobs could have been saved had we passed an economic stimulus package in time. Of course, Mr. Harper doesn't care that average Canadians are losing their jobs, so long as he gets to keep his.

tom from St. Thomas
said

I already like what I hear from Mr Ignatieff. I am concerned that Mr Harper is still talking the talk and not walking the walk. As we all know he said he would work with the opposition and then tried to gut them. As our current leader in our parliamentary system, it is his respondibility to work with all members of the house. As he does not hold the majority, the opposition does, he must work outside his comfort zone and be inclusive.

LG in Edmonton
said

Mr. Ignatieff is a man who is 'all things to all people'. His first speech as interim leader of the Liberal Party told us that. We should all rush out and vote for him in the next election. Especially when Canadians now 'get three for the price of one' - one Liberal, one NDP & one Bloc. I always thought I had to live in the belle province to cast a vote for the Bloc. Amazing! By the way, my comments are not astroturf. I am a real Canadian.

I'm a Canadian and I vote Conservative not Bloc.
said

The Harper bashers need to look at the numbers:

1) Canadians who voted voted supported the Tories COMPARED to any other party.
CPC=37%,
LPC=26%,
NDP=17%

Conservatives have the largest support of any voter group.

Those who spin the numbers for a coalition include SEPARATIST votes which in my Canada DONT COUNT as a CANADIAN vote.

Ian, Leduc
said

Ignatieff seems like a very sharp individual, and is going to give Canadians more to think about at the next election if he survives this political quagmire. I am not prepared to support a coallition party that was forged after the election, but I am realistic in my expectations, and it sounds like so it Ignatieff. The ball is in Harper's court, don't blow it.

Alanna,Saskatchewan
said

I was very happy to hear that Mr. Ignatieff is willing to listen. I watched a report on Mr Ignatieff last night on the news and learned a lot that I did not know about him. I respect what he saw and did but whether those experiences would make him a good leader that is something I am not sure about. I still firmly believe that the best person to get us through the tought road ahead of Canadians is Steven Harper.

Peter Rapsey
said

Mr. Ignatieff seems to understand that the reason God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth was to listen twice as hard and long as we talk. Mr. Harper should learn this. Harper reminds me of the bully in the school yard who backs down as soon as someone stands up to him. Harper and his henchmen need to back down on their tone because this more than anything will bode well for cooperation.

Peter, Haliburton
said

How refreshing. A minority government that is going to start behaving like a minority government?

Maybe we'll finally get the government we voted for in 2006 and again less than two months ago.

Let us hope so. If not we may find an Ignatieff led 2009 Liberal majority just what the nation needs.

Heather Branch
said

What kind of meaningful conversations can be had with a PM who gets Parliament prorogued during a huge economic crisis simply to save his own job, and then plans to appoint 18 Tory senators while Parliament is prorogued? A PM has the right to appoint senators. To do so during the prorogation of Parliament in these circumstances is the act of a PM who proves even further that he has no intention whatsoever of changing his bullying, partisan ways.

Tony - Kitchener
said

I suggest you look at the actual results from the October election. There was not "overwhelming" support of the conservatives. No party was given a majority. Canadians stated that we don't trust any one party to fix the problems that face Canada today.It is time for the Canadian people to start contacting their respective MP and tell them to get to work governing and stop this foolishness.

DoasIsay
said

Iggy should tell us what should be in the budget now if their budget plan is so great for Canada.

Nope..wait and complain.

Jan 27 will be another.."see the didn't do enough".

Follow us we have the plan...bet on it.

Zachary, Ottawa
said

I find Ignatieff's take refreshing; it makes the coalition seem as if it knows what it's doing, rather than just force themselves upon the masses, and it also makes Harper look far more ridiculous in his words and actions than before. I'm tired of Harper playing out on people's fears; we're not Americans with presedential terms of all-out unilateral control over the entire Country, we do our politics our way, and it should always be that, and should always respect Canadians as a whole and as a diversity.

PM
said

The prime-minister can only (reasonably) be held responsible for the actions HE takes, not all the stupid and dangerous things the opposition dreams up.

For his part, Harper quickly withdrew the prickly (albeit worthwhile) changes, which would have ended the whole mess... if the opposition was telling the truth, and wanted to work constructively.

I haven't seen anything different from Ignatieff as of yet... talking about bringing down an elected government, and taking the PMs office, without being elected as any sort of leader whatsoever !!

It may play well to the power-starved Liberal party, but the electorate will not be pleased.

Middle Man
said

I have been reading these comments since this whole thing began and I would like to make two points.
1. I understand that if you didn't vote for Harper the coalition seems like a good idea, however it took all three oposition parties to unite in order to topple the Harper miority. This means it was a pretty strong minority.
2. I would like to point out that you can have only voted for one person which means only for one party. A coaliton government is unstable at best. Do you honestly believe that the Liberal, Bloc, and NDP are going to be able to provide a stable unified government? The only reason this coalition was formed was to bring down Harper, which is completely democratic, however Harper dodged that bullet and now if any one of the other parties decides to side with Harper, the coalition dies.

The simple fact is this, the number of seats Harper had this time was more then last. Libral seats have continued to decline. During a financial crisis like we have today we need a strong majority government, and unless the new Liberal leader can prove himself worthy of the task eventually Harper will get his majority.

These consistant minorities hamper government and cost a lot of money. The goal of every governing party is going to be to govern with a majority, and there will continue to be elections until this happens.

NR
said

Hmmm I think I live in a different country than some of these people posting comments...I know I voted in Oct and I know I watched the returns and the next day, I read the paper and somehow I do not remember seeing or reading anywhere that Canadians had overwhelmingly elected Harper...I mean, if they had voted OVERWHELMINGLY, would we be going through all of this...Harper was not handed a majority was he? You know what, I am really tired of politicians in power using fears and lies to govern or try to govern...

Danny Dinosaur
said

In times of uncertainty, it is always good to follow fundamentals that are tried and true. One of these is that our political system is built on having healthy opposition and a diversity of ideas. That is a core fundamental that has made it work for many years.
Mr. Harper is fundamentally and personally opposed to this. He does not stand for it in his own party and has an unquestioned reputation for this. He is now attempting to do with the entire political system. Until he is willing to accept our political system which has been successfully built on freedom of speech and a requirement of opposing ideas, parliament will not function.
Would the Conservatives be more content if our elected opposition members sat still and did nothing? Obviously they would be, but as a voter, I do not want to see this happen. I also do not want to see a leader who is hell bent on destroying alternative ideas to his own. History has shown those people to be extremely dangerous at their worst and stifling at their best.

Reye Leduc
said

The fact is, that a majority of enfranchised Canadians (yes, those who decided to actively take a part in their country *before the stuff hit the fan) overwhelemingly voted for the Conservatives.
Playing mathematical semantics after the vote is sour grapes at its worst.

And I agree, the tail does not wag the dog. If you want to grab my vote, Mr. Ignatieff, follow the advice I've been given and now give to my kids: Be seen to be the person you say you want to see.

Edb
said

Wow, that's very big of the newly appointed prince with NO mandate from the people nor the political nerve to go to the polls.
Please send these frauds to the dustbin of history Mr PM.
The Liberal hangover has lingered in this country far too long.

Bryn
said

Wow, talk about a lot of incorrect comments. Firstly, Harper did NOT issue a budget YET. He has only issued some budget tightening, which the opposition used as an excuse for their coalition. It's documented that Jack & Gilles were planning the coalition before the last election even ended, so it has absolutely nothing to do with the "budget".

Secondly, Canadians did NOT vote for a coalition. Had the opposition MP's declared that they were going to form a coalition with the NDP and Bloc, I guarantee that there would have been a Conservative majority elected. I challenge ANYONE to name even a single MP who campaigned on the basis of forming a coalition with socialists and separatists!

True Lider
said

Mr Ignatieff is right, Harper can not work with others is on his being, he is more like a Dictator. I think that is the only place where he will shine with no opposition.
Harper Must Resign Immediately In the midst of an extreme economic crisis, Harper failed as a leader and deliberately created a major political and national unity crisis for his obsessive political partisan purposes, showing no leadership and consensus building skills, and no ability to rise above personal self interest. This is unforgivable and inexcusable. He failed this nation miserably, and must resign immediately.

Goldens
said

Iggy plans to listen but does he plan to co-operate and help the Government and people of Canada in this difficult times. Or does Iggy plan to be his arrogant, deceptive self. A minority government is not a good thing in an economic down turn.
John Wilson
Bridgetown NS

Jim Edmonton
said

63% of Canadians did not vote for Harper...he must learn to govern with a minority government, and reach out to the other parties to build bridges. If he is not he is gone. The ball is in Harper's court.! Try being a leader instead of a bully!

Peter in Edmonton
said

Paul said,
"55% of voters elected coalition MPs."

No one voted for a coalition. European coalitions are voted for as well so don't try that one.
People that keep saying 55-60% of the country voted *against* the conservatives are just playing a juvenile game. We could easily turn that around. 80+% of Canada voted *against* the Liberals by the same logic.

Please just stop. You'll only be crying when it happens to you. Considering the Conservatives were as close to a majority as you can get this coalition presents a precedence whereby any opposition party (and many will have more MP's than the Liberals have) can offer the Bloc a deal and get a coalition based on a vote of no-confidence over the PM's socks.

There have only ever been two coalition governments in Canada. One during the war, and the very first government assembly. World wide in the entire commonwealth there has never been an example of an un-elected Coalition gaining Government from a non-confidence vote over a budget they haven't seen yet. The examples that even come close involved civil war. So please stop telling us how 'democratic' it is. Closer to the truth you just figure you've found a way to not lose an election if you don't want to. But if this coalition goes through (instead of an election) you can count on every minority govt in the future being at risk. Including "yours".

I hope Harper and Iggy can work it out.

Andrew Northmore
said

I feel that too many Canadians spend more time paying attention to the American political system than the Canadian. While in the US you have a set election every 4 years that you just have to deal with the results of, that isn't how a Westminster Parliament works. It is the responsibility of the opposition to ensure that the government is working towards the best interest of Canadians and if they feel the government isn't doing this (and the government doesn't have a majority) it is their responsibility to come up with a more viable plan to run the country. After all, if you have a Minority government that means that the Majority of people voted for everybody else.

That being said, I'm glad that Ignatieff is willing to sit down with Harper before the budget vote to get things straightened out because the nonsense (from ALL parties) over the last month has been quite ridiculous.

Canadians overwhelmingly elected the Conservatives
said

Canadians overwhelmingly elected the Conservatives? Since when is 1/3 of the possible seats "overwhelming"?

Lissette
said

I'm sorry but I don't see Ignatieff as a good future leader. He certainly has an impressive resume and qualifications so much so that I don't think he can relate with the common Joe Blow Canadian. He has always being part of the "elite" as one newspaper put it so can he ralate to what is going on in a Canadian household? I doubt it. He doesn't inspire trust and by using his "big" elegant and well chosen words is not reaching me at all. I didn't like his "superman" attitude either when he says "Harper don't underestimate me" In my opinion this guy's ego is too big and may just trip him on his quest to power.

Ken
said

Changing a leader to head up a party and using a late night England celebertiy to Mr Ignatieff is just another way for the losers to try and overthrow an elected Goverment. Make it simple, have another election and we will all see the harper will be voted in again. Give the Canadian public this option and maybe just maybe the Lib, NDP, and BLOC could go have a seat in the corner where they belong and let a competent party run this country and get on with it. Mr harper for leader cut and dry , and I hope the other time wasting parties will get this into there heads.

Durward
said

No Mr.Ignatief the people never said we want the leaders to work together(were you elected leader of the Libs? I must have missed that vote), we said work with the PM or be wiped off the electorial map, big difference.
Your party and thier spend happy tax like crazy anti-democratic ideas were soundly rejected as was the ugly coalition(Liberal shame for a generation)
Want to make nice with the public? pay back the stolen tax dollars your party still owes us,give up the taxpayer funding and start acting like a democratic party instead of an eastern block socialist backwater old boy's club.

david, Montreal
said

I like the idea that Mike is willing to listen, lets see if Steve is willing to do the same.

James
said

Smart move already from Ignatieff. Sit down with Harper, be all smiles and nice and listen. I don;t think I would want to play poker or chess against Iggy. Harper is going to get his comeuppance and it will be a joy to see Iggy make Harper squirm.

Rene Lapierre
said

It troubles me that we do not have a francophone leader as we need someone to respond to the needs of Quebec.

Rick in Calgary
said

I am a Conservative supporter, and I have to say that I hope that Mr. Ignatieff is being honest with this statement. The Liberals and Conservatives have been running this country for as long as I can remember and in general both parties have brought about changes that in the long run have made Canada better. It is time that they join forces and put to rest the NDP and the Block, the two parties that have never and will never form a government. I rather have a Liberal Conservative coalition that would out law any party that does not run a candidate in every riding and bring public funding to zero over a 4 year span. These measures would insure that we have stable government in the future. As for alienating Quebec, they did this to themselves by voting selfishly for a party that only represents their needs, and they are treading on thin ice with the rest of Canada, especially Ontario who is having an extremely difficult time right now, but receives 300 million and Quebec receives 8.5 BILLION of the transfer payments and wants more.

Jeff Winters
said

Someone wrote: "Mr. Ignatieff would do well to reflect on the fact that Canadians overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper." It seems like a lot of people are buying whatever Mr.Harper is selling. Canadians did not overwhelmingly elect Mr.Harper. What did he get -38% of the vote? Factor in that barely more than half of elegible voters voted, and Mr.Harper was elected with approximately 20% support. With a minority government, a PM must work with the opposition. Mr.Harper can take full credit for this divisive parliament. It's good to hear that things may be getting back on track.

Moiya in Hamilton
said

It is amazing that people continue to say that Harper was elected with a majority. Canadians do not elect their Prime Minister; the leader of the party with the most seats becomes the Prime Minister. He or she serves only with the confidence of the majority of MP(s).

keir bernard
said

listening to harper is a good first step. trusting him or anything he says is another matter. Ignatief will not be pushed around by the bully of the hill and will do what is best for the country,including getting rid of this devisive pm and his pack. He will weigh his options and decide when it is the right time. I hope he has someone watching his back as he faces harper.

Ken in Yellowknife
said

" He told CTV's Mike Duffy Live on Wednesday that Harper must also ditch his "my way or the highway" style of government"
Oh my god ....and how have the liberals be conducting themselves for the last 30 years while in power.
Give me a break ! The canadian people elected Mr Harper and his party to run this country , give them a chance to do just that.

Jay
said

Lets hope that these 2 gentleman can sit down and have a mature discussion. We as a country don't need these schoolyard games to go on any longer.

MARK
said

Mr. Ignatieff is sounding like a good leader so far. He is demonstrating an ability to listen, and he is getting some house keeping done at the same time. He is denying the Conservative's the tools that devestated Dion. Confidence votes should be a tool of opposition, not the government. He is also taking the sting out of the attack ad phenomena, by confronting the Tories directly on the tactic. Looks good so far.

Glenn P.
said

Great another academic with no experience. Ignatieff says Canadians want a four party consortium running the country. I don't ever remember that message being sent. I don't want some back room politician in consort with socialists and seperatives having any say in the running of my country. And Ignatieff was not given a mandate by anyone to other than the usual Liberal cronies to set the Canadian political agenda.

Paul
said

55% of voters elected coalition MPs. Voters overwhelmingly rejected the conservatives. Harper needs to listen to those MPs, but he's pretty dense. If the queen would just quit interfering in Canadian politics (via the "GG") Harper would be out right now and we'd have a more democratic government.

Steve Tory
said

Wow, a refreshing politician that wants the government to work. Harper (AKA Bush Attack Ad follower) is only Prime Minister because the Liberals are self defeating. Now if parliment does not work you can blame Prime Minister Harper once again.

raf
said

The people have spoken,please Mr politician the world is in trouble dont waste our money,dont try to see who can pee further put all ur best ideas together and make the Canadian people proud thank you

Darlene in Halifax
said

Sounds good in theory - let's see if he delivers. Canadians don't really want another election or an appointed coalition - we want a government that works TOGETHER for OUR best interests, not theirs.

Robert White
said

The role of the Official Opposition has always been to suggest alternative policy, not to implement it. Respect for the electorate is paramount. There are times when a minority government should be defeated, and there are times when a coalition government is expected. Neither of these times is right after an election when a minority government is rewarded with more seats.

Robert
said

Good. I think Harper has escaped fault for this coalition when he is clearly to blame. He tried to push a horrible budget through because he figure the opposition wouldn't dare call an election. I don't like Ignatieff but he is doing the smart thing by challenging Harper to actually work with the opposition instead of muscling it.

Conservatives are a minority government, they can�t govern as the majority.

DB Cooper
said

I wish people would get their facts right. Canadians DID NOT overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper, a minority did.

If you think that a coalition is undemocratic, you need to study up on democracy. Not only is it democratic, it is legal, it is legitimate, it is something that Harper wanted to try in 2004 and it has happened in Canada in the past.

People need to get their facts straight and the Conservative MPS need to stop their fear mongering ways and stop telling blatant lies to Canadians. intelligent Canadians can see right through them.

Ed, Toronto
said

Well, if Iggy is being honest in what he's saying (a very big IF, especially for a Liberal), it would mark a major improvement in how we are governed. It's absurd that the party in power alone decides what to do and that the Opposition automatically opposes everything. It's phony. Rarely does the Opposition, after winning the next election, reverse the previous government's policies. Think GST, free trade, Michael Wilson's tax reforms and many others.

Imagine a budget co-presented and supported by at least the two biggest parties (ideally all parties), with full political credit - and blame - for its consequences. The Opposition should assist in running the country, not impede it.

Part of the problem or part of the solution??
said

We will soon see if this new opposition leader is not quite as 'trigger happy' as the last Liberal leader Dion who was more focused on political power than contributing to the business of government.

Mr. Ignatieff has an opportunity to show Canadians that all the opposition leaders are not hell bent on trying to thrust themselves into power against the will of the people who just defeated them.

The tail does not wag the dog...Mr. Ignatieff
said

Mr. Ignatieff would do well to reflect on the fact that Canadians overwhelmingly elected Mr. Harper.

The tail does not wag the dog and the Liberal party needs to learn that lesson if they are to go anywhere with the electorate.

LPC insiders continue to complain about the level of ongoing arrogance and entitlement. We the electorate see it also.