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Rae drops out; Ignatieff to be named Liberal leader
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Tue. Dec. 9 2008 10:44 PM ET
Michael Ignatieff's Liberal leadership ambitions were realized Tuesday when Bob Rae, his only remaining rival, gracefully backed out of the race.
Ignatieff, a former Harvard professor who switched to politics in 2005, saluted his old friend Rae for a long career in public life and also pledged to rebuild the Liberal party
"Bob Rae has dedicated his life to serving Canadians and I have always felt privileged to count him as a friend and colleague," said Ignatieff in a statement.
"I am grateful for his support and I look forward to continuing the work of rebuilding the Liberal party with him, and all Liberals, in the weeks and months ahead."
Ignatieff will now be tasked with uniting a fractured and cash-strapped party that sunk to historic lows under the leadership of Stephane Dion and was badly beaten in the October election.
The party also must be ready for a potential parliamentary showdown in the House of Commons, when the Tories introduce their budget on Jan. 27.
Rae's announcement, which marked a sudden reversal, means the Liberal party can avoid a long and potentially divisive leadership contest.
"I am not a candidate for the interim leadership, nor shall I pursue my candidacy for the party leadership at the Vancouver convention," Rae told reporters at an afternoon press conference.
Just 24 hours earlier, Rae said he wanted a democratic leadership process that involved grassroots liberals, not a coronation.
But on Tuesday, Rae said the circumstances on Parliament Hill required a different approach.
"I hope Liberals will understand what is happening," he said. "It's an unusual time. Nobody anticipated a fundamentally stupid economic statement."
The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois dismissed the Conservative government's fiscal update, saying it offered little help for Canada's economy and was designed to financially cripple their parties by slashing public funding.
Rae called the fiscal update "misleading, hopelessly partisan, and completely inadequate to the economic challenges of our time." He also said his decision to withdraw his leadership bid was influenced by:
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to suspend Parliament to avoid a vote of confidence and the approval of that decision by the Governor General.
- Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's announcement Monday that he would resign as soon as his successor was picked.
- The decision by the Liberal national executive to establish a consultation with selected groups before appointing an interim leader of the party.
"In these circumstances I believe that the Liberal Party of Canada requires a new leader to be in place before Parliament returns at the end of January," Rae said.
The Liberals want to have a new leader in place before the end of the year, so they can prepare for a possible showdown with the Tories in Parliament early next year.
If the Liberal-NDP coalition votes down the Tory budget, which will be tabled on Jan. 27, the Tories would be toppled and Canadians could get a new government or another election.
With Rae out of the race, Ignatieff is expected to be named interim leader next week. He will then be officially confirmed as Liberal leader at the party's convention next May.
"I offer him (Ignatieff) my full and my unqualified support," Rae said. "He has been a friend of mine and a colleague for more than 40 years. I call on my friends and my supporters to do exactly as I am doing today."
Rae had wanted all Liberal members to vote on the leadership. But the party's national executive decided they would have a vote that only included MPs, senators, riding association presidents, club presidents, and defeated candidates. They also decided it would be on Dec. 17 - not enough time for Rae to organize a significant challenge to Ignatieff, who already had the support of support.
"I learned how to count a while ago," Rae joked on CTV's Mike Duffy Live. "I drew a conclusion that said it was time to pack it in."
CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife first reported earlier Tuesday that Rae had told a close group of his supporters in a morning conference call that he was ending his bid for the Liberal leadership.
Liberal Sen. Céline Hervieux-Payette, who participated in the conference call, was reportedly furious over the process by which Ignatieff will take power, Fife said.
"This will destroy the Liberal Party, I'm devastated by what this will do to the party, they don't understand anything about democracy," she said, according to notes obtained by Fife.
Rae told his supporters he would handle the decision with dignity, and would fully back his old friend, Ignatieff -- someone he has known for more than four decades.
"He happens to be somebody I grew up with and i know very well, so I have a lot of confidence in Michael," Rae told Mike Duffy Live.
He also dismissed the idea that he would be bitter and angry about losing his chance to lead the party.
"The leadership is done. That's an ambition I had and I've set aside. You just have to learn how to do that," he said.
Then he added: "It happens in life. And I think I have a lot of support in the party, and friends and supporters in the country, and I'm going to continue to be active in public life."
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Mike Duffy Live - Tuesday, Dec. 9
Liberals are uniting behind Michael Ignatieff, but some feel the coronation will send the party in the wrong direction.
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I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
Comments are now closed for this story
Mario (Mario Novati)
said
NO ! The choice of a new leader MUST be choosed by all members. This can be done by electronic ways, by voting, by telephone, by emails, etc. but MUST be choosed by all members. This will not cost more and will be more democratic.
Alanna, Saskatchewan
said
Lia
said
Scot
said
Saskwatch.
said
Old Joe
said
AL
said
Joe MacPherson
said
Bryan Cassidy
said
Stuart
said
Kudos to Rae and others for placing the good of the nation ahead of the good of their careers. If only Paul Martin had been guided by the same impulses, we would not be in the sorry state we are today.
Nancy - No One wants the Job - a weak team
said
It just goes to show what a weak team the Liberals have.
Steve H.
said
ex-Canadian
said
Jim - Our country was taken over by Bush tactics
said
james
said
lulu
said
This is the same man that broke his own fixed election promise in order try to get a majority government which he did not.
This is a man that handed out pamphlets on how to disrupt parliament. This was a man that for every controversial motion he wanted passed, bullied the opposition with a confidence threat.
Then, after calling the election on the grounds that parliament was dysfunctional ( gee I wonder how that happened), and stated that we needed a majority in order to effectively govern through these tough economic times (but hey! Its a great time to buy for 1% of the population) would present now economic platform until one week ahead of the actual election.
from then, he seemed to play nice but his true colours showed when he again played partisan politics at a time when the country needed their government to be responsible.
As a result, the other parties had enough and called his bluff. Did they take it one step too far? maybe but if you keep crying wolf, the wolves will come eventually for you.
And finally, the lies that he's told to the public on live tv for his propoganda agenda. the flag was behind the three leaders, the liberals were not in a coalition with the bloc but the bloc did support it and if anything, what has happened in the last few weeks, while not pretty is democratic.
the fact of the matter is that Stephen Harper has to go. I have no respect for a man that has to run to his mama to escape justice.
Susan - Sad day for Canada
said
What a phoney the new leader is.
We can not trust some one who came to power without a leadership process to defend our democracy.
Chris in Ontariariari-oh!
said
Erwin
said
Davey boy
said
Mark from Cobourg
said
Père Noël
said
bring on the election
said
WDR Stonety Creek
said
jim
said
Totally Disgusted
said
What a freakin' farce this LPC is. I'm tearing up my membership card. I'm tired of these guys never being able to do anything right for years now. This is disgrace. Better to work within the Tories for change than this band of power trippers.
Cindy from Toronto
said
DW B
said
They are now an urban rump from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and losing that rapidly to the NDP who do stand for something, even though its ideology is rejected by the vast majority of Canadians.
Ben (Ottawa)
said
carl
said
This is nothing more than the old Mulroney conservatives hijacking the Liberal party.Sad.
Looks like the NDP will have to find room for a huge # of new members
Jim in Edmonton
said
A Guenther
said
I feel sad that citizens of this country neither know, nor care to know, the laws of government, nor do they abide by them. This is as much true for the Liberal party.
I feel sad for the fact that the duties and the responsibilities of the governor general have been compromised. Our last bastion of Canadian democracy has disintegrated.
I feel sad that people look south across the border and wish that we voted just like them. This is not the Canada I grew up in.
This whole situation reeks of corruption and greed. We are no longer what we were. There is no longer anything to be proud of.
edCP
said
Once again the Liberals have proven they are not about governing, they are about power and power alone! Very few of them give a damn about Canadians.
James Albers
said
Brad from Waverley
said
Probably best that Mr. Rae steps down....his destruction of Ontario's economy almost 20 years ago has taken this long to fix....just imagine if he did that to the whole country?
Spending yourself rich only works for Scrooge McDuck.
Duane Oshawa
said
Sure like to know what that one cost, can you imagine more Rae days!!!
Kris, Ryerson University, Toronto
said
Matty
said
Mr. Rae has finally seen the light and is now realising that they will not let an NDPer take the reins of the liberal party. I could have told him that and I don't belong to the liberal party. It must just crush them when reality sets in. Mr. Ignatieff will feel the crush of defeat once he pulls the plug in January if he still has the Nads to do it.
John
said
JF
said
Anyhow feel bad for Mr. Dion.. he was never PM material (have to blame that moron Kennedy for his endorsement at the last convention) but he never deserved to be treated that badly by Canadians.. shows a negative, American political style lack of class I guess. In the end Canadians will get the politics it deserves!
G. Gravelle
said
Roger
said
They use American style backroom deals to try to steal government
They use American style attack Rallies to try to divert attention away from the power grab they are attempting
They use American style backroom deals to choose a leader
They Choose a defacto American as their leader...
What a bunch of Hypocrites... plain and simple
Andre
said
This shows how much Liberals care about Canadians!!!!
Dale - Edmonton
said
A vote could have been held very quickly - this is the age of the internet after all, it could have been organized in time to have a new leader in place by the time the house resumes sitting in late January. These guys are pathetic, undemocratic, power hungry fools.
Western Patriot KC
said
Don J
said
Don J
said
BMN
said
Few people on messageboards and forums seem aware of how much Harper has disillusioned those within his own party. The reason they don't know is because the Liberals have been scrambling to replace Dion and that's made for a more interesting story.
Even if the coalition falls apart, the Liberals can now focus their talons back on Harper and-- contrary to how it may now appear-- Harper's largely thrived on inept opposition rather than his own acumen. Brian Mulroney (yes, THAT Brian Mulroney) would have won a majority government by now. Harper's had THREE cracks at a self-bickering Liberal Party with 2 or 3 other parties to siphen votes off from them and he *still* hasn't been able to get it done.
But this failure isn't discussed because the Liberal mess has been far more entertaining. Whether or not the resolution is just, if the mess goes away, Harper's mess becomes the story.
Peter Medicine Hat
said
Mark in Hamilton
said
Michael in TO
said
Dave in Victoria
said
Pat
said
PrairieDog
said
Mary
said
Pip
said
And Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia!
Long live Double Think! All Praise to BB! Double-Plus Good!
Robert in Toronto
said
At which point, we may as well drop the Queen, make Harper President for Life and be done with it.
At least then we can apply for 'third world nation' status and get financial aid from the U.S.
Paul in Victoria
said
Bob, thank you for having hope in Canada, someday we will find our way again and become a truly great Country thanks to your selfless contribution.
Hopefully you have an important role to play in the New Progressive Liberal Party of Canada.
Gail (Hamilton)
said
Don Ontario
said
Nick in Sudbury
said
When will they reveal their economic plan to correct the recession? They keep telling us that the Coservatives have no plan. What is the Liberal plan? Please, anybody from the Liberal party give us some specifics.
The Liberals must think Canadians are really stupid.....fix the problems in your backyard before you try and fix the problems of a Nation.
Steve the Pundit
said
This is a Conservative attack ad that just writes itself.
Michael in Canmore
said
I actually preferred Stephane Dion over all the other candidates/and party leaders as he is simply the most honest of them all and genuinely had the interest of ALL Canadians in mind.
That said, I think it was the correct move for Dion to step down and for the Liberal party to be ready for anymore political "middle-fingering" by this disingenuous Conservative Party leader at the expense of Canadians who need the federal government's help!
It shows that the Liberals are learning to be more efficient both in terms of the time and party funds saved in finding their next leader.
Canadians would rather have a party like that involved in governing our country/finances than Harper who seems to be too busy trying to destroy democracy to notice he's playing in political quicksand.
Dole
said
Keith in Trenton
said
Well it just doesn't happen like that!
This is Canada; it's a Constitutional Monarchy. That means the Liberal party leadership has already decide who is going to be king. Is anyone surprised? If you are: wake up and have a coffee.
Parliament suspended --> state of crisis.
said
Canada needs a viable alternative to the despot Harper immediately before he destroys the country.
Davey boy
said
Hopeful in Canada
said
Rae, like Dion, sacrificing personal ambitions
said
Canadians salute you, gentlemen.
Clare
said
M from Calgary
said
Lucky_Eddie
said
Pete from BC
said
Now the Liberals might have a chance to lead this country again.
LindaL
said
Eleanor McIntosh
said
Mary
said
correctly, does this mean that if a coalition non-confidence vote-down on the budget is successful in January, and Mr. Ignatieff serves as interim leader and Prime Minister, that someone else again besides Mr. Ignatieff that Canadians have not voted for will be slipped in as Prime Minister in the spring? Or will they run Mr. Ignatieff as both interim leader now and again as potential Liberal party leader again in in May/2009, and just try and slip that by everyone by rewriting their own constitution Bush-style to suit their convenience? I hope someone that understands the legality of how this works will clear this up for me.
Bruce Trainor
said
Doug in Carleton Place
said
Rae is his good friend and realized that this was the best move for the party.
Ignatieff will bring the Liberal Party back to centre.
Ignatieff does not want a Coalition. He wants to force Harper to bring down a good budget for Canada. He prefers the Conservatives to remain in power. We are going through difficult economic times and the government in power is going to pay the price.
Ignatieff is a born leader and an excellent negotiator. He will be the glue that holds this minority conservative government together and in power.
Please Harper do not shoot yourself in the foot again.
Please Harper work together with the opposition.
Canadians realize another election now would not produce much change and a Coalition would be shaky.
Canadians will learn how Ignatieff will lead the Liberals over the next 18 months. Then it will be the Liberals chance.
Mykey, The Lakehead
said
Patrick
said
No one in their right mind that lived in Ontario during the Premier Rae era would give this guy ANY power.
At least someone in the Liberal party was able to convince Mr. Rae that he would kill their party (in the public's eyes) if he won the race.
Stewart
said
The MPs and Senators can only chose an interim leader without consulting the party members. A permanent leader must be chosen at a convention, duly voted in my party members.
So, Alanna in Saskatchewan, they are, in fact, appointing an interim leader in a proper fashion. I believe it is you with the uniformed opinion who cannot be trusted.
MR from Mississauga
said
Abby
said
Cambob
said
DoasIsay
said
Joel
said
Bill R - North Vancouver
said
Steve
said
Dayton
said
Jeff S.
said
And with that, the Liberals continue to demonstrate their core of corruption and entitlement to power at any cost.
Carl Johnson
said
Kathy
said
Scott in Halifax
said
liz ottawa
said
Carole, Saskatoon
said
Mr. Ignatieff has yet to be installed as the leader of the Liberal party and already people have a lot to say about his personal qualities and professional qualifications. How many of you are personally acquainted with him? Many of you are condemning this man for who he is, not for what he has or has not done for his country. He has yet to perform as a leader of his chosen party. Give him a chance.
I wish those posters who are referring to Mr. Ignatieff as “Iggy” would discontinue that practice. Iggy was the name of my grandfather’s budgie, who could speak. His speech was repetitive and incessant, much the same as some of these postings. Unlike Mr. Ignatieff, Iggy did not have an engaging smile nor could he engage in an intelligent or meaningful conversation but Grandad loved him anyway. After all, when you are ‘family’ you must accept the good with the bad. To those who have ears (or eyes, in this case), let them hear (see).
VNJ
said
With nobody challenging Ignatieff now, Fife said the Liberals will likely name the Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP as interim leader through a formal ratification process next week.
Then, at the Liberal convention in May, Ignatieff will be officially become the party's leader.
So the convention will actually just be the coronation of King Iggy, no one will be running against him.
Not that I care...I wouldn't vote for Rae (the worse Premier that Ontario ever had), or for the border crossing Iggy.
Bill
said
Liberal leader and all the Liberal stunts, back room maneuvering and flirting with socialists and separatists. My guess is Liberals are not yet ready to govern and Canada is not ready to let them.
Alex Nelson
said
Andrea
said
Will the budget fall?
The straw that breaks the Liberal Party
said
Standing up for principles such as democracy. Our troops are oversea now setting that example. Its a poor reflection on Canada and the Liberal if politicians trample on these principles so they can be Prime Minister on Jan 28th, 2008.
Do the right thing ask your members to participate and then face the conservatives as a united team knowing that you walk the talk and that you have raised the bar by leading by example.
We need statesmen not more self serving politicains Michael. Its that 3am phone call for you, what are you going to do.
Dave in Cold Lake
said
Gary Serfas - Whistler, BC
said
Nik, Oakville
said
nc
said
Next move is to have another election. The conservative govt. will be defeated next year and force an election. I do not think Iggy is too warm to this coalition routine.
The NDP they should consider a new leader. Mr. Layton he is more sizzle than substance.
Mr. Harper he is not truly worthy of being our PM. But he is in charge. The conservatives should consider a new leader.
Three Cheers for Iggy!
said
ASpenc
said
In my estimation, anyone who votes Liberal in the next elections have a series of serious health problems all related to one another.
1.Selective Amnesia,they have no recollection of the history of the Liberal party since before adscam. 2. Dementia, as in the complete inability to reason logically to a conclusion, based on clear evidence of the corruption and disarray of the LPC. 3 Colour Blindness, they see everything in Red and thus cannot make sense of any reality beyond their rose tinted world. 4. A deep neurotic hatred of Harper that compounds all these other disorders. 5. Deafness, in that they cannot hear the contradictory statements that have issued from the mouths of their top brass in the last three weeks. 5. Finally, they have been dumbstruck, since they cannot seem to voice their displeasure at the antics of this party.
So, it is beyond me to rationally comprehend how anyone can vote Liberal in the next election, no matter who you have traditionally supported.
Carleen, Calgary
said
If we are forced to the polls in February (which seems inevitable) does anyone else know if the "Coalition" must form a legit party? Can they run as a Coalition?
Thanks!
Andrew Christensen
said
I sincerely hope Ignatieff has what it takes to be leader. We need to rebuild our party first, concentrate on fundraising and building grassroots support in all regions of the country. No more delusions of taking power undtil we get our own house in order and strengthen our brand to where it once was.
Patricia
said
Shamaro
said
After living through the Rae years as him as our Premiere, I can't forget all the damage he has done to the province of Ontario.
Not only that, but he is just way to left of center for me and frankly, that is a rememdy for disaster if he were to become Prime Minister.
All that said, I still wish the Liberals were a little more democratic about how they bring in their new leader or leaders. But really, who else is there in the party that could actually lead them to the promised land?
I'm afraid that the Liberals dont' really have any true leader amongst their ranks, unless John Manley comes back and takes over the party.
Mel, Qc
said
Don't assume Canadians are like you Ignatieff !!
said
Don't come looking to this Canadian for support Mr.Ignatieff because you won't get any.
Throughly disgusted with this LPC circus act.
Michel (Ottawa)
said
Allan Eizinas
said
It will be interesting to see how the NDP and the Bloc, the two other members of the recent “Coalition” will react.
Will they coalesce, congeal or capitulate?
“Only in Canada? Pity!”
Hagios
said
In fact the LPC policies are not those shared in common with Canadians.
Their policy of "power at any cost" is not the way to go for those with ears to hear and eyes to see.
John E
said
Caldue Michaud
said
Just watch them suck the blood out of the Canadian economy/tax payers.
Claude
Edmonton
Bob in Markham
said
A Western Federalist
said
PhilipHauser
said
Funny Harper is the guy who they say doesn't know what he is doing and yet the Liberals have panicked themselves into a coalition, stabbed a leader in the back who had already a dozen daggars in his chest. NOw they have panicked themselves into another leader, will likely have an attack from the leftists who want to join the Dippers.
Hmmmmmmmmm, no french leader to keep Montreal happy, nothing for anyone west of Toronto. Iggy will make Harper look sympathetic to eastern Canada's woes.
Maybe Liberals score well amongst kicked dogs?
I don't get it. To avoid the crisis we are in now they just had to work with the Conservatives and oppose where it was necessary only to wait six months longer for St. Michael to be cannonized.
What the heck did this last two weeks gain them?
Respectablity?
Honour?
Popular Support?
No none of those are as high as they were two weeks ago.
Clearly what it gained them is a new prescription for their meds because the anxiety was entirely self-created.
I can see the next election ads. "Vote for us we were smart enough not to elect Bob Rae our leader"
Les in BC
said
Roger
said
The Liberals contend that their recent actions including the disastrous coalition attempt is all the fault of Harper.
Typical Liberal, “its not my fault the devil made me do it”
Liberals sign agreement with Layton and Duceppe –Harper forced them into signing and forming this separatist coalition - its all his fault???
Coalition lead by Dion say it’s a constitutional crisis of Harpers making, he forced us into signing this coalition agreement, he forced us to take measures that bring about a constitutional crisis, he forced us to try to take over the government – its all Harpers fault he made us do all these things???
Liberals say we are doing this for the good of Canada because Harper forced us to create all this uncertainty. We want Dion to lead this coalition because we are better managers of the economy and government. Wait a minute, we don’t want Dion as leader, its all Harpers fault, we are doing this because we don’t have confidence in Harper, we need a new Liberal leader, its all Harpers fault?? Wait a minute, what Harper did is undemocratic by suspending parliament, we now need a new Liberal leader immediately, we need to install a new leader without the consensus or democratic election from our Liberal party supporters, its all Harpers fault??? Wait a minute, we still want to have an undemocratically elected party “The Coalition” to run the country for the good of Canada with our undemocratically elected leader, don’t worry this is good for Canada, and its all Harpers fault??? The country is now also facing a unity crisis, its all Harpers fault, if he hadn’t forced us into signing an agreement with the separatist Bloc this never would have happened, we wouldn’t have signed and there wouldn’t be a unit crisis – its all his fault we did all these things???
Is this leadership, is this what Liberals call taking responsibility for the betterment of all Canadians, they seriously wanted to govern with a rag tag leaderless group, claiming its good for Canada?????.
Good night and good luck!!!!
Damon
said
Being against Bush and the Republican policies is not the same thing as being anti-American, implying it is the same thing is quite ignorant.
Ignatieff was picked fair and square as leader by being the LAST MAN STANDING, that's so simple a concept even school yard kids understand it. Also, he lived in England for quite a while working at Oxford University but he ONLY lived in the USA for FIVE years. Questioning his loyalty to Canada or calling him a "defacto American" over living there for 5 years is truly reprehensible.
Elizabeth
said
Hey everybody - chill out! Iggy is just an interim leader until the May convention. Nobody is crowning him King.
Harper brought all of this on due to lack of leadership. All he had to do was apologize for his tactical error but it isn't in him to do so - he is a Bully, not a statesman. Three minority governments. Most parties would ask their leader to step down but there is no one in the Cons party. Conservative MP's aren't allowed to speak; thus never mature.
Jim Prentice is the only MP who is articulate and has "class". Hopefully he will do something about climate change and listen to the rest of the world who are moving on the issue. 850 U.S. mayors have signed on to Kyoto and Obama has sent people to the conference in Poland this week. No mention of this important conference in Canadian media. Too occupied with the "nonsense" in Ottawa.
Steve G
said
VIP
said
Damon
said
He was born in 1947 and spent FIVE years in the United States, half his life? Someone needs to back to math class or at a minimum look up facts for the next time.
Dale Wilson - Alberta
said
vicki
said
Jo-Anne Moore
said
Gerrry M.
said
Shawn
said
Jo-Anne Petiquan Wabauskang First Nation
said
A Yaworski
said
No one is fooled, only you folks.
I have to give Harper credit, he's shown his true colors, effectively bullied the schoolyard to the point of having it stand up to him and helped the Liberals get rid of a big mistake, Stephane Dion as their Leader.
I'm sure Conservative cheerleaders are nervous as they saw their hope of a majority shrink yet again and thank God!
The Liberals do have rebuilding ahead of them, but at least they don't need to merge with a fringe party to do it...
Granted, he must live up to the scrutiny of the membership and will be closely watched over the next few months, but I am confident he is up to the task.
It is also very satisfying to see the leadership candidates rally behind one leader. The most damaging thing the party ever faced was the infighting that essentially crippled them after Cretien left.
Tory supporters need to be careful about going off on "backroom deals" ever since the Block released the Coalition agreement the Tories had with them during the Martin years. The coalition that would have made the Bloc an "actual" participating member of THAT coalition!!
Mathew, Montreal
said
Just as important, he's well aware of the failures of this Conservative government. Aware of the 200K manufacturing jobs that have been lost with no economic plan in sight to remedy that. Aware of the decline in Canadian productivity that's unprecedented. And aware that Harper has no plan to get us out of the oncoming recession, aside from making it cheaper to be a multinational corporation.
He knows - like the rest of us - that it's essential to have a Leader and a unified Liberal party to have any hope of taking down the Harper Conservatives, and he's shown today that he is truly committed to getting that done.
Steve
said
Jay, Ottawa
said
According to Wikipedia, "He lived in the United States from 2000 to 2005; there, he was director of Harvard's Carr Center for Human Rights Policy."
So if he lived half his life in the US that would make him 10 years old. Now at 10, is he the youngest party leader ever?
Mark Woiceshyn
said
Thus the quick decisions to get into and out of bed with the Seperatists, NDP and Green Party. They are a pack of dogs in a Park chasing the odours coming from each others uncontrollable dirty waging tails.
duck
said
I will renew my membership in the Liberal Party. We now have a alternative to Harper.
Old Guy
said
This is the guy who will now go back on his word?
He has tried all along to be "just a little bit pregnant".
Sorry, not a leader.
bunny
said
Patrick Wilson
said
The last thing Canada needs are the Newlibs and the Block trying to cobble together an unworkable rump government. What we do need are the best minds working in tandum to get us through a truly historic economic melt down.
Scott
said
And the coalition idea...what a joke!
Ray from the East
said
Peter in Edmonton
said
Do liberals just make it all up as they go along and ignore reality all together? The Conservatives *gained* seats last election, not lost them. What's teh name of the imaginary world you live in where that constitutes a 'shrinking' hope of a majority?
Don't go changing on us. Your inevitable falling for propaganda and inability or unwillingness to inform yourself on the current state of reality is why the Liberals are going nowhere.
ex-lib
said
DV Edmonton
said
Kathy
said
Bob in Halifax
said
Stephan Logan
said
This arrogant academic has been living in the US for the last 30 years, what the hell does he know about Canadian values.
Just like the rest of the liberal party...not much !!!
Paul Mann
said
Darlene Thompson
said
This is such good news for all Canadians.
Ryan Short
said
I voted for the conservatives during the last election because of my distrust of the liberals and the fact that they so often seem to be out of touch with ordinary canadians. I beleive they have taken the canadian voter for granted for too long. Not only have they entered into an embarrassing coalition, in an effort to remove from power; a government that they believe to be responsible for the economic downturn in this country. They also have done away with democracy in their own party...in order to provide a leader? more appealing to a broader range of canadians. It seems to me that the liberals are grasping at straws.
I look at the world economy as the reason Canada's economy is suffering, not the feds! As for the liberals being able to change our economy in an instant, why then haven't they worked that magic in their own party instead of being on the edge of bankruptcy? If this coalition comes to power, I am afraid we will see the federal debt rise and the economy worsen while friends of the coalition get rich. In the past federal elections I have voted for who I thought was the best man with the best policies. In all future federal elections I will vote conservative in spite of the liberals and the new democrates. It is a sad time for canadian politics.
Jimmy
said
Harper knows this. The opposition wants you to believe Harper is instructing the band to play as the ship goes down. Liberal fear mongering hogwash. We elected Harper and until he tables a budget that is struck down, suck it up. Politics arent pretty and parties who arent in power, will say anything, do anything and partner with anyone (even separatists) to get back in the drivers seat. Even if the Bloc has the final say if there is even gas in the tank to drive the Canadian economy.
Fitzz
said
There is something incredibly fishy in all this. I'd be waiting for the other shoe to drop and counting all my fingers on both my hands to see if I still had ten if I'd ever shaken hands with Bob Rae.
Alarm! Alarm! Alarm!
Roger - WIkepedia???? oh come on
said
How about the Globe and Mail article on him from today which states, and I quote:
"Mr. Ignatieff, until he returned home 12 months ago, had last lived in Canada in 1978 and only then for a brief two years. He is the celebrity Canadians know only from a distance."
Talk about spreading lies... you can't cover over the fact he is "hardly" a Canadian in anything but passport... I prefer someone who actually LIVED here most of their life.. I don't care if they travel, but they should be living and paying taxes here so they actually have a feel for OUR way of doing things.
MHB
said
David
said
"It's too bad Canadians are not ready for a truly enlightened, amazing person to lead us over the next decade." So where were you living when Bob ran Ont. into the ground as an NDper in the 80's trying to spend his way out of a recession? The citizens of that province are still trying to pay down that debt! This country cannot afford someone so enlightened and amazing!
PrairieDog
said
Now look up how long he lived in England. It all adds up to 27 years. That is close enough to half his life for me.
No honour amongst the Liberals at all.
Tony
said
Diane M.
said
John
said
What nonsense. I suppose you are not supporting a bail-out of the auto industry then? I agree. Do not spend money on a industry that cannot support itself.
And to all the eastern and BC enviromentalists, demand (cars) drives production (energy). Always has and always will. Thus, the liberal "Green Shift" should be carbon taxing demand, not supply. Thus taxation of the auto user clearly makes most sense from an enviroment stand point. Carbon Taxing an energy producer will do nothing except chase investment from Canada. Harper, being an economist, knows this. Unlike him, i'm not scared to tell Green Shift Liberals that they're insane and have it ass-backwards.
In addition to the liberalites and harper bashers on economy, a swiss liberal think-tank and the IMF released seperate and independent facts trumpeting Canada's economy #1 of the 23 most developed nations on earth. Don J, please reply.
John S.
said
RJ Western Boy
said
A Voice From Ottawa
said
Adrian from BC
said
We now know what the "natural governing party" of Canada is all about: POWER at any cost attained through any means possible.
Guess again if Westerners will even think of supporting some guy who sat in an ivory tower in Boston for the past thirty years!
DC
said
Or maybe someday we'll change our system so the people of Canada decide who the leader of our country is.
C
said
And why, oh why, are we replacing one professor with another one. Did the lesson get lost?
I think we all respect that Iggy is an intelligent man. But seriously, he is the only guy in Canada who makes Stephen Harper look like a warm and fuzzy man by comparison. How are Canadians going to react to a guy, who after 30 years, came back to Canada on Monday, and wanted to become PM on Tuesday?
Canadians deserve better from the Liberal party than elite driven leadership selections that are done through default.
Brett (Vancouver)
said
"So, Alanna in Saskatchewan, they are, in fact, appointing an interim leader in a proper fashion. I believe it is you with the uniformed opinion who cannot be trusted."
*********************************
That is partially true Stewart. However, the Liberal constitution clearly states that an interim leader cannot run for leadership.
The Liberals will usurp their own constitution in May as their intentions are to have Ignatief as leader.
They don't honor their own constitution, how can we trust them with Canada's?
The Liberals have already signed a document that would hand over power to the separatists.
They have gunned so hard for power that they are delusional. Can you not see who the true 'Dictator' is?
Liberal's, you don't need to defend everything your party does. Nor take everything they say as doctrine.
We all know this is not democracy, so speak out against it.
Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)
said
Now, with Ignatieff installed, I urge everyone to actually investigate his views -- you'll find his published and often asserted views are rather closer to Republican than any liberalism ever imagined. It may finally shake the mistaken view the CPC is similar to US Republicans (they are closer to Democrats, who are still far right of our CPC).
As for how long he spent out of the country, it was probably longer than 30 years. His father was a diplomat and travelled a lot with the family for most of Ignatieff's youth. As far as I can ascertain, he wea educated in high school in Canada. beyond that, his entire adult life was essentially spent outside the country, mostlyin the UK. Good luck selling him as Canadian, given the reality -- but next to his widely published views, that won't even be a blip on the radar.
Ignatieff cannot possibly represent Canada...
said
Mr. Ignatieff left Canada in 1978 and returned to live here full-time in 2005.
Seeing as he was born in 1947, that means he was, in fact, a non-resident of this country for nearly half his life.
Nobody who turns their back on their country for much of their life and returns only within the past few years will gain the trust of the majority of Canadians.
Proud Canadians certainly won't vote for him.
It amazes me that the liberals are so blatently out of touch with the voting public that they wouldn't know that this fact alone will tip the next election in Harper's favour, likely giving him a majority now that the liberals and NDP have enraged many with their coalition power-grab plans.
I am by no means a conservative, but in good conscience I will not vote for a man who has not lived and breathed Canada for much of the last quarter-century.
Frank
said
Governor Palin with respect our present government under leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his team has recently signed 2,700 kilometre pipeline project, which will boost USA - Canadian domestic energy supply. There will be over 600 jobs created on both side of the border.
Frank , Oakville, ON
Oil Country
said
CONSERVATIVES IN PANIC??
said
lowell
said
I understand that the party executive did or are in the process of consulting with riding presidents and party members so it is providing some kind of democratic framework albeit possibly an unorthodox one since leaders are usually selected at party conventions. Unfortunately, at this juncture, they really have been forced to make extraordinary decisions regarding the leadership to deal with ongoing conservative machinations. The one not to be trusted in this case is Harper and the Conservatives.
A Yaworski
said
The Conservatives gained only because Dion was un-intelligible in English Canada and was too stubborn to accept the reality that ridiculous energy prices were doing the job of his proposed carbon tax. Nothing that Harper and the Tories did with their "non-platform".
The reality is that the Libs move up in polling among Canadians under Ignatieff. Now couple that with the insults thrown at Quebecers by the Tories last week essentially burns that bridge of electoral support for the them as well (Quebec has a long memory for these things). THAT sir is the shrinking hope of any Conservative majority.
Peter:"Don't go changing on us. Your inevitable falling for propaganda and inability or unwillingness to inform yourself on the current state of reality is why the Liberals are going nowhere."
Sir, I live in the real world and my world is Canada. You see Conservatives believe in the effectiveness of propoganda, I believe in the effectiveness of facts and real data.
Try it sometime...
Atlantic Smitty
said
Chris - Manitoba
said
A true Canadian?? A true Liberal?? I think not..
DON'T VOTE
said
Doug
said
Matt
said
Still remember the huge billboards all over Toronto with Bob's smiling face and a big thumbs up.
Yeah Bob you showed them what real leadership was all about, bull doze good policies and replace them with incredibly unpopular ones. Lead you party to a huge defeat, the likes of which the NDP have never really recovered from....
yup Bob you'll be missed in the Liberal party....you would have made an outstanding leader....
Becky Calgary AB
said
When might we anticipate they will all start working on the economy issues, housing etc. When will be mps ever earn the high salaries they get for infighting.
Disgusted - may never vote again
jake Castlegar
said
CYL
said
MJ Edmonton
said
Charles
said
But don't you just have to love these grassroots Liberals, squealing, because their vote is being sidestepped by a coup. Just what they recently tried with a few million other Canadians
bob in winnipeg
said
"Bob Rae joins BQ and runs for leadership"
"Iggy nominates John Charest as Liberal interim leader, saying "at least he has won the popular vote" "
"Liberal executive suggests party go to one man-one vote system, but voted down by 77 liberal members of parliament, who say "we don't want to set a new precedent" "
"Harper suggests the 30 Liberals who wish to cross the floor and sit as conservatives seek mandate from their ridings first"
well, maybe not...
" "Let em sit with us", Harper says in welcoming disaffected grits."
Tom, Ontario
said
Now we have Harper but there is little difference although Mulroney at least had more class. We will sorely regret what he and Mike Harris's finance minister do. Throughout our history only a Conservative PM can suck and blow the US in a quality way. Next time I hope the youth get out and vote. It's their future. What Harper needs is a sign over his door with that most famous line in literature. 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here'
J157
said
Mr. Limerick
said
And with Jack he'll refuse to get 'jiggy',
If he can't have it all, an election he'll call,
For the "Libs" are power-play piggies.
That expression you see on his face,
Sincere? Not even a trace..
That look on his mug, some say it is smug,
While most will call it a disgrace
But wait, what's just happened here?
A leader anointed by fear?
He was not voted in, by the members within
So will this end his career?
"I doubt it" says I with a grin,
The Liberals will give it a spin,
A crisis averted, by methods perverted
Oh the will of the party to win!
Are we so gullible and blind?
Not to see, not to hear, not to find?
Such a desperate crew, with a leader anew,
Who want to 'roger' us all from behind?
Lib-logic? It's an unusual carrot.
So enjoy this political ferret.
It's tough to slow down, this collection clowns
So hang on, just grin and just bear it.
John - Vancouver
said
Norm
said
Forgive my cynicism but in terms of the Liberals it's not the economy stupid, it's stupid unabashed quest for power.
So what might the do? Lay off the Harper bashing and tell us - what you are prepared to do to deal with our ecomomic crisis by offering us a clear plan as to what you think needs to be done to get us back on track AND why you think your party can bring it about. I admire Bob Rae as a man of principle and given his latest decision, a first class act.
However, if the Liberal Party wishes to gain back its admiration and credibility and confidence, it needs to take the high road. If they truly present a "platform" that sets them apart from the other parties, they might make believers out of Canadians - that they are not "power hungry" but "hungry" to bring about real change in our country and are prepared to tell us how they will do it.
Christian Tobin
said
And to Bob Rae who called the Conservatives fiscal update "hopelessly partisan", I thank you for giving me a prime example of the "Pot calling the Kettle Black". Granted the Tories update was weak and ineffective, but Rae is one of the most partisan politicians this country has ever seen.
hatrock
said
HAHAHA! So how did you get your job, Senator?
r.a. kukkee
said
Wayne in New Brunswick
said
A.L.
said
No wonder we in the west have no trust, or respect for them. As well as years of distrust for the antics they have pulled on us in the west.
Of course they would like a coalition, totally shut Alberta out of any representation, but in the same breath hold out the "tin cup" for their share of money coming out of the have provinces
Excuse me while I hold my nose over this whole disgusting/embarassing exercise
Martin
said
Dennis, Edmonton
said
Connie Thompson
said
Hank in Delta
said
As far as I'm aware, NO federal party chooses an interim leader by way of convention or vote of all party members. That's generally done by the exectutive or caucus, until there can be a full vote for a permanant leader.
That said, I do agree that it would have been unfair to appoint one of the leadership candiates as interim leader, as that would have given an advantage going into the leadership convention. But I'm not sure the Liberals had much of an option given what could happen in January. Their "expanded consultation" option was a decent solution, but would have still resulted in Iggy being named interim leader. Although I would have preferred Rae to Iggy, I think Rae did the right thing for the party right now.
ken foley
said
Alex (Toronto)
said
Michael Ignatieff is a much stronger leader than Stephane Dion, and Harper couldn't even win a majority government against Dion. A lot of Green votes are also going to swing to the Liberals, many of the million Liberal voters who stayed home this year will vote next time, and the Conservatives are certainly going to lose votes to the Bloc Quebecois. The proxy-Tory ADQ was crushed by Quebec voters, and many of their supporters will go back to the Liberals and PQ.
People demanding a new election must have short memories. We have had an election and the people have spoken. It's up to the elected members of parliament to form a government, if any leader can get a majority
of members to support them. A minority prime minister does not have a right to keep calling elections one after another until he gets a result he likes. The elected members of parliament should be allowed to represent the people who chose them.
It's the Conservatives who should be thinking about a new leader, someone who can cope with the complexities of working with a minority parliament. They could hardly do worse.
Hugh Freeman
said
Eliz
said
I feel bad for Rae.
Mark
said
Is this the Liberal Party or Soviet Union?
Bill from Ottawa
said
Or are we so intolerant that we believe only a person who has never left the country can rule it. Do we want someone like Sarah Palin as our PM a person that had travelled so little she though South Africa was a Province of the greater nation of Africa?
Ignatief's time spent on staff at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and Harvard make him more qualified to hold this post than an U ot T drop out ex-mailroom clerk with a masters in economics from the University of Calgary.
Lee in Calgary
said
While in England he was a huge supporter of union's and even dabbled with the communist party before the great miners strike. He then supported Thatchers response and switched teams. While heading up Harvards Humain Right Policy department he advocated strongly for the war in Iraq, the continued operation of Gitmo and for the use of tortore against terrorists to prevent further attacks. Amazingly after making such statements he discovered Canada again after some 27 years abroad in the UK and US.
Some seem to think he is Obama North to those I would suggest you look long and hard at the past writings of Mr. Ignatieff before you make such comparisions. I would suggest based on his policy papers and published articles that he is to the right of Mr. Harper and will have trouble refuting his past as it's all in writing.
I hope Liberals think long and hard about Mr. Ignatieff and that the press does it job in letting all Canadians know just who this gentleman is.
Rob in On
said
He stood a snowballs chance in hell of ever being elected by the good citizens of Canada as a result! However the Liberal woes are far from over, even with Ignatieff at the helm. Although he is far more palatable than Bob Rae, he is still part of a political party that cares more for power than the people they're suppose to represent.
Bring on an election Iggy, and give Harper a majority so that things can actually get accomplished in Parliament!
Mehdi
said
Prof. Pye Chartt
said
As well, it's touching to see that Bob Rae is willing to concede that his old roommate is the "Big Man" on the LPC campus.
Unfortunately, for Liberals, the reality is that Mr. Ignatieff is a man who has, indisputably, spent his formative years living and breathing America. His return to Canada simply represents a personal determination to realize a self-prescribed political destiny. He is, indeed, an elitist academic.
As the Liberals begin desperately hard-selling Ignatieff to Canadians, in order to give the Coalition an impossible sense of credibility as quickly as possible, they'll remain unable to convince those other than their own partisan robots that this man isn't just another political operator placed on his own trajectory.
It isn't about Canada. It's all about smart little Iggy and Liberal quest for power.
Jay, Ottawa
said
No honour amongst the Liberals at all."
The statement was about how long he lived in the US. I corrected the inaccuracy with the information I could find.
Are you calling me a Liberal? Just because I like accurate information?!
Jim McB
said
All Liberals should be aware that ths is what happens when you play with Jack and Gilles. You scuttle your future for a socialist power grab that has no benefits for the Liberal Party just downside.
Hopefully Ignatief will be a bit more clever.
Liberals will be happy because their leadership geographic limits of Toronto or Montreal have been honoured. How is that for a national perspective.
arthur of toronto
said
Peter Medicine Hat
said
Steve H.
said
Wait a minute, he already did that when he signed that petition that went to the GG just after the prorogation. Liberals are not reading Canadians very well. Canadians don't want a coalition especially one that includes the separatists. The Liberals should be concentrating their energies on alternative policies and less on partisan politics and infighting........Steve...
Greg in the Hammer
said
Harper will wipe the floor with him too.
He's a life long academic just like the guy he is replacing.
He only came home from the US because he figured he would already be Prime Minister by now.
His motivation is not Canada it is gratifying his enormous ego.
Bring on the election
Greg Fletcher
said
Bob Rae seems to have a problem with that in that he was not only a member of the NDP but its leader and when it became clear that NDP would never again be in power he decided to change teams to one that may be able to win.
I don’t understand how any card carrying Liberal who claims to be from the grass roots movement would even consider having him as a member let alone the leader.
Daniel, Belle River
said
To hell with democracy, it's in-convenient.
Peter in Edmonton
said
'The Conservatives gained only because Dion was un-intelligible in English Canada and was too stubborn to accept the reality that ridiculous energy prices were doing the job of his proposed carbon tax. Nothing that Harper and the Tories did with their "non-platform".'
No. Liberals are being punished just as the PC's were being punished for Mulroney. It's not over for you yet.
"Sir, I live in the real world and my world is Canada. You see Conservatives believe in the effectiveness of propoganda, I believe in the effectiveness of facts and real data."
You have no data in your reply, just utter contempt for the truth and rhetoric. I'm sure you figure you're a parliamentary expert. Perhaps you'd like to remind us of the last time a minority government was ousted by an un-elected coalition (the only other coaltion was elected) based on a vote of no-confidence on a budget they haven't seen?
let me save you some time: it's never happened in the entire history of the world wide commonwealth. That's a fact. Never happened in 400+ years. The facts are, sir, that what is *key* to the validity of of a non-confidence vote is not the simple fact that it can be done but because the rational for calling it is good enough. If you figure the current rationale is good enough then consider this: the Conservatives hold just about as many seats as a minority government can hold, so you can expect any opposition in the future to throw money and promises at the Bloc (usually wont need the NDP) in order to form a "Coaltion" and vote non-confidence on the colour of the PM's socks.
If this coaliton suceeds, all minority goverments in the future are in danger. The Bloc has no reason not to deal with anyone.
Damon
said
At no point did I dispute that he lived outside Canada for closer to half his life. What I DISPUTED was that he lived in the US for half his life and was a defacto American. That's ridiculous, he only spent 5 years living in the USA (regardless of where he lived before that).
Iggy has supported the Liberal party the entire time and I assure you is well versed on Canadian current affairs and politics.
Denise, Montreal
said
I am apalled at the backstabbing group of individuals that the Liberal Party has turned out to be.
Stephane Dion may have been a dorky professor, but he was a man of integrity. Now we are left with no one we can trust in politics.
Gram from Gatineau
said
He's always going to the principal to tattle tale on his "classmates" but who started all the disturbance in the first place? I think he's simply power hungry and entirely selfish in his ways. I don't believe he has the Country's best interests to heart, not in the least. I don't commend the liberal party's tactics in naming their new head but someone has to show backbone in front of Stephen Harper and maybe this guy is the one to do that, I for one certainly hope so.
sharon in ontario
said
I'll stick with the smart guy(Harper)He won't be bullied into submission and doesn't make SIGNED deals with the Bloc. Co-operation with the opposition is warrented on occasion(2004)but it is a far cry from a legal agreement with secretative strings and favors attached. A time out was required and as we see, the coalition is loosing support,the libs are divided,Dion is out,Rae is out,hi-jack Layton is on his own,the Bloc is amused but have an agreement that they expect to be honoured and the Canadian electorate is for once demanding adult governence. Meanwhile,PM Harper's team is in Ottawa working for Canadians and fine tuning a budget while the the circus of clowns out on the road create more drama and confusion.I'm going to grab my pop corn..it's better that a soap opera.
sarah
said
If the Liberal Party gets it's way, Canadians will have as Prime Minister a man who was never given an electoral mandate from either his party or Canadians.
Exactly *who* thinks that this is a good idea?
Shawn
said
We haven't heard the last of Rae with his leadership bid.
Doug P Red Deer Alberta
said
I can hardly wait for the day we see a majority Conservative party in Parliament.
A. Yaworski
said
Don't reward the Conservatives with a majority.
They don't deserve it!
Calling an election because the opposition won't play Harper's game, by his rules.
Then to go so far as to try to reverse Cretien's campaign finance reforms as a confidence motion, thus attempting to take us to the polls AGAIN for another 300 mil bill...
Please VOTE, apathy is what Harper is counting on!!!
J Smith
said
Ian in N.B.
said
Paul - Halifax
said
The Liberals have done themselves in...First a Leader they don't want, then they want him P.M, then they want him to leave. They now have an EX-NDP Premier who made a mess, and now an unknown Vulturing in from the U.S. I have NO TRUST OR CONFIDENCE in the Liberal Party. Go Away somewhere with the NDP and The Bloc. "
So "AL" if I hear you correctly, you're looking to remove 65% or so of Canadians from Canada? Is that simply because they don't agree with you, or would you care to offer some reasons along with it?
Good day
Western Separatist
said
Bob Rae goes to the Senate if Ignatieff ever wins government.
Ignatief gets to call his friends back in Harvard and tell them how easy it is to become a leader in Canada.
What the Libs do to each other is no different than what they do to Canada when they hold power - cut corners, find and hold their "entitlements", breed corruption and bamboozle our lazy media types.
Peter B
said
We need a Conservative government in this country.
DoasIsay
said
bd in sk
said
If you took all those folk out of the Liberal Party, I am afeared there would be no-one left.
kate
said
Luk Bower
said
He's not totally for this Muppet coalition thing with the Commies(NDP)and the Separatists.
One Liberal thats behind Ignatieff as leader said last that "they just dont trust the NDP"
I guess the Liberal party isnt totally void of wisdom and common sense.
Another said that this Coalition is starting to look less like a Conservative over throw and more like a Far Left take over of the Liberal Party.
For me ,as much as I dont like the Libs, I dislike Layten and his NDP even more.
The thought of the NDP getting hold of any real power in this Nation would be the scarest thing yet.
Layton in NB
said
I am intelligent enough and informed enough to know that Harper and Flaherty didn't CAUSE the world wide recession, but similar policies and economic 'theories' did, and they will lead us right down the path to poverty if we let them. Sickening, just sickening that they shut down the Parliament to save their necks, especially during an economic crisis. Wait for Obama? In other words, 'We have nothing on the shelf, so I wonder what the States will do?' Their economy and ours are very very different, and will likely need a different stimulus, an economist should know that.
mpdman
said
First it’s Karygiannis (good team player that guy).
Then Stephane sends his video resignation (filmed by Abraham Zapruder in 1963….).
Then the obsequious little Leblanc becomes a has-been before he was even an up-and-comer.
Now the Trojan Horse himself – Bobby takes a permanent Rae-Day.
Iggy’s on the clock.
You guys are about as stable as boiling jar of nitro-glycerine.
Laurie B
said
Kurosaki Ichigo
said
Liberals in the spin !
said
Dion - 180 degrees
Leblanc - 180 degrees
Bob Rae - 180 degrees
Ignatieff - 180 degrees
Emma in Halifax
said
When the U.S. is finally coming to its senses, electing a centrist President, and realizing that laissez-faire economics don't work, why are any Canadians supporting a man who supports laissez-faire economics? Who tried to roll back rights for women and other workers just a few weeks ago? Who stomps on any political dissent by taking public funding away from political parties that aren't in the pockets of corporations, as the Conservatives are? Who said, until a couple of weeks ago, that the economy was 'fine'? Why do people want Canada to be seen as more hidebound and less socially just than its neighbour to the South? Wake up, Canada.
Andrew
said
Klaas Brobbel
said
It is hard to believe that Michael Ignatieff is now the leader of the Liberal Party. He lived in the USA for 30 years and now the leader of a political without so much as a fight. What is Canada coming to? We don’t such people for our political leaders.
rick vegerville ab
said
spaz
said
Under the coalition it would stil be possible for Rae to be NDP and still be part of the ''party'' that is why Rae is pushing the merger so hard.
exAmericanGal
said
Lowell
said
Alan
said
Come on people, it is not Harper's fault the Liberal party is such a mess. Course that's the typical Liberal rant, blame someone else. It's getting old guys!
Smarten up, the Canadian people are trying to tell you something. I think it's time someone listens.
Peter in Edmonton
said
"Wrong!
There have been two Coalition Governments in Canadian history:
The Unionist and Great Coalition governments.
Austrailia (another Westminster Parliament) had a coalition government run the country after a non-confidence vote. And Coalitions are common in the UK during times of national crisis."
You need to read my question again. I am not wrong. The Unionist coalition government was VOTED IN, not from a non-confidence vote. Secondly the Australian example they had already seen a budget. Discounted. UK coalition governments again: ARE VOTED IN. Unless you're Ireland then they just do it.
So no, Im not talking out of my behind and you prove only that Liberals can't Read. I say again: When last time a minority government was ousted by an un-elected coalition (the only other coalition was elected) based on a vote of no-confidence on a budget they haven't seen?
Never happened.
"Embarrassing for you isn't it?". Yes it must be embarrassing for you to be unable to read a simple requirement.
"Hmmm, compelling, but I guess the Conservatives would have intimate knowledge of that, wouldn't they?
"
Oh so you agree that a vote of no confidence over such a minor excuse is a bad idea. Thank you.
Mikel
said
Mary
said
Frank
said
Samantha
said
Iggy was schooled at Harvard. That's in the US, not Canada. Get your facts straight. His career up until two years ago was all outside of Canada. And he WASN'T serving his country....just himself
Matt C in Calgary
said
That being said, instead of giving him a ringing endorsement, shouldn't Liberals exercise a little bit more prudence? Afterall, it was less than a week ago that Mr.Ignatieff endorsed and backed the ill-fated (and totally unrealistic) coalition? Do Liberals want a repeat of Paul Martin or Stephane Dion?
Heather
said
I have to ask Conservatives, though, about the constant "I didn't vote for a coalition" nonsense I keep hearing. Every minority government is a de facto coalition if it is to pass even one simple bill, adopt the throne speech, or do anything. So, when Stephen Harper says he won't work with the BQ, does that mean he won't accept their support in the House of Commons? Won't that make a pact with the devil or *gasp* the separatists he berated so clearly last week? No coalitions with the separatists would seem to mean to me that he will not ever accept their support in the House. Hmmmm....And if he won't do that (at the risk of lying yet AGAIN) I guess he'll have to face a non-confidence vote. Thankfully, this charade won't last forever.
Vancouver Chris
said
Dave in Victoria
said
Now I am not a Rae supporter but I have to agree with some very key liberal supporters and fund raisers. They, not me, are calling this selection as undemocratic and a major, major mistake by the liberal party. So where does this leave guys like me, a political centreman.
Mr Dion truly screwed up the liberal party. Unholy alliance, didn't listen to his advisors during and after the election, and now leaves the party by way of the boot and has the party completely in panic mode. Ugly.
paul
said
You bring up a good point about the division of LPC since Martin but I think it began prior to that. The leadership race between Mr. Chretien and Martin was a bitter one and it divided the liberals, it brought out a lot of division.
The CPC took more than a couple of years it took from the early90s to about 01-02, the split of the "right" was long and bitter reform in the west, die-hard PCs across Canada then the CRAP fiasco it wasn't until Mackay decided to join the PCs with the reform that we have a "united" CPC or right wing in Canada. Even with that though, rumours about how PM Harper controls the his cabinet might show there are divisions within the CPC.
planfez
said
Democracy at its best. It fits that they would rather take over government directly than go to an election. Elections are messy because the people get to have their say - these guys would rather just do things inhouse.
I think, though, the LPC would've prefered a race to choose a leader but given these unusual times and the amount of time it takes to prepare for a leadership race and the financial situation, an interim party maybe what the doctor ordered.
for me it's not a question of Iggy is the best choice, but it's the reality he garners the most support from the LPC, most of the caucus swung his way that should be a good indication of their preference as well as LPC faithful. MOre to the point, the LPC need one person at the helm, in January there is 50/50 chance the govt might be defeated. If the PLC is stuck in the middle of an election without a leader, it'll not be good for the party in the long run. It'll only alienate those who might be inclined to vote PLC
Alysha Ont
said
Canadians, for those who agree that the Federal Parties should NOT be funded the $1.95 per vote, then next election, make sure not to vote for the NDP and the Liberals. They will then have to go out and beg for donations from the public. The Conservatives get their fund through donations, let these greedy for power brats do the same! Even with changing Leadership in the Liberal Party, they are still talking about bringing down the Conservative gov't. Just goes to show that they cannot accept losing the last 2 elections !
PJR
said
A.lysha Ont
said
Carol Thor ,Paris on
said
In the meantime, I am thinking a great deal about Trudeau's quote from Desiderata "no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should" and Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage" Problem is everyone wants to have the Star Role. We Canadians are at their mercy until a Knight In Shining Armour comes out of the wilderness to save our country - and I haven't seen him/her yet!
George W, Bush
said
John Erklens
said
Kuldip S Boparia
said
Paul
said
Paul in Ottawa
said
Mighty fast turn-around for Bob. Wonder what he was promised. A Senate seat I bet.
Al S. of Waterloo
said
Brad G - Edmonton
said
Art votes in Calgary
said
Michael (Ottawa South)
said
Choose any one of the following kids:
1) Sponsorship scandal
2) HRDC $1B lost funds?
3) The gun registry mess
4) Strippergate
5) Shawinagate
6) 35% increase in GHG
etc etc ...
...and now add to those distinctions a separatist coalition and a socialist Green Shift.. how we doin' so far?
SO, a new leader is nice for you but Canadians aren't in any mood to jump into the Liebral camp anytime soon.
M M B Ont
said
Now the little boys don't like it and are crying about it !! LOL
Paul
said
Doug, Medicine Hat
said
A: the baby grows up
Dave H
said
Seems to me that the only party actually playing by "the rules" are the Conservatives.
Kojak
said
Ken in the Sunny Okanagan
said
Will the coalition finally explain in detail why they found Harper so hard to get along with..after all they went along with him for over 2 years when it suited their needs!
Harper & the Conservatives have been much more stable than the recent Liberal monkeys jumping from tree to tree.
My Fellow Canadians
said
I can see why they vote for him in Quebec..they know where they stand with him.
RRR
said
Stephen Harper is my choice for Prime Minister and so it is with the Majority of Western Canadians. Even in Eastern Canada he has 71 seats compared to the Liberals 60. This coalition goes against the grain of most Canadians as shown by the polls, and the people of Western Canada will not be railroaded into accepting a government made up of 3 losers. If it comes to that, we will do our own thing. Democracy must prevail, and democracy is the voice of the people in a democratic election.
I hope Ignatieff has the sense to realize what damage he would do to his party if he took over the Government in a coalition coup. This is not the Canadian way.
If you want to read an excellent, unbiased article you should read Christie Blatchford's article in the Globe and Mail on December 8th. She is an award winning journalist, and says it just like it is. The article is entitled "Harper not out of line for wanting to crush the opposition."
Merry Xmas & Happy New Year
said
Look at the stability the Conservatives have compared to the jello movements of the Liberals.
Harper & the Conservatives have done more for Canada in 3 years than the Liberal did in 10.
Liberals sent our troops into Afganistan poorly equiped. The Conservatives have worked hard to get the troops the equipment that they need..yesterday the aircraft to bypass ground explosives.
Thank you Mr. Harper.
S.M.
said
HK
said
Frank from Calgary
said
Can a leopard change it's spots? NO!
Liberal Disaster
said
Obviously the Toronto Liberal Elitist Patricians have taken over, and they heat the rest of Canada.
mcrae001@telusplanet.net
said
Martin in Montreal
said
Coalition with the Bloc, no problem!
Amazed at the lemmings jumping over the cliff
said
Give your heads a shake...speak up...vote...don't let this be taken out of your hands...you are letting the next PM be decided for you. Demand to vote that person in to office yourselves.
Ron Grau
said
John
said
Linda
said
However I am glad to see Bob Rae out, he brokered this whole deal of the coalition and taking down the government. If Ignatieff was not in favorite of this coalition where was his leadership? He was sitting on the fence, going with whatever way it went. That is not Leadership.
Ignatieff should not be PM of this country for a long time - if ever. Until the party gets rid of Bob Rae completely - no vote from me.
I love the way they say Ignatieff loves the people of Canada, for one thing he doesn't even know them and for another thing that is always what they say about americans - they love the ppl of canada. NO VOTE