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Change or I'll take you down: Ignatieff to PM
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Yahoo! BuzzCTV.ca News Staff
Date: Wed. Dec. 10 2008 11:20 PM ET
Brand new Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said Wednesday he would honour the days-old coalition with the NDP to topple the Conservatives.
"I am prepared to form a coalition government, and to lead that government and provide Canada with the security and stability it needs," Ignatieff said in Ottawa Wednesday afternoon.
"Canadians are worried about their jobs, their savings, and their future. They want stability, they want leadership and they want a government they can trust," said Ignatieff during his inaugural press conference as interim Liberal leader.
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.
Ignatieff stressed that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives will be defeated in Parliament early next year unless they table a budget which adequately addresses the financial malady gripping the global economy.
Ignatieff, who was crowned interim leader Wednesday afternoon by the party's national executive, added that Harper must take the first step and reach out to the Liberals to avoid losing power.
Still, Ignatieff hinted he would be open to working with the Tories.
"He has to seek and restore the trust that's been broken with other parties," Ignatieff said, choosing his words carefully. "We might oblige."
But Ignatieff told CTV's Mike Duffy Live that to work with the Conservatives in Parliament, the Liberals will require more than just a Tory-backed stimulus package.
"This isn't just about the budget, this is about a prime minister changing the tone in the House of Commons," said Ignatieff, adding that Harper must 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."
Grit backroom pushes for Ignatieff
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.
That nomination was then seconded by another former leadership contender, New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc.
After the nomination, Ignatieff delivered a speech saying the Liberals would respect the coalition but that voting down the Jan. 27 budget was not absolute, CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reported Wednesday.
"He's leaving all options open for himself."
Fife also said senior Liberals have told him that they may not need a coalition to form a new government.
"If they do defeat the Conservative government ... Ignatieff will go to the Governor General and say 'We think we can form the government but we don't have to do it with a coalition,'" Fife said.
Fife noted that the NDP and Bloc would have to support the Liberals because they already have expressed opposition to the Conservative government.
Tories plan to strike
Meanwhile, the Tories were already planning their political response.
The strategy will focus on Ignatieff directly, and the Tory national machine has began asking for donations by labelling him a "parachute" leader, The Canadian Press reported Wednesday.
In a message to Conservatives, national campaign chairman Doug Finley slammed Ignatieff for bypassing the Liberal tradition of facing off against rivals during a democratic leadership convention, according to CP.
Conservative Heritage Minister James Moore said on CTV's Mike Duffy Live that his party is looking for Ignatieff to bring forward "reasonable proposals" as Liberal leader.
But Moore had strong words about the proposed coalition, which Ignatieff has not ruled out.
"It's a bunch of platitudes and rhetoric -- there are no specifics in there, no numbers," Moore said of the document the three opposition parties signed.
Ignatieff responded to those reports and called them unproductive and unwelcome at a time of parliamentary crisis.
He added that Harper and the Tories should back away from any aggressive political attacks.
"Look where it's got him, I think he should walk back," said Ignatieff.
In early January, the Liberal caucus will again come together for a three-day strategy meeting.
Then Ignatieff will travel across Canada to try and raise money to help fund the cash-strapped party.
Ignatieff will be named as permanent leader at the Liberal convention in Vancouver next May.
Fife said Ignatieff is a real "game-changer" and the Tories are worried about him.
"He's an international scholar, international well-known journalist, he's smart and he has around him hard-nosed political operatives who know how to play the game of politics," Fife said.
Comments are now closed for this story
Ronald in Toronto
said
This reminds me of the individual who disrobes in front of the plate-glass window while calling anyone who notices a "voyeur" or worse, a "peeping tom".
Mandosa in Sarnia, Ontario
said
snugglebear
said
Mark M
said
Mario - Rockland
said
Samual
said
Hopefully Lame Duck Harper is replaced with a coalition
Harvey Bergen
said
Now we get back to the reality of the liberal policy - throw money at a problem rather than a reasoned response.
Eddie
said
LF
said
I love Liberal democracy. They don't even kiss you when they do this to you!
tp
said
Doug in Dartmouth
said
The deferring of the right to strike had a lot of merit. Employees don't want strikes;unions do. Contracts are often negotiated without strikes. If your contract is coming up and you fear that a strike may happen, you are likely to save, not spend. Whats the point of stimulating the economy on one hand, and having people afraid to spend. Secondly, strikes put a strain on the social system, such as food banks. Thirdly, if there is a strike, afterwards, people are behind in their payments and it takes months to recover, further restricting the abitity to make new purchases, etc.
James
said
For in Ignatieff, the Liberal have instance credibility, improved fundraising among numerousother benefits. I have seen Ignatieff in the House and his verbal jousting skills are formidable and he is understandable. This is a leader who the Liberals, NDP and Bloc and all Canadians can rally around in the face of the despot Harper.
DRH
said
Peter Medicine Hat
said
Just go to google and type in who is Michael Ignatieff it gives picture and complete history.
Caper-
said
New leader - maybe a new attitude in Parliament
said
I would like to see the Liberals return to their centrist roots as they are little more than a socialist wing of the NDP party currently.
Canada needs at least two strong parties who cater to mainstream interests of Canadians. We don't need the Greens as environmental issues are now squarely on the table and having that extra party only ensures more chaos and fractious minority governments.
I wish Mr. Ignatieff well and I trust he will cooperate with the Prime Minister in making this Parliament work for a change which wasn't possible under Mr. Dion.
Jim in Ontario
said
Tom
said
Marc in Halifax
said
In Canada, voters elect the party, *not* the leader ... except in the Conservatives case, where there is no party, just the leader with a bunch of toadies ...
For all those out there that have problems with math: ~62% of voters in Canada *rejected* Stephen Harper in the last election ... 37.6% voted *for* him ... 26.2% voted *for* the Liberals ... in fact, if the Liberal/NDP voters actually worked together, instead of seperately, that would have garnered 44.4% of the vote *without* the BQ being involved ...
Add the Green into the mix (remeber, Liberal/NDP/Green all sway the same direction, onto to different degrees) and you are up to 51.2% of the vote ...
The only reason Harper is having such an easy time of it is the same reason the Liberals did for so long ... the Political Left right now is split amongst *3* parties ...
What should worry Harper *isn't* this Coalition taking him down ... what should worry Harper is the 51.2% of voters that *are* on the Left lining up behind the next Liberal leader in order to ensure that he doesn't get in again ...
37.6% of voters really isn't that much ...
Jim - Sarnia
said
Some of the things people write on here is unfortunate. Individuals need to start exploring topics and thinking for themselves. Imagine how great it would be if the comments made on stories like this were actually worth reading.
Rain (Vancouver)
said
Wow... you couldn't make that up.
Larry Lefty
said
Steve in Fredericton
said
There's simply no chance of any honour with any of these "front runners" or "insiders". The fact they are being "chosen" by just a few party brass is a slap in the face to the average Liberal supporter. Take a stand Johnny Grit, tell these Liberal elitists once and for all they can't push you around. Next election, vote ABLNDP (anything but Liberal or NDP).
Socialism is killing us
said
Deejay
said
Maybe now we can get back to governing this country from the centre
mpdman
said
Actually, I am surprised the Libby executive even allows you people to post individual opinions on this site. Soon, all of your views are to be programmed and decreed by those 77 MP’s (Members of POLITBURO) meeting in that smoke-filled room in Ottawa.
Goodbye Democracy – Hello Lib-Orwellians.
Nannie
said
the Liberals at this time.
It isn't about Stephane Dion, and Bob Rae, it is about the economy and Canada.
Politics is a rough life and if you cannot take the heat stay out of the kitchen.
Mr. Ignatieff will be the best hope against the Conservatives.
Perhaps, the elected government will do the right things for the country now that the new Liberal leader is on an even playing field.
By, the way, I voted for Stephen Harper but I am not impressed with his performance at this time of economic uncertainty.
I will be closely watching Mr. Ignatieff.
Jeet
said
Bernadette
said
Tim in Smiths Falls
said
Jack - Barrie
said
With no political experience, he now intends to lead the opposition through the worst crisis to occur in Canada, since Heaven knows when.
Way to go, Liberals!
Anthony
said
that is to try to make our Parliament do, what these people are paid for - work !
Rae as a finance minister ? Good luck, Canada !
Ron - Halifax
said
Jane from Deep River
said
Canadian
said
Showdown coming to the hill
said
That budget better be sweet candy cane!!!
Heather
said
Gid'day
said
Maybe Canada can win this time.
Shirlee - SK
said
Actually with the gas prices down, and as long as you have a job, things are good right now for some of us.
Matty
said
Sandra
said
Tim McDermott Rawdon NS
said
The Liberal Party is broke, rudderless, and bereft of any meaningful policies and goals.
Mr Ignatieff might be smart, but that does not make him an effective or experienced leader, and it will not fix the Liberal party for years to come.
I think the Liberal Party has shot itself in hte foot with the coronation of Mr Ignatieff.
Popo
said
He's only being named an interim leader for now... we all know where the "undemocratic" comments are coming from, Conservative supporters who are still angry that they could lose all their power. Who's power hungry now?
Ignatieff will do a better job of keeping Harper in check than Dion or Rae ever could. Plus he's charismatic and he doesn't have Rae's record... all around, good things for the Liberal party.
John in Toronto
said
UNITE THE LEFT
MHB
said
Gerry M. NL
said
John in Toronto
said
Well, they still have Harper I guess.
Tom in Calgary
said
Want a party to tell you who you want to represent you? go liberal!!!
All these Einstein's throwing percentages around?
Go elected senate. Thats whats really still missing. Its exactly what westerners have asked for the last 30 years. An elected senate ( and one properly distributed ) would have taken the sting out of the whole affair. Instead we have...a senate full of appointed as in not voted for, liberals. Zero conmfort for those not sold on the Libs hidden agenda.
See a Liberal pattern here? Don't let anybody vote for anything democratically and spew as much hate at the government leader as you can in lieu of policy. Bush is gone? Aim at Harper!
If this new "Obama" LOL wants western support he could try to steal the Elected Senate policy from Harper. He'd be taken more seriously then. Of course based in Toronto he won't know which way west is.
Nick in Sudbury
said
Does he support or reject the coalition? (we know he signed it because the NDP keep reminding us)
What are his views on the global recession and what does he think government should be doing?
He's been silent.....not a word from this "great leader"
At least Bob Rae had a voice.
Cale
said
Sarah Palin's got more governance experience that Mr. Ignatieff.
Bob Rae would have been a much better choice - at least he knew that the party needed to get back to its grassroots.
Mr. Ignatieff is a silver spoon, and elite who will NOT relate with the average Joe of this country.
Of course he was parachuted into this position. I sure didn't get asked if I supported this decision.
How many other liberals here were? Let's see a show of hand?
Mark Noble
said
Too bad he didn't try being PM in his prime. How can someone who preached to students become a PM? Just because his resume looks brilliant doesn't mean he can't run the country. He's another elitist and even more academic than Dion. I'd be surprised if Canucks vote for him next time around.
Worst of all, I see him as a foreigner as do most other Canadians.
Marioi Novati
said
Prime Minister of Canada. Please stop fighting and start to work for the new Prime Minister.
Let's stay all together united under this new Chif. Thank you.
Mario Novati
shelley
said
Prime Minister Harper is still # 1
said
Good luck Mr. Ignatieff, you certainly have your work cut out for you not having run anything before and taking on this disorderly aimless Liberal party whose dubious track record of theft and scandals are still much in the forefront of voters minds.
PrairieDog- Dean R.
said
Linda in Vancouver
said
Duh!! Hello.Get in the game people.BULLYING was invented in central Canada by the Liberal party.Trust me,if Harper has to fight fire with fire,don't be surprised.
I have no personal axe to grind with Ignatieff.But he's just another Ottawa insider.One of the elitists acting as the front man for the same corrupt and power hungry party that I quit 5 years ago.
"Canada's Obama"??? You have got to be kidding me.What are people smoking back there??
I certainly have my issues with Harper.But the Liberal party is a joke.And the idea of a coalition just goes to prove it.And nothing will change until Liberal supporters do the same thing I did.QUIT defending bad policies and bad leaders.
Even if your point about Harper not being a leader was true,how is a Liberal descent to the lowest level of behaviour going to be an improvement for the country?
I was Liberal.Now,I stand with my western Canadian neighbours.If he can rebuiod the party,good for him.But until he proves it,the west MUST NOT allow a return to the dictatorship of central Canada's Liberal Party.
REFORM THE SENATE OR FREE THE WEST!! CHOOSE !!
Cass B., New Liskeard, ON
said
bunny in bc
said
Kerry in Calgary
said
Mike in ON
said
At 61, Mr. Ignatieff has lived and worked outside of Canada for the majority of his adult life. Now, he wants to return, and show what a 'great Canadian he is,' despite the fact that this country was obviously his 3rd choice for employment. He may be an academic, but as recent history has shown, academic intelligence doesn't necessarily equate to common sense. He also has no political experience prior to 2006; so you've got the new leader of the Federal Liberal party, with next-to-zero experience, wanting to become PM? And that doesn't CONCERN you?
Scott in Halifax
said
Shannon
said
As a supporter of PM Harper, I hope there is a Conservative majority in the next election, with Mr. Harper at the helm. But I do think Mr. Ignatieff will make that goal a much more difficult task for the Conservative party.
Pat_from_Mississauga
said
Don Dundas
said
Steve the Pundit
said
One of the (many) reasons causing the Liberals' current electoral woes is the fact that the Harper Conservatives have made a determined (and successful)effort to take that middle ground. Dion, unwisely, chose to move further left, allowing Harper to consolidate the Conservative position astride the centre, and creating this mpression of the need to "unite the left".
Despite the electorate's flirtation with left-of-centre, big spending policies, most Canadians largely reside in the middle, and Liberals traditionally have had more in common with the Conservatives near the middle than with the NDP to the left.
I suspect Ignatieff will set aside all this "coalition of the left" nonsense and begin to attempt to retake the middle, which will ultimately lead to an electoral battle between the middle-left and middle not-so-left, leaving the NDP, Greens and the Bloc to fight for the crumbs. Should be one heck of a dust-up!
George Harper, Toronto
said
1) they can work with the other parties something Harpo can't do.
2) the Liberals can act fast for the betterment of the country putting ego etc aside.
Harpo used the world economic crises to break in 3 days after the election his election promises. Yet has taken 105 days to bring forward a stimulus package. Almost 1/3 of a year after the election he acts??!!??? I feel Harpo didn't have a plan. His plan was a majority GOv and it didn't happen and now never will
Ken - Calgary
said
ASpenc
said
Sue
said
Micheal Ignatieff is a gift from God! Go Coalition!!!
George Harper
said
Dave in Cold Lake
said
Steve G
said
It'll be entertaining watching Iggy mop the floor with Harper during QP and debates.
Corey
said
I don't have an issue that he spent so much time out of Canada. It shows that he has foreign experience. However, if he was running for the cons, he would be heavily critisized for it. The left makes a huge deal about any leader that is not from the east. They should try looking not at geography first, but ability. I woundn't really care is someone was from the moon, if they are the best fit, that is the person whom should be chosen.
ben
said
Doug on the island in BC
said
What the west asked for? I thought this is a country that involves all the provinces and not just the west. I live in BC, and let's be clear on this - the senate the way it is does no harm to us. Also, let's remember that Harper now needs to APPOINT to the senate with new members to get things his way, and I have a sneaky feeling that they will be CONS. In the end, it will always be the same story. The CONS and their supporters are former Alliance/Reformers who want the west to be the main priority (unless Harper is looking for votes in Quebec, and then he'll throw money there like he did soon after the first election he won). Furthermore, with all the west talk, we are seeing the agenda of the west (ie, Alberta) looking to separate from the rest of Canada. Does this make Albertans separatists? And if so, what does this make Harper... GASP!!!
Valerie in Brantford
said
eskiefan
said
George Harper
said
Murray from Saskatchewn
said
It is all about Harper first and Canada second. Harper still hasn't appologized to the Canadian public for creating this mess.
Scot
said
that Bob Rae withdraw his name from the leader's race,
he know he is a weak leader,
just like when he was the NDP premier of ontario. enough said of Bob Rae.
John in Toronto
said
And exactly how long did Harper serve in parliament before he became PM. Not even 2 yrs so again, it's OK if a Conservative can do it but not OK if some one else does it. TYPICAL
Peter in Edmonton
said
Mike S (ontario)
said
A Guenther
said
Where is the integrity? Where is the honesty? Where is the hope?
Adam
said
Ed, Toronto
said
When i first heard him on a TV call-in show, I figured he was doomed, because he actually answered questions. I respect that, but successful politicians never give straight answers. He's learned to be more political, but mostly by parroting the line of supporting the leader. He's apologized for his support of the Iraq invasion and also (in a Macleans interview) for publicly calling himself an American. But I think that, given time, he'll put his foot in his mouth again. He's lived a life of privilege, in ivory towers where you can speak your mind. Now that all eyes are on him, I have my doubts about how he'll work out. Maybe if he runs home to America we might finally get a real rep here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Michael (Ottawa)
said
I will continue to support the Conservatives as they represent the best most reasonable option for Canada despite all the noise being made by NDP supporters and several lost Liberals.
Hopefully Iggy will tighten the bolts on the liberal ship and avoid any rush to power like the mistake Dion made as it will surely render the same results. The Libs need to clean house and rebuild. They need to get rid of ideas like the Green Shift which was being proposed David McGuinty who is somewhat short sighted on the subject.
Iggy is good for the Liberals and hopefully in the long run he will be able to draw this fractured aimless party together and present a credible alternative which it isn' at the current time.
Sandy
said
Mat
said
Kirk Duff
said
Jim Edmonton
said
Chris Hodgson in Ontariariari-oh!
said
Anne M
said
Mary in Calgary
said
Les
said
CG in NL
said
How will Harper screw things up next?
said
PJR
said
Alberta Believer
said
Pat from Mississauga, Iggy (likely your MP) is NOT Mr. Obama, nor will he a relatively uninformed MP on domestic issues cannot carry a debate or the day here in Canada.
You people from central Canada with your voting habits amaze me. You vote Liberal provincially, federally and you're proud of it.
Ever wonder why you're now a HAVE NOT province??? Thank about it.
My Fellow Canadians
said
Iggy will meet with Harper come to an agreement on the new budget so the Lying Libs can avoid an election that they will surely lose.
The Lib Fibs haven't got the balls to take it to the people of Canada for a vote.
Steve H.
said
Dan in Alberta
said
Ken in BC
said
It had nothing to do with Harper not being able to get along with the opposition..it was the coalition's power grab.
Just what did the Liberals & NDP put forth regarding the budget that Harper rejected?
It is a myth that Harper is hard to get along with..the Liberals, NDP & Bloc got along with him for over 2 years when it suited their needs but not necessarily Canadians.
The new leader of the Liberals will meet with Harper work out a budget or enough opposition members will cross the floor to vote with the Conservative on the new budget in Jan.
The Liberals will do anything to avoid a new election.
The Governor General will not permit the coalition to form the government period.
Peter from Alberta
said
Steve - Toronto
said
Ed from BC
said
I wonder if Ignatieff will continue using the term "we" when he is talking about Americans, since he considers himself one.
Larry from Saskatoon
said
Spud Light
said
Although I was dismayed (though not surprised) by the results of the last election, the Cons must be allowed to do what they were elected to do. The fact that we came this (||) close to a coalition should at least transmit a message to them that we ARE paying attention, and are rather disillusioned by their inaction with regards to the hot button issues of today.
Alex (Toronto)
said
As indicated in the comments here, Conservatives would have preferred to face Mr. Rae, who would have been the weaker opponent for them. But Conservatives don't get to choose the leader of the Liberal party.
If Harper had a lick of sense, he'd be on the phone to Ignatieff to work out a compromise budget that included progressive priorities, in order to salvage his budget and his government. More likely, Harper's ego and anger issues won't allow him to treat Ignatieff as a peer, so Harper will refuse to negotiate and instead offer a few progressive-sounding sound bytes, along with his usual ridiculous last-minute surprise, in the hopes of bullying the opposition. That tactic will probably not succeed the way it has in the past.
lawabidingsimon
said
" Divide et Impera "
Divide and Rule.
They opposed the coalition by pitting the West against the East. The Quebec separatists against the Federalists.
Now they preach about Rae versus Ignatief hoping to split the Grits.
Pathetic !!!
Ed. Dunchurch
said
It will be very interesting to see if Michael Ignatief rolls the dice with the coalition in January and vote against the Budget and risk an Election being called.
Greg - Signs and Wonders
said
Who's spending Christmas at Storoway?
Mr. Dion or Mr. Ignatieff?
Larry NL
said
The NDP on the other hand do not even want to listen. As far as Jack Layton is concerned, it is his way or the highway. Jack has to be the sneakiest Canadian politician we have ever had on the hill.
He doesn't have a plan for the Canadian labour force that will ensure people of jobs in January, February etc.. He just wants to through tax dollars to people like the CAW and other unions.
If the Liberals and the Conservatives can reach an agreement to help the financial situation, it may restore some faith in our governments.
As far as Jack Layton is concerned, we don't need his type of dishonesty anywhere in our country.
Ed Broadbent was the best thing that ever happened to the NDP. Jack has put the NDP in the sewer.
What's Next
said
PB - Toronto
said
Ronald in Toronto
said
This, in order to replace an elected government with one made up of jilted losers and separatists.
One can only imagine the map in the Liberal offices. That would be the one which stops at Thunder Bay and has another enormous gap where Quebec used to be.
Plus, given the plotting was in full force (look it up) well before the Conservatives even approached the House with a statement, the attempt to make this fiasco/farce Mr. Harper's responsibility stretches the appreciation of all but the most indoctrinated members of the choir.
Joe P
said
The economy will bounce back regardless of what the heck our gov't does, it will bounce back with the US's. This is all forecast by the economists, and the Liberal's will do anything to say it was them.
dwigget
said
I am baffled how the Liberal aristocracy sees it fitting to parachute in & appoint a virtual-American to the helm of their party and expect their grassroots to swallow it, especially as the Liberal party is the suppossed champions of a unique, non-American "Canadian identity."
My fear is the grassroots will hold their noses & tow the line.
We need MORE democratization in this country, not less. Last week exemplified that; this does not.
Looks like the next election will be "elitist Lib poster boy" vs. "incumbant control-freak Con meanie". Great options, Canada - we can pat ourselves on the back for this one. Oh, Canada....
Colton
said
We will take down the government at the first opportunity. ie when the polls favor them.
They don't need a coalition they can go to the GG and say they can form a government without a coalition. So after their throne speech the conservatives can go to the GG and say they can form a government and back and forth, makes a lot of sense, no new taxes, no hacks appointed to the senate, nothing extra for Quebec, no carbon taxes or Kyoto just alternate governing parties every month. Brilliant Iggy and the lib elites, still looking for a back door to get into office rather than have the people decide, oops I forgot you know better than us what we want.
Kim
said
People think Harper is power hungry, this new Liberal leader new from the get go he was going to TAKE the Liberal leadership away from an elected one.
We Canadians really need to pay attention before we lose all our democratic rights.
WAKE UP CANADA !!
hollinm
said
However, is he a leader or just a great b ser? That will be the test for Iggy. He may have all the right words but if he is typical of recent Liberals his rhetoric may not match his actions.
If the sole intent of the Liberal party is to bring down the Conservative government every chance they get that will not endure them to the Canadian public who want the government to function in the interest of all Canadians.
If Iggy continues in the Dion mould of threatening and then running and hiding he will be written off pretty quickly by the public at large.
At last the media has something to talk about other than how mean that Mr. Harper is. However, I would caution the media that their hyperbole could come back to haunt them. Take a breath boys and report the facts instead of inventing editorial comment.
Do you hear me Bob Fife?
Wes from Ottawa
said
GHW
said
It will sure be an interesting day in Canadian politics January 27.
lowell
said
Emae New Brunswick
said
Eastern Bob
said
VagnF
said
But the liberals have 66 fewer seats then the conservatives and only got 26% of the popular vote. The liberals are out to lunch if they think they can form a government without an election.
Cambob
said
Harper should have been living outside of Canada during that time so he would know what Canadians really want.
Honestly, the Libs were torn apart by Cretien and Martin's little king feud. Dion proved so weak and inept that he signed a deal without consulting the major players in the Liberal party, then tendered his resignation in a grainy, late, "HOT AIR" video clip.
Now they have appointed Ignatief to sort out who gets life preservers and who they kick over the side of the boat.
I voted Liberal last time because I wanted a strong Opposition. I will vote Conservative next time because I want Canadian leadership.
Wayne
said
JD Ottawa
said
To answer "he's better than Harper" is really not a very intelligent comment.
In my opinion, being a Professor just means you have lots of time to formulate an idea and then write about it. In the real world, you need to be able to act quickly and think "on your toes". Again, can someone please provide me with a clear example on his resume that will show he has these abilities?
Richard L. Provencher
said
Howard
said
She MUST call an election if the coalition forces the Conservatives to fall.
The only precedent she has set for future GG's and PM's is that a coalition must not be propped up by a separatist party determined to destroy the country. No separatists, no problem.
Good for her. Now if the Liberals (who are already backing down and playing CYA, as they always do) do decide to 'take down' the gov't (Iggy's words), they will truly feel the wrath of the Canadian electorate, and we may just see that elusive and long awaited majority for Harper. I suspect Iggy already sees this, and is back peddling to get back on the fence. Let the budget stand or stay in bed with the Non Democratic Party, and spitefully take down Harper, economics and Canada be damned...
LHB in Montreal
said
I hope Mr. Ignatieff is smart enough to ask his MPs to stand beside him instead of behind him. It is not as easy to be pushed of the Cliff.
That said, even as a strong consevative, there is hope that he will do what is best for Canada and work seriously and professionnally with the Mr. Harper following the tabling of the budget.
I hope he will use his stature to rebuild the Party, idiologically as well as financially.
This great Country cannot survive democratically or financially without 2 strong Parties.
Mr. Ignatieff you are reported to have written extensively about democracy, I hope you can bring it to your Party. I also hope that when you write your memoirs the title will not be (or should have been) *IT WAS NOT MY FAULT a la
Chretien*.
Also, as a senior who enjoy Question Period on TV I beg of you to bring back civility in the House.
Also, please do not use the old card of Harper lock-out
Paliament as we all know it always closes at this time of year to resume in late January. It is a dead dog and Canadians know it.
DJC From Winnipeg
said
Lorretta
said
Mike in Colborne
said
Cookie in TBay
said
Randy
said
BMN
said
Somehow, the fact there's no elected Senate comes into a conversation about Michael Ignatieff but not Stephen Harper? Who's being naive here?
The polemicists from BOTH sides of the political aisle amuse me on messageboards. "Trudeau did something bad in 1976, which of course means: don't trust Ignatieff." "Mulroney was a disgrace so we should all hate Stephen Harper." And so on.
I'd love it if you could ban references to people and only talk about policies and ideas on messageboards. The discourse would be elevated tenfold.
King of the Hill
said
Bob
said
KMC (Markham)
said
His support for the Iraq invasion, his support for the war in Afghanistan, his support for the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, his support for extreme interrogation methds, etc., suggest that he would have fitted , quite nicely, into the G.W. Bush administration.His treatment and attitude towards his family render him, in my opinion. a thouroughly unpleasant individual. One thing his leadership of the Liberals does do, is he neutralizes all the Liberal criticism of Stephen Harper,
"If Harper had been in power, we'd have been in Iraq"..."Harper is arrogant"..."Harper is cold and remote"...every one of those criticisms can be said about ignatieff. As far as Ignatieff being the Liberals' panacea, people rarely live up to the expectations. Just remember Paul "Mr.Dithers" Martin.
Mike from Ottawa
said
Now let me get this straight.... if the Tories put out a budget that the Liberals can live with and have what THEY want in it, then they won't take their ball and run home. What a crock of crap! This is just blackmail and preventing AN ELECTED government to do judt that, govern! When will this insanity stop. Such sore losers are all these votes who just got beat fair and square. No wonder are children are now being taught that winning isn't everything, give the other guy a chance. No wonder the rest of the world laughs at us. And imagine the perspective of Europe and other countries, allowing seoaratists to vote, collect government cheques and yet still bite the hand that feeds them!!
Robert in Manitoba
said
Tim
said
Clint
said
Doug BC
said
If we has the "triple E" Senate that the west has been clamouring for over the last few decades,we would not be in this mess.
I spent a lot of years defending Liberal polies.I will do it no more.If they want my vote back,they have to prove themselves worthy of it.No more flip flopping on things like the NEP,wage and price controls,gas taxes,Free trade,GST,crime and justice,just to name a few.Also,accusing HArper of not working with others is very much like the pot calling the kettle black.And "bullying" is a Liberal tradition.It was invented by Cretien with his 38% majority governments.It fits in well with the tax money they stole to run thei pathetic excuse for a party.
I became a Liberal as a teenager,when Trudeau was running to be the leader of the party.It took me 40 years to figure out what liars they are.Democracy in the farthest thing from their minds.It is all about POWER.
Harper is not the best choice,I agree.We do need two effective and viable parties to give Canadians a real choice.I wish the Liberals would rebuild.But they cannot be allowed to return with the same old attitudes.Liberal roots run so deep in the Senate,the Supreme Court,the Civil Service,the CBC,and on and on.
If we want democracy,it will be easier to repair Mr.Harpers party than the Liberal party.We cannot let central Canadian elitists run the entire country.It will be up to western Canada to DEMAND real democracy we can all agree with.
BReid
said
DWR
said
Matt C in Calgary
said
darren
said
Clinton Blair
said
E.B. in AB.
said
LSF
said
I wonder what did he promise Rae? The fiefdom of Ontario so he can destroy it again?
I'd rather have a guy with a Masters in Economics leading the country in this situation than any Liberal, regardless of how "well known" he is. Frankly before Ignatieff became a politian, I'd never heard of him.
Long live a democratically elected government!!
Adrian Telizyn NE BC
said
Look what he did for us in the West: deficits, the NEP, economic ruin, and the infamous salute at Salmon Arm.
Guess what the West will do AGAIN in return: not one Liberal MP west of the Ontario border.
Take that!
Doug from Whitehorse
said
Bruce
said
The Liberals have no clue where they are going or what they are doing, the party is doomed.
Voter in B.C.
said
Devil's Advocate
said
Melanie Terrace,BC
said
How can anyone oppose more democracy and more fairness for all regions of Canada? I have heard no reasonable argument against a more democratic Senate.
If reform was going to take place,though,I would rather see it dones by Liberals and Conservatives than by a majority from either party imposing it on us.If Ignatieff wants to show he can work with others,he should get his party involved in rebuilding the Senate.Which it truly a disgrace in it's presnt form.
And lastly,I am concerned that Ignatieff supported the idea of sending Canadian troops to Iraq.I mildlt support the Afghanistan mission,but I think Iraq has been a disaster.I stiil wonder how the Brits and Aussies got sucked into it.I also wonder how the NDP could possible form a coalition with a Liberal leader in favour of all of these wars.If they think Harper is a war monger,what does that make Ignatieff,or the NDP themselves,for that matter??
Fascinating.But I now stand with the west,and Mr.Harper.At least until we get democracy in Canada.
Pete in NB
said
Now that I run the numbers it seems that a cactus plant that is sitting on my window actually tied Mr Rae and the cactus spent far less on running than Mr Rae did. WHAT A JOKE THEY HAVE BECOME.
Kev in T.O.
said
Robb in Alberta
said
I suspect PM Harper and Mr obama are actually going to get along better than Harper and Bush. My take on this is Harper is much more aligned with the policies of a center line politician like Obama than the current right-wing President.
However, I must admit to delighting in the fact that Canadian politics is finally exciting again.
I think the grassroots of the Liberal party was finally heard by those in the Ivory tower and the extreme left wing of the party miscalculated the support they would get for aligning themselves with the NDP in this "coalition" deal.
I prefer centreist policies to extreme left or right and I think Mr. I and Mr. H may be more aligned in their thinking than most of us are aware. I am predicting the Liberals WILL end up supporting the budget in January because there will be more common ground than differences in the proposed budget for the Liberals and Conservatives.
Trent
said
So in other words, the Liberals, under the flavour of the week, have no real game plan.
Geesh!!
One has to wonder if these, so called Federal leaders, sleep at night or just lay there wondering if the other will meet them at the playground flag pole after session gets out.
Grow up! Let the public decide!
Jessica
said
vince in trenton
said
Gerald from Belleville
said
Hardcore Academic: Taught and staffed at Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard.
Other Employment: Author, journalist, film-maker.
Place of Residence: England (1978 to 2000), US (2000 to 2005), Canada for the past 3 years...
Actual Political Experience: Elected in 2006, so less than 3 years.
Views on Iraq: Strong supporter of the invasion in 2003. Supported the war in Iraq until 2007, when he began a more serious bid for the leadership position...
Views on Afghanistan: In May 2006, he voted to extend the mission to 2009. He has argued very recently for "the renewal of the mission".
So here's what you get in Ignatieff: an academic with less than 3 years real experience with politics who has supported the invasion of Iraq, has strongly supported the renewal of the mission in Afghanistan, and has lived outside of Canada for over 30 years (nearly half his life).
Sorry, but teaching politics does not a good politician make. He has no real experience in politics, and his political career only began when he was approached by Ian Davey and Daniel Brock, two Liberal organizers looking for a figurehead to dangle to the public.
There's a very small chance he could do some good if elected, but a huge probability he will make Canada crash and burn if he were to become PM.
Practical Average Joe
said
I don't really mind Mr. Harper leading.....he really has good leadership skills to see us through a tough economic time as this.
I do have a beef with Mr. Harper. By trying to pull that cut-political-funding stunt and the resulting instability, he gave currency speculators a reason to drag our dollar lower than the US one. Bad very bad for cross-border retail outlets shopping.
Still, the silent majority who loves cross-border shopping should take heart. Just did so, the past few days, and in spite of our lousy exchange rate, Americans have more than compensated by putting more deductions on top of stated deductions. In some cases, four compounding deductions on items altogether. Even with American taxes, this still brings the final prices to half of retail prices in Canada without the Canadian taxes. This should bring a Christmas cheer to many.
ND.Gauthier
said
insearchofthetruth
said
He won less than 154 votes in the last election but he decided to form a Minority government. Meaning that he was confident he could get the support of the other parties.
When he cannot get 154 votes it is a matter of nonconfidence and it is then up to the GG to decide what next.
Now show me the paragraph or subparagraph or appendix in the constutution that says a coalition among elected parties is illegal.
Please also note that those members of the Bloc who are seated in Ottawa have the same Parliamentary rights as Harper or any other member elected to the House.
Show the the document that says that the Bloc is illegal in the present Canadian Parliamentary system.
It would also be legal if the Bloc was to get a member elected in Calgary in a federal election, for example. What the party stands for does not make one party more legitimate than another.
Please read the constitution, my friends.
Ken In Winnipeg
said
The real weakness of having Ignatieff as a leader is the fact he is trained as a history professor. He has spent decades telling students what to think about history not the future. Now he and the liberal elite are telling his new students, Canadians and liberals, that he is the best to lead Canada into the future. Liberals and Canadians are not being offered a choice. Excuse me, but I would rather have Harper who is a trained economist run Canada through these turbulent times.
Gerald from Belleville
said
It's Mr. Ignatieff, not Ingnatieff like I write in my first post. And the phrase "has lived outside of Canada for over 30 years" should read "has lived outside Canada for NEARLY 30 years".
Thanks all.
MJB
said
AylmerBob
said
Democracy, the LPC way !!!
Kerry in Calgary
said
So just because Mr. Ignatief has all these Phd's doesn't make him qualified to be our PM. As we used to say in university, Phd just refers to crap "Piled High & DEEP"! Just like all facets of the Liberal party I suppose! Took the man of knowledge 30 years to return to his home country! Yeah, a true patriot to lead us into the next 4 years!
Gerald from Belleville
said
This recession (perhaps even soon a depression!) is the result of global market trends, international trade, volatile markets, etc. It is a global even caused by global factors. It was NOT cause by Harper, nor was it caused by the Liberals before him.
Just take a basic economics course in any university (though anyone who paid attention in high school should be able to figure it out...) and it's easy to see that this recession is not the result of Cons manipulation, incompetence, etc...
Carole, Saskatoon
said
Small point, but if Mr. Ignatieff is 61 years old and spent 27 years living and working outside of Canada, then 44.2% of his life was spent outside of the country thus 55.8%, or more than half of his life (and climbing, apparently), was spent in his mother country of Canada. But, as I say, this is a small point. He has the qualifications to do the job. He is a Canadian citizen. He has the unanimous support of his party. He has the backing of his party rivals. That is all we need to know for now. When election time arrives, then the electorate in his riding will get to ask the pertinent questions about his philosophies, policies and plans when he arrives on their doorsteps. If they like him, they will vote for him. All the naysaying in the world will not change that fact.
Our job, as citizens of Canada, is to talk with the candidates in our own ridings, ask pertinent questions to decide if their policies and beliefs coincide with our own, inform ourselves about the platforms of the various parties - then get off our duffs and vote on election night. Those who will not participate in the process of selection, should not complain about the outcome because they willingly allowed things to go in a direction they might not otherwise have done had more people voted.
Vic from Dryden
said
Karen
said
patricia
said
DB - Winnipeg
said
Peter in Oshawa
said
colleen thebeau, rimbey
said
Colleen T
Bill from CANADA
said
Calgarian
said
If Harper is the best you can do… I pity you, truly pity.
Vic form Dryden
said
davidovich
said
It's true. They both decry the right wing neo-cons while adhering to their policies.
Iggy believed in the Iraqi invasion right up to the point he decided to join the Liberal party. He also said torture is an accepted form of interrogation.
Obama said it was not right to invade Iraq but now he has at least two people on his foreign policy team who believed in the invasion since day one - Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and Robert Gates as the defense secretary.
Ignatieff and Obama are the same. They have hijacked the neo-con agenda and are claiming it as their own.
Jackie from Calgary
said
Expressed "hatred"?? I thought they disagreed with the budget. I guess it kind of sums up the mood in Canada right now. I think this is fueled by the media as well. Too many opinions and not enough facts. Some tend to put words in other's mouths or a spin on situations that are just not there. Kind of like adding fuel to the fire. Can these politicians and the pro-liberal media not understand that it is the incessant ranting and raving and finger pointing that turn so many of us off?
Any way you present it the Conservatives got more support Canada wide than the NDP or the Liberals. The Bloc is self serving and doesn't speak for all Canadians from coast to coast, just the chosen few. So they don't count. They don't have my interests at heart. As Canadians, Quebec's interests are served just as well as the rest of Canada's regardless of the Bloc.
Who is this Ignatieff? I certainly, and a good many other people did not vote for him. He never says what he is about other than (lately) how he is going to use the coalition as a threat. Never have I heard any Liberal offer up any solutions or plans other than ranting on about how the Conservatives are out of touch with Canadians. No one asked me and think Prime Minister Harper is doing a stellar job.
Ontario has Ignatieff already as new Prime Minister but remember, some Canadians have very long memories
Bianka
said
(note: this comment is from a non-partison girl) :)
Greg in Cambridge
said
Cradle to grave...they sure know what's best for you...don't they.
Mary
said
Mike
said
Rob
said
charlie
said
Fa Chili
said
charlie
said
Mary
said
NG - Regina
said
Laur
said
David in Saanich
said
Of course there was another reason to get rid of Dion; he was set up by his own party to fail. The facts are they fired him within days of his coalition with the NDP and after they supported him 100 percent while putting the coalition together. If he wasn't set up to take the fall by Iggy and Rae than the moon is made of cheese.
TD in TO
said
Moe-Edmonton
said
New World
said
"He (Harper) is appealing to people who learned their civics from American television," This says it all.
Brett in Alberta
said
That party is on it's way to being just like the PC's were after 1993. The are going to have to be completely revamped, change their name slightly before anybody has any faith in them again.
Canada Goose Whistler
said
So much for being a math whiz ha!
Neil, Calgary
said
Goodbye Canada.
LH
said
Ignatieff should go back to the US - NB view
said
Dan
said
PVT
said
Joan (Calgary)
said
Today, we have Looney Layton and Wigley Iggly.
We need election called in January so that we can tell these gentlemen :-) no thank you.
Elizabeth
said
This is one man who can stand up to Harper's bullying and he will do it with class.
DJC From Winnipeg
said
nicole Berube, Kingston, ON
said
Vic friom Dryden
said
John in Calgary
said
I still want to see a published list of expectations from the Coalition when it comes to the budget. I don't want to hear after the fact, "it didn't have this it didn't have that." I don't trust the coalition and I want to know if they are arguing for nothing.
I don't think I stimulus package is going to help Canada's economy. We export 85% of our products to the U.S. The U.S is in hard times, so if they're not buying, we're not selling. Do they plan on sending $30b to the U.S. so that they will start buying again?
I don't just want to hear, we need a stimulus package. Ok why do you think that? How is it going to help? To who is it going to go? If a stimulus package is going to go anywhere it should be to developing a greener public transit system across the country. There you go, jobs are made, and it's something we need. VIA rail is a thing of the past we need a high speed train system, just like Europe.
Sarah
said
Sorry to any coalition supporters.
Bob
said
Raj
said
Wendy In Montreal
said
Next soap starts at 6:00pm
Frank
said
Mr. Michael Ignatieff has lived in the U.K/United States for over 30 years and just recently returned to Canada, at the request of the Liberals. This party has no credibility and they should understand that they are the ones who damaging Canadian Economy and image in the world, as well causing problem with Quebec.
SHAME!!
said
Western Block
said
Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
said
Would it be undiplomatic of me to ask whether or not this is reasonable?
Other people commenting on this have been less diplomatic. Like some of them I find this turn of events to be disagreeable.
I have never much liked Stephen Harper but compared with Michael Ignatieff and his self-satisfied manner I am beginning to appreciate the merits of the current prime minister more and more.
DEFSask
said
KJ in Kingston Ontario
said
RJ
said
I can twist numbers too.
P.S. It's not "wizzes"… it's whizzes.
Vic from Dryden
said
Mary
said
Cliiff in Ottawa
said
Mark
said
If the socialist and undemocratic Liberals want to bring the government down then let's have another Democratic Election and let the CANADIAN PEOPLE choose Democratically who they want to govern Canada.
The majority of Canadians are against the Liberals whether solo, and or the NDP and separatists propping them up, which is why they will continue trying to seize power via coup.
Now comes word that Iggy the Americanized undemocratic crowned leader would like the GG to allow the Liberals without the coalition in tow, allow him and his Far Left un-elected Liberals seize power without an election.
If Iggy/Liberals want to be Prime Minister/govern then earn it and be Democratic for ma change and we can have an election to let the Canadian people decide.
Peter Rapsey
said
Although you have the ability to be competent, you can not show us that competence until you realize that the other 307 MPs are as valid and as democratically elected as you, you do not have the moral authority to run my beloved country. Play nice!
Matt in New Glasgow, NS
said
For the record, Mr. Ignatieff was born in Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, the son of a CANADIAN diplomat. Given his father's role as a CANADIAN diplomat, his family moved around throughout his childhood. At age 11, he returned to CANADA to attend Upper CANADA College, where he was elected school prefect, captain of the soccer team, and editor of the yearbook. He also worked on the late Lester B. Pearson's campaign. You know Pearson, he's the guy who gave us our CANADIAN flag (an in a minority Parliament no less), and also won a Nobel Peace Prize. He was ten times the PM Harper could ever dream of being. Ignatieff also worked in CANADA as a youth organizer for the Liberal Party of CANADA. He continued his studies at the University of Toronto (in CANADA), during which time he worked as a part-time reporter at The Globe and Mail, a CANADIAN institution. He went on to teach at UBC (in CANADA), as well as in the United Kingdom the United States and France. His work as a journalist, author, and human righrs champion have earned him global praise. He has received nine honorary doctorates. He was elected by CANADIAN voters in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Contrast this with Harper who is nothing more than a policy wonk with an economics degree.
K. Wilson
said
Oh goody! Another efite Liberal scholar with all the answers. These answers, of course, come from his many years of experiencing Canadian society and problems while living in the U.S. This is just another political experiment from a bunch of quasi-socialists who think they can spend their way out of our problems! I hope he and his coalition defeat the present gov't and send us all into another election. Then we will express our displeasure at him with our votes for all this political fiddling while Canada economically burns.
gary boates
said
Jason-TO
said
Paul L. Maly
said
Mutt From Windsor
said
Pat_from_Mississauga
said
Devil's Advocate
said
Mr. Ignatieff was appointed as INTERIM leader of the Liberal Party. I do not think I need to define interim. SO before people make allegations, I wish they would get their facts straight. When a leader steps down, an interim leader must be named. That is exactly what happened when Paul Martin stepped aside following his defeat. No issues were raised at that time. Why the sudden concerns now? If anyone is interested in runnign for the leadership of the Liberal Party, they can still do so and it will be decided at the May Convention which will go move forward as planned. So I still fail to see the undemocratic process. Liberal cardholders and delegates alike, will have their voices heard come May if other candidates choose to run. That is the reality, one that many seem to blatantly ignore.
cindy ptolemy
said
Pretty sad days in Canada considering canadians didn't have a choice on this and he is alread threatening the prime minister to take him down.
Who is this guy and how did he manage to become top dog.
Matt C in Calgary
said
With all due respect Carole, to say that Mr.Ignatieff has "the qualifications to do the job" is not for you or Mr.Ignatieff or the Liberal Caucus to decide. What candidate (regardless of the party) didn't feel that he or she was qualified and would make the best leader? The Liberal Party leader should be decided democratically by the members of the Liberal Party. Forcing a leader to undergo a leadership race gives the electorate a better picture of where that candidate stands on issues. It is true that technically he is only the "interim" leader, but Mr.Rae was obviously pressured by the Liberal Caucus/Party Elite to bow out of the race and effectively guarantee that Mr.Ignatieff will officially become the leader in May.
As someone who has voted for the Liberals (and the Conservatives) in the past, I am not pleased with this circumvention of due process by the Liberal Elite. Keep in mind that that same elite was responsible for putting Paul Martin in power. How did he fair?
For members of the Liberal Party (and all Canadians for that matter) to question Mr.Ignatieff's credentials, experience and the way in which he has been coronated, is prudent and in the long run is in the best interest of the Liberal Party.
Hanley
said
Don't you know who Ignatieff is by now?
Sheesh!
If Harper was afraid of merely the idea of a coalition, he can be very afraid now! Maybe he should run to the GG again for help. wah!
PVT
said
And how will a coalition with separatists give me a gov't I can trust, stability and economic security? The Bloq already gets over 8 billion per year in transfer payments from Ottawa and they want another billion plus. This is going to help the national economy? Sheesh...
Laurie
said
John E
said
jake from keats
said
liz ottawa
said
Allan
said
Trent
said
Question ~ To Michael Ignatieff. Were you voted in by the Canadian public as leader of the minority government that hold 140 plus seats in the House? Let me answer that for you ~~ NO! You were not voted in. So, where do you get off calling the shots?
Also, how about informing the Canadian public as to which country you paid taxes to for 30 years!!! I'd be willing to bet that it wasn't to Canada. So do you have the right to call the shots? No ~ Pay your dues to the public first!!!
Rob in Edm
said
Nice way to play fair Iggy.
Layton B in Moncton NB
said
Bill
said
"I will not negotiate with Harper."
He doesn't care what Harper is willing to do...nor what Canadians want...all he wants is the PM's office.
Steve the Pundit
said
Let me spell it out for these Liberals who seem to need a primer on "democracy":
- if you agree with the government's policies, vote for them
- if you don't, vote against them and face the electorate
- if the electorate agrees with you, you can form the government and attempt to determine policy as you see fit
- if the electorate agrees with the current government, you don't get to make policy. You have to "influence" the government to your way of thinking. Or wait until the next election and try again.
I think the majority of the Canadian public would be prepared to accept some sort of coalition if the electoral results were much closer (in "King-Byng" back in 1926 I think the difference in seats was less than 12). But let's face it: the Liberals got nearly 50% fewer seats than the Conservatives. How can you realistically position yourselves as an alternative to a government that came within 10 seats of a majority?
Tanya in Québec
said
And to all of you out there criticizing him for 'having no experience', blah blah blah... they said the same things about Barack Obama... and I don't think I need to spelt out the rest of that story!
I am looking forward to seeing more of Mr. Ignatieff in the near future. BRAVO!!
Rhonda Pick
said
BIG-JIM
said
When are you Liberals going to accept the fact that Canadians spoke,we made our choice and that was not you or your party.
You cannot organize your own party funds so you think we will trust you with CANADA'S funds? I don't think so!
Flex your muscles all you want but when we go to the polls we will deflate them even more.
Canada obviously had enough of past Liberal rule and that brought about the last election results.
So shut the mouth till January and lets see what transpires and Mr. Harper's IQ will bury you and make your head spin.
We don't need arrogant opposition we need what Canada voted for and that is all you are, the opposition, who by the way should NOT get public funding!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doug Ontario
said
Denis
said
jack
said
If they get in I am no longer a canadian but just a Albertan!
P.S. what with ontario always voting liberal no matter how retarded there leaders and policys are.
Griff
said
Let's have a coalition government that no Canadian voted for,
led by a man who was essentially acclaimed for his party's leadership position,
and who was parachuted as the party nominee in his riding over the nomination choice of the local riding association.
Does anyone see a pattern here?
cindyptolemy
said
Canadians want liberals well maybe they should think twice now since the leader of the liberals is barely even a canadian
Chuck in NS
said
You guys keep forgetting the Bloc when you talk the coalition talk. What gives?
Jim in Saskatoon
said
Congradulations on your conquest. Now please do the country a favour - resign - please take Jack,Bob and Ralph with you.
In case you have not heard - Canadians do not want a change in the leadership of Canada.
Have a good day!
bdw
said
Frank
said
These three parties don't have an agenda for the Canadian people, their egos are too big for that.
This is shameful.
disappointed albertan
said
Who is Ignatieff ?? How does someone thats virtually unknown to most Canadians become a possible temp PM? The 3 stooges really did it this time..Anyway the people I talk to say if there were to be an election now Harper would win his majority because people are disqusted how the stooges are trying to come in the back door for shared power. I never voted Coalition. Even the Libs can't vote on who would be leader. It is a very sad thing thats going on. I love this great country and to see what is happening makes ya just shake your head..
Ron J. Shou;ldice
said
with the big "I"
John Mapplebeck
said
d
said
Scott O'Brien - Ottawa
said
They also want a government they VOTED FOR! Obviously this escapes the twits that run the Liberal party. The last thing we need in trying economic times is this mutinous "coalition" that the Canadian people never elected into office.
I still find it amusing that the Liberals had dozens of opportunities to "take the Conservatives down" yet they choose to do it when their FUNDING is is jeopardy. How very Liberal of them.
Patric, Ottawa
said
Canadians to Mr. Ignatieff
said
Western
said
jon holland
said
Bruce from Calgary
said
Earl (working in Kosovo)
said
Having said all of that, I believe that this attempted hijacking of the Canadian voters is outrageous and as much as I respect the new Liberal leader I hope he activates his intellect and closes this particular sorry chapter in Canadian politics. And I believe he will
Western
said
Do you or do you not support the Conservative minority government Mr. Ignatieff
Ryan
said
Ian S. Kirby-Smith
said
Same old Lieberal Rhetoric
said
Get a life people, same old tired rant "Power at all Costs" This guy is great at writing books and being a career student. I work with alot of those people, they are almost the death of the company every three months.
Another Liberal with no common sense, no direction, no vision for Canada just another coward using the media for power.
Try this rhetoric once an election is called, I will be voting Conservative and I am from Ontario!!!!
Dave Solonin
said
If the Coalition rejects the budget, they better have their own version of a budget ready to present to the Cdn people on Jan 26th.They should be all rolling up their sleeves and preparing a budget to help the economic situation. Is one thing to threaten to take down Gvy of budget unacceptable, but are they planning a budget of their own? Or does Canada have to wait till end of March for one from Coalition?
Mary
said
DG
said
K. Johnston
said
Attack ads where invented by Liberals so why is he threatening PM Harper through assumption that IF his ads are deemed attack ads by the minds over at Libs. HQ they will bring down a Gov. God bless Canada and all the sensible people in it!
Fool me twice shame on ME
said
LPC continues to suffer from, arrogance, pride, sense of entitlement and a lust for power which would even have them ignore the rank and file members.
'Yes Martha, it sure looks like the same ole Liberals with a new feller at the helm pullin' the same ole political tricks.
D in AB
said
Brian Leonard
said
Kris D
said
Methinks Haprer is in trouble.
Bruce
said
The strategy will focus on Ignatieff directly, and the Tory national machine has began asking for donations by labelling him a "parachute" leader, The Canadian Press reported Wednesday.
NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!!! same ol' same ol'!! Bank on it! Where is Guy Fawkes when you need him!! LOL
cindy
said
JD Bermudez, Calgary
said
As for him having spent years abroad and being an intellectual... that's a BAD thing? Someone with credibility, an education, international experience and vision is BAD? So what if he hasn't been playing the politics game as long as Harper?
Are we going to start voting like the Americans did in the 2000 and 2004 Elections- for the guy we'd most like to have a beer with? I love my drinking buddies, but there are only a select few of them that I'd want to see in government.
Being in the intellectual elite is not the same as being elitist, and it's time that North America woke up to that.
Steve H.
said
While I agree with your comment on JL I strongly disagree with your comment on the other individual!! Remember, it was dear Ed that was one of the masterminds of the separatist coalition. Like all NDP'ers he's all blather and no substance. He propped up Liberals on many occasions during the Trudeau years. IMHO, the NDP made a very fatal error by jumping into bed with the separatist Bloc as did the Libs.........Steve...
Penny Nakahara
said
REDSTAR
said
I guess not much has changed across the room. Not exactly the best start to promote an ayr of co-operation. BUT wait. Co-operation and success in promoting an economic recovery is not what they really want. POWER is what they really want. Nothing has changed since last week. Liberals still feel they are entitled to their entitlements.
Jay
said
Marty
said
Ki-Som Victoria BC
said
charlie
said
James-Eh!
said
yes we elected a MINORITY government, one which was supposed to work with the opposition.
Harper broke the government when he decided not to do so, by means of Flaherty's economic update.
How can the opposition break something that's already broken?
The vote in January will only confirm what we already know.
pupcorn19
said
Paul Andrews
said
CMQ
said
Another note is, S. Dion stated during the election he would never join with the NDP to form a government. The votes he did receive were for the Liberals working alone, not in conjunction with another party.
As for the coalition to work, no matter how you slice it, add up the % of votes, reality is, without the Bloc, a coalition with the Lib/NDP does not add up to enough seats/votes to stop conservative legislation.
To try and play with the numbers does not make the situation better or more believable. Reality is the conservatives have 143 and the other two much less.
I'd rather see the Liberals and all parties try to work together. I'd like to hear our new Liberal leader say he has accepted an invitation to work on the budget with Harper rather than threaten to topple the government.
New Liberal leader, same old story.... Is Mr Dion still pulling the strings?
b gordon
said
They won't be getting my support any time soon. And neither will Mr. Harper.
Once again we're squared off between two undemocratic has-been parties with twenty-five years of destructive policy and out of touch politics.
We've managed to blow yet another historic opportunity for growth and development.
Thanks but no thanks.
B.
Richard D
said
Assume he meant every word he just said in his conference. Harper presents a budget, without any clues from the Liberals as to what would be considered "acceptable", and it gets voted down. Now, Harper can go to the public and say "See? They had no intentions of wanting a stable Parliament. They just wanted power." Considering the number of Canadians who are mad at the coalition parties, he'll probably get away with it.
On the other hand, suppose the Liberals vote to accept the budget (because they can't afford an election anyway, and a coalition as unstable as this one won't even be considered by the GG). Now Ignatieff has just betrayed his coalition "partners" and has burned that bridge. That means, unless he wants that election, he will have to keep voting to support Harper until the party is able to afford to run an election campaign.
Good job, Liberals.
Dr J
said
Sean McAllister
said
Sue
said
Don
said
davidovich
said
Bring it on Iggy!!
Ray in Calgary
said
We do not want to see a coalition, we would however, want an election regardsless if your party finances are up are not.
If you continue to ignore the bosses, we will not forget you when the election happens the next time.
PM
said
He hasn't even been elected by Liberal party members, much less Canadians !
The Liberals may be short of cash, but as always, they're flush with arrogance.
Scott ONT
said
AZ
said
Are you kidding? how quick the liberals work. Lets rewind and see how quick the liberals were during their 12 yrs in power. Harper did more in the first year with a minority government!!
Quick isn't always the answer either. To bypass a vote for the benefit of speed is not a good thing.
Lastly, with the threats over bringing down the government over the budget, There are about 1000 different thoughts of how to fix the economy so why do the Liberals think theirs is the best? What errogance!! Of the G8, Canada is in the best position, so far I think Harper has done a great job and he was voted to a stronger mandate becuase of it.
Its funny how the Liberals are now acting like the Americans and wanting to throw money to the wind to fix the problem.
az
DoasIsay
said
T’was three weeks before Christmas, when all through the House
In hopes that a Coalition soon would be there.
The Blocs were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of separatism danced in their heads.
When all across the country there arose such a clatter,
The results of the election, really did matter.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it was Jack Layton, Mr Slick.
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Iggy! now, Duceppe! Now Mays - you vixen!
Let’s unite! Let’s unite! Separatists and all!"
And then, in a twinkling, they heard on the roof
Down the chimney St Harper came with a bound.
He was dressed in gold, from his head to his feet,
The Tories won't accept deceitiful defeat.
His eyes-how they glared! his fists, how clenched!
He stands for democracy, and won’t see it trenched!
For the governor-general soon would appear..
Harper was elected by Canadians, voted in fair,
Not a Weasel, not a Separatist, not the guy with no hair!
With them getting together, it will have to be said,
Canadians will face the future with dread.
Harper spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
Shook his head in disgust, then turned to the jerk.
And laying his middle finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a shout,
Trying to teach Canadians, what this is about.
And I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"This is the end of democracy, C’mon lets fight!"
R. A. Kukkee
said
He has little political experience and hasn't lived in Canada for a great portion of his life. Should his "American" experience now be a free licence to take control of Canada? This from a "Party" that complains that the Conservatives are too close to the Americans.
Let's be honest for once, get real and recognize this move is about seizing political power and moving Canada closer to the United States of America.
Politicians, without exception, say what benefits their personal agendas to the greatest degree. The future is now more uncertain than ever with Ignatieff at the helm of the Liberal party. When will Canadians wake up to that fact?
ALWAYS.
Carmen
said
exAmericanGal
said
CC - western Canada
said
Political posturing from another academic who thinks he is the savior of the Liberals. If you want to save the Liberals Iggy...rebuild it. Don't put a patch on it.
dave montreal
said
5th Generation Canadian
said
They'll be worried about Ignatieff so watch out for a terrible spate of attack ads. If anything like what they did to Dion, the country will choke on more lies and misconceptions.
Robin
said
Who does he think he is
BATMAN
Just tired of this BS
said
Chris from Newfoundland & Labrador
said
Also, with regards to bashing Iggy's American ties. Aren't the Americans our friends? So lets see, Harper has already alienated Quebec with his attacks on the Bloc (who with 50 seats represent a lot of Quebecers) and now he will alienate the Americans too? Great job there PM. What next? Maybe flare up a debate on abolishing the monarchy and alienating the UK too?
Les in Rossland
said
They are not after a balanced budget that addresses the economy, they want to be in power: period.
Ian in the West
said
disolutioned liberal
said
He just sealed his and the Liberal fate with Canadians!
I will not vote liberal ever again!
Matt
said
He could help move them to the center, as they've drifted way too far to the left.
The anti Harper crowd is likely pretty happy, but Iggy isn't a nice guy either.
As far as restoring democracy, Ignatieff wasn't selected by the party. Only appointed by a few of the elite.
As necessary as you think it might be, it is not a very democratic start.
CONCEITED ARROGANT IGGY
said
Who does King Iggy think he is?
Have an election now and the Tories will get the majority.
What a bunch of bozos that are on power trips and want to run our country into the ground.
The Reluctant Voter
said
Larry L
said
I am not a member of the LPC so I have absolutely no say in how they choose to run their internal affairs, and neither does the CPC (yet they've already started doing so).
Myeyeshurt, AB
said
Drew in NS
said
"We didn't get the job done"
How are you going to convince Canadians your going to lead now that the Liberal knives have only one back to stab at.
Do you think Sponge Bob is going to let you get away with stealing the leadership. I'm sure he's offering to take it out of Dion's back now.
Craig from Toronto
said
A government cannot spend its way out of recession, it can however reduce taxes, influence bank rates, etc. Bailout packages are bogus. I don't want any of my tax dollars used for that or paying separatists mps wages.
Bully for Harper, if he is a bully, he is my kind of common sense bully!!!
ben
said
First, I will explain what I mean with the contradiction. People complain that Michael Ignatieff has lived in the States and he might sell of Canada. For this they want to stay with the conservatives. If you really want to look at the selling of off Canadian business to Americans, look at NAFTA. Brian Mulroney signed NAFTA and allowed the current border to be virtually eliminated. Jobs have been lost and foreign ownership is staggering. The conservatives are really calling the kettle black.
The second point is that the people can not see indirect causes and only look at the direct. I am referring to Bob Rae. Under the Liberal leadership of Bob Rae, the Liberals funding was cut by the Chretien government. This was achieved by Chretien eliminating the Canadian Assistance Plan CAP and developing the Canada Health and Social Transfer fund. The significance of this is that the funding was reduced by 40% to the provinces for allocating Health Care. Although it was the Liberal Federal government that hurt the Liberal provincial government the fact remains that the Ontario debt is still not all Bob Rae’s fault. Some times you have to look at the big picture to understand the full concept and who is to blame.
Jim in Ontario
said
bsullivan
said
What a loser. Another Professor dictating democracy to the rest of us. This from a guy who got the job by default or the last one standing.
So now we have this loser what is he and the other monsters going to do to Canada.
1. Stimulate the forestry industry. They will force Canadians and USA’s to buy lumber. Also, start another Liberal/left wing trade war with the US, which by the way we always lose.
2. Stimulate the Automotive industry. They force you to by new cars whether you need one or not or will use tax payers money to subsidize the manufacturing of them. Can anyone see another trade war.
3. Start a carbon credit war with Western Canada and Far East Canada. Hence all the upgrading and jobs will move to another country. Now there is intelligent move.
4. Rob Western Canada like the last great Liberal leader?
5. Any other trade wars they can start while driving the economy into the dirt?
6. They all complained about a possible deficit of a few billion. Now we are at 30 BILLION and counting. Sounds like PET’s plan of the 70’s and early 80’s. Anything for greed, corruption and power.
As my female friend (who did not vote Conservative) said “I am so angry at the monsters that the next election I will campaign for the Conservatives”.
Al
said
Westwind
said
Canadians do not want Count Iggy. You, sir, will be taken down.
Kevin
said
BigD Alberta
said
GHW
said
jonathan in the peg
said
Jon in Calgary
said
To spout off, calling him an American only makes YOU look ignorant. Instead of repeating the incorrect lies that you've found over at CONservative.ca to discredit a man's history that you obviously know nothing about, why not try finding substantive policy points with which you disagree with to discuss?
At a time where Canadian’s are losing their jobs, facing a recession, and watching the clouds build on an uncertain horizon it’s truly pathetic that the best some people can do is throw these ignorant and pathetic lines around.
Tim in Halifax
said
Bob H fr Petawawa
said
Pete
said
pl
said
Hypocrite Harper was in bed with Bloc Quebecois
said
Canada's first minority government in a quarter of a century fell on the night of Nov. 28,
2005. The Conservatives, New Democrats and Bloc Québécois united to defeat Paul Martin's
Liberals by approving a simple motion: "That this House has lost confidence in the
Government."
How can Harper sleep at night? The charlatan has personally done everything he reviles and
obstructs today, starting with making pacts with the BQ for his personal advancement.
Too bad he couldn't use those same uniting skills to be a productive Prime Minister.
PB
said
This indicates that the money stolen in the ad scandal was only a tip of an iseberg: they used to stael a lot more, only we didn't know.
Tokyo Ex-Pat
said
Just like a Tory, quick to attack, slow to react. By the time parliament resumes in Janurary there will be no need for a bailout...the auto industry will be gone, the pulp and paper mills will be closed, what do we have left? Oh ya, the Alberta Oil fields. Funny, eh? Anyone else see the pattern here?
I can see the For Sale on Parliament Hill...and a Sold sign in Edmonton/Calgary...
shame on the liberals
said
Iggy and the Stooges. Only in Canada (and third world communist countries like Cuba and North Korea)
Harper has done enough damage to this country.
said
Matt in TO
said
I don't agree with how he was coronated by the Liberal caucus (i.e. pressuring Bob Rae to bow out of the leadership race). However, he may turn out to be a competent leader. Time will tell. If he isn't competent, I suspect Mr.Rae and Mr.LeBlanc will have some sharp knives ready.
"He who lives by the sword dies by sword"
Don Bart
said
Alberta is a political rump.
said
when is enough enough
said
retired07
said
So get with it, put the coalition idea to bed and get out of bed with the seperatists.
It's time to work together. That goes for you and PM Harper.
A. Yaworski
said
What's next? "Ignatieff pals around with terrorists and is actually a Muslim extremist!"
Sad nothing new is coming from the right wing camp...
I guess if the Libs want to compete with a party that just tried to abolish the old campaign finance reform, they'll have to go grass roots and web based like Obama did over the past two years.
Change comes to Ottawa, not from it... (couldn't resist the plagerism...)
Letter to Mr. Ignatieff
said
I heard you threaten the Prime Minister today.
The Prime Minister shares the common-sense, populous-supported understanding that being the WINNER of a "Minority" position in Parliament does not require him or the the Conservatives to take orders from the LOSERS (...are you listening Mr. Ignatieff?).
Rather, the Opposition Liberals and NDP must make all efforts to work with the PM and his party. The PM has said he is willing but are you willing or just grandstanding prior to trying to thrust yourself to power against the will of the majority of Canadians who hate this coalition?
While this self-serving, power-hungry Coalition led by the Liberals, comprised of three partisan LOSERS, has the democratic right to challenge the WINNER, Prime Minister Harper knows (as most of us do) that this selfish band of political rogues lacks the genuine popular support of the Canadian voter.
When Prime Minister Harper prorogued Parliament he most certainly acted in the best interests of Canadians; unlike Dion, Layton, and Duceppe (traitor).
Candians were effectively spared a cruel "democratic" joke, and a Parliament destined to dysfunctional failure do to partisan hypocrisy and the unbridled lust for power we have all come to expect from the Liberal party elite.
I submit Mr. Ignatieff that it is you that should be threatened by us the voters of this country if you do not "tow the line".
J.D.Bradford MD
Peter D
said
Mark
said
As bad as things are economically in the world the sky is not falling in Canada. Yes, manufacturing and the Auto sector need some assistance.
Harper four times in the last week has extended an olive branch and what does Iggy do first opportunity he gets? He starts spewing out more venom and socialist left wing anti-democratic rhetoric. The majority of Canadians have had it with these Liberal & NDP socialists.
If the other parties vote down the budget then let's have an election and let the Canadian people decide, that is democracy in action, not trying to seize power after they lost an election.
DPR from WPG
said
The majority of Canadians want a progressive government. Even if the centre & left do not unite formally in a coalition, strategic voting is here to stay. The Cons know that & rightly fear that as they are well aware that they are in the minority. All they can do is keep on sending their supporters to these comment sites, who apparently cannot speak for themselves & deliver their own unique ideas, but instead must by guided by Con website "talking points", lies & trash talk.
Harper's days are numbered.
bert
said
Dave
said
Robert
said
What unmitigated arrogance - typical of the Liberals!
Brooke V
said
V P
said
How many times do people need to be reminded? We do *not* elect our Prime Minister in Canada. We elect the representative of our constituency to Parliament. That's it! The closest "thing" to an election of the PM is fact that he might be "elected" by his party. Canadians do not elect the governing party, nor do they elect the PM. They elect MPs.
cristino
said
like a dictator, what's more
if he becomes prime minister?
It will be undemocratic if
he became a prime minister
without an election. It is
the voters who elect the PM
and not the party caucus.
Carole, Saskatoon
said
You raise an interesting point. Did you scroll down to read the rest of what I said? If you carry a Liberal Party membership and are a Canadian citizen, you also qualify to run for the leadership of the party. You need only garner the support of your peers. Have you considered it?
Samuel Prime
said
Dresden in Victoria
said
Harper gets badgered and raked over the coals for supposedly governing like he has a majority when he is in a minority yet it's fine for Ignatieff to try and govern when he's not in power *at all.*
Yes, the Conservative Party should consult with the Liberals and try to compromise somewhat, but at the same time the Liberals have to remember who was elected and not feel that they can set the agenda and have things their way.
So, go ahead and defeat the government Michael...see where you end up - further on the outside than you are now.
Immigration
said
Curt
said
Iggy sounded like "the mouse that roared" at his news conference today.
Neil. Calgary
said
How does that stack up against attacks on Dion's dastardly green shift? How does one defend Iggy's residence in the states for all of these years without coming to the conclusion that he has to be biased towards the US?
The Libs need not complain. They played fast and loose with politics as a game to be won at all costs and won elections for so many years. Now the chickens are coming home to roost.
Iggy is an intelectual/journalist who saw fit to reside in other countries and now he coming home to lead us to the promised land. He is not a proven leader, he has not fought in the trenches, he has not had his ear to the ground and struggled to the top. Lets not pretend that he is ready to lead Canada during a time of great economic crisis.
Mel in BC
said
Fred - Brandon MB
said
WesternWoes
said
charlie
said
Barrrie in Osaka, Japan
said
If a non confidence vote goes through I dare Iggy to call for an election and ditch the unholy alliance. Let the public decide the makeup of the Canadian government not a handful of politicians behind closed doors.
D.W. Burlington
said
Salloum
said
Marg in Calgary
said
"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."
What makes him think we actually trust him at all, after the nonsense the Liberals have pulled? Doesn't he think overriding our votes is disrespectful? Obviously, they are clueless, and say one thing but mean something entirely different.
No Liberal Prime Minister for me, thank you. Can't believe a word they say.
KRB
said
We've ceased to be a serious country if that ever happens!!!
K. from New Glasgow
said
Canada Goose Whistler
said
Jo in Gtown
said
Isn't democracy fun?
Terry Redfern
said
Some Canadian you are. I was born and raised in the West and happen to love the east. What's not to love about the beauty of Eastern Canada.
Ian
said
HBA. Poli Sci Grad
said
Congratulations Mr. Ignatieff, I was impressed before, and remain so keep it up and you have my vote.
O, How sweet it is, AB
said
Suspending the house is what gave you your new King..lol u should be thanking Harper.
oh and thats right. it was a whole 6.5 days extra. they where off on this friday until the end of january.
Sheryl
said
Harper tried to take away Public tax money that goes to the politcal parties. I would rather the money at this time going somewhere that benefits ALL canadians.
Then power hungry politcal parties.
Sorry but i really don't see how this is all Harper's fault. For those that call harper a BULLY look at what NDP, Liberal, and BQ have done.
Sean
said
My opinion
said
Too bad he's a Liberal!
Gary
said
Allan (Vancouver)
said
Kevin P
said
Perhaps one year soon, the Liberals will actually have a policy convention and develop something to sell to Canadians.
At the same time maybe they can try electing a leader instead of appointing one.
Fine examples of Democracy the Liberals are not...
gerry in flin flon.
said
james from wpg.
said
Adam Whitman
said
1st: the Libs VOWED to bring down the government at ALL costs, signing even a pact with the separatists and NDP, irrespective of the government's 2009 budget
NOW: Ignatieff says he will FIRST read the budget and ONLY THEN decide whether to bring the government down or not.
Where is the NDP-BLOC outcry? Isn't this in contravention with their latest coalition pact? Or is it rather because the latest polls have made all these conspirators think twice over?
FED up in NB
said
Canadians will/should have a voice in all this controversy, I can asure you it does not involve any coalition with separatists.
Canadians deep down know what's right and wrong for CANADA. This coalition overthrow will be repaid with a MAJORITY CONSEVATIVE government.
Canadians are already over taxed,and over worked,and will refuse to pay for everything the BLOC separatists, and NDP/liberals want.
TIME for an ELECTION please...
L.A.
said
timothy j
said
Elizabeth S. Hutton
said
Get ready my fellow Canadians...we will be at the polls in March!!!
God keep our land
said
There is nothing new about any of this.
I am 100% certain that I personally would not do what Ignatieff has done. I would not accept the position of leader of my political party unless the voters had given it to me.
I am disgusted with Ignatieff. He and his liberal pals are a bunch of tyrannical jerks!
Rick (Ontario)
said
I find it amazing how this man can live in a foreign country for 30 years, come back for 2 or 3, and now he want's to be PM. Only the libs can come up with something like this. Not to mention letting Layton lead you like a little puppy to the water dish. If I were a lib supporter, I'd be too embarrassed to admit it.
What a truly pathetic excuse for a political party.
Rikki Toronto
said
Ryan - Regina
said
R - ANOTHER PEE'D OFF LIBERAL
said
BB in B.C.
said
arrgghh
said
Go ahead force an election - WE DARE YOU!!!! And wipe you off the map of Canada.
Brian Appel
said
Though I didn't support him at first, I've heard Michael Ignatieff speak and I believe we have a real heavyweight here; somebody who can go toe to toe with Stephen Harper. Liberals are on the way back; I can feel it!
BL
said
A concerned soldier who served his country. Pro Pa
said
Liberals seem to have collective amnesia. The last time the Liberals held a majority over 13 long, rudderless, dreary years, they ran government like a benevolent dictator. The Finance Minister gutted the Federal Public Service and reduced the Military to a skeleton staff of less than 50000, without decreasing their deployments overseas, while denying us the tools to do the job.
So spare me the political spin and distortion of the facts from the Liberal back-benchers about Stephens Harpers supposed "bullying" tactics!
This man has single handely rescued the country from itself; he could appoint Senators to fill all those lovely vacancies but, instead he would like to see Canadians and the electorate have a say regarding who gets appointed! Now thats democracy.
Unfortunately for Iggy, the electorate has a long memory.Consequently, the Liberal Party will (hopefully) be condemned to a long stint in the Penalty Box for their collective sins.
So lets can the now exctinct coalition and support the GG and the current Conservative government. Otherwise, if we let a Liberal government taqke over they'll:
(a) appoint as many new Senator vacancies as they can in short order;
(b) appoint their buddies to the vacancies in the Public Service;
(c) immediately appoint new Supreme Court Justices to carry on their idealogical programme; and
(d) gut the new Canadian Army and deprive thje Dept of Nat'l Defence with funds they need to operate!
Ronny - Average Guy and Ex-Liberal
said
Gavin in Oshawa
said
kathy
said
Marg in Calgary
said
Great poem - says it all!
Avinash Solomon
said
Grow up and get a lesson in Parliamentary Democracy than thinking ours is US democracy!
We elect a Parliament, not a President. Harper is not elected as a Prime minister. He was chosen as the Prime minister by the elected parliament.
Truly Canadian
said
Joe Viscount
said
logicalperson
said