Updated: Sun May. 03 2009 17:00:59

CTV.ca News Staff

Newly confirmed Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff wants his party to have a campaign platform ready for June, but says that doesn't mean he's looking for a spring election.

"I've told my people I want a platform in June," he said at a news conference Sunday.

"And don't derive electoral timetables from that," he added. "You asked me a question, I'm giving you an answer. I'm not playing games with you."

But if there is an election issue for Ignatieff, who was officially crowned Liberal leader on Saturday, it could be employment insurance.

The Liberals are demanding the government enact "urgent" changes to make individuals who've worked 360 hours in the previous 52 weeks eligible for EI -- no matter which province they live in.

"I'm trying to protect these unemployed workers across the country who badly need help and if the government will work with me, we can get it done," Ignatieff said. "If they won't, we'll have to have an election."

Former Liberal prime minister Jean Chrétien has been urging his party to go to an election. Polls show the Liberals in the lead in popularity under Ignatieff and recessions are never healthy for the sitting government.

Pollster Peter Donolo of the Strategic Counsel says that the EI issue may be a tactical move on the Grits' part, as it is a major issue in hard-hit Ontario.

"The Liberals, who want to gain the lost seats they had in Ontario, are sensitive to this (issue) and are making the pitch," Donolo said. "I think it's a very narrow issue to have an election on but there's no question it is an irritant and plays symbolically to the unemployment concerns people have."

Ignatieff also outlined some of the major policies the party will follow Sunday afternoon, including a cap-and-trade system as part of an environmental strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

That signals a firm move away from his predecessor Dion's Green Shift plan.

"We will not be going into the next election with a carbon tax," Ignatieff said. "We will be going into the next election with a cap-and-trade system with hard caps, set reasonably so that we preserve jobs and meet our environmental objectives."

He also stressed the importance of a gun registry for all firearms.

The Conservative party criticized Ignatieff's speech Saturday night for being light on firm policies and heavy on rhetoric. But the new Liberal leader turned that criticism back on his rivals Sunday.

"People are asking me what my policies are," he said. "You ought to be asking what the government is doing. This is a visionless and directionless government more preoccupied with its own survival than giving Canadians a vision for the future. I've got a vision that will take us to 2017."

Ignatieff vs Harper

Ignatieff has offered tough talk for the sitting prime minister, reiterating his position that Prime Minister Stephen Harper pushes divisive politics to govern the country.

He said Harper's politics are wearing thin with Canadians and the prime minister knows it.

"I have a fundamental disagreement with the Prime Minister about how he handles the country, that is I think he divides, as opposed to unites," Ignatieff told CTV's Question Period in an interview that aired Sunday.

It was the same theme Ignatieff referenced in his speech to Liberal delegates at the Vancouver convention Saturday night.

"For three years you have played province against province, group against group, region against region, individual against individual," he said about Harper.

"When your power was threatened last November you unleashed a national unity crisis and you saved yourself only by sending Parliament home.

"Mr. Harper, you have failed us. If you can't unite Canadians, if you can't appeal to the best in us, we can. We Liberals can build a federalism based on co-operation, not on confrontation."

On Question Period, Ignatieff said the prime minister is "now on his best behaviour."

"I think he had a near-death experience, he's now trying to govern more consensually," Ignatieff said.

But Ignatieff said the message he has been getting from Canadians is that they will not tolerate any more political games.

"Every town I go to, they say: 'Try and make Parliament work. Put your head down, stop the games, get the job done.'"

The Liberal Leader also criticized the sitting government's approach to guiding the Canadian economy towards the future.

Canada needs to become a "knowledge society," Ignatieff said, and must support the universities and researchers that will build it.

Canadians "need a government that gets that and doesn't cut science, but increases funding," Ignatieff said. "And that's a real point of division between us and the Conservatives."

Moving forward, Ignatieff said he intends to continue to hold the government "accountable," but said he will not pick unnecessary fights with the Conservative government.

"I'm not seeking confrontation, because the public doesn't want confrontation. They want us to get the job done," he said.

While he intends to keep the government in check, the Liberal leader admitted he does not foresee a return to a coalition arrangement with his fellow opposition parties.

"I've turned down a coalition once, I don't think I'm going back there," he said.

Comments are now closed for this story

DC in AB
Harper divides the country? Excuse me? It was the Liberals who started the NEP back in the early 80's and essentially screwed the west, it was Chretien who divided Canada east-west, north-south, maritimes vs. quebec. vs. ontario vs. west. Give me a break Ignatieff. Harper has unified a lot of this country.

That kinda of rhetoric will only further divide our country Mr. Ignatieff. The west has been forgotten and treated like crap since day 1, and so has Quebec and the Maritimes -- mostly by Liberals!

Melvin Murgatroid
Hey, DC ...

The NEP was 29 years ago. The Pinto was still on the road, for crying out loud.

I'm 40 this year and I was in junior high dreaming about girls.

It's time for a new argument.

Lorne
DC
Harper has done nothing except continually challenge the opposition parties to an election.
Harper called an unwanted election and found that people were not ready for his majority government.
Harper has alienated NL over his policies.
Harper continues to dictate to his own party and rules with an iron hand over these MPs. Everything requires his approval, which indicates his arrogance.
Harper, just 4-6 mopnths ago told us there would be no economic crisis in Canada. Guess what - we have a major crisis and Harper had no plan in place to lessen the blow.
Now, Harper gives away the world in loan stimulus to guess where - Ontario - so he is no different from other politicians who cater to the East - because that's where the votes are!!!!
Wake up. This is politics.

D Griffith
So Harper failed Canada, eh? And where were YOU, Iggy, the past few decades? Specify the country in your answer please. What a hypocrite. God bless America, eh, Iggy?

Country is always divided.
Different people vote for different political parties.

Conservatives will get about twenty percent of the vote in the next election and subside into a regional rump party.

Cambob
At this point, neither of them are earning my vote.
Harper caved in and sold out the moral purpose of Conservatism, which is "Less Government" Politically, he threw away a golden opportunity to vanquish is opponents by letting the coalition "win". It would have destroyed the NDP, the Liberals would have been in constant chaos, and the Bloc would have shown the rest of Canada how anti-Canadian it really is.

Ignatieff assumed power through desperation to get rid of Dion. Functionally, this was anti-democatic. Thus far, his platform has been "blame Harper". This tells me nothing of what Ignatieff stands for, but only what he can 'score points' with.

The elder statesmen of both parties have proven to be easily corruptable and quick to leave an enormous mess for thier successors.

I believe there are good men and women serving in parliament now, but the leadership of both main parties have shown a track record of poor leadership.

Sadly, if Jack Layton wasn't morally hell bent on stealing the honest, hard working people money to give to the slackers and petty thieves of society, he'd probably be the best "leader".

There are 3 things wrong with Canada now. We reward failure and mediocrity. We appease those who have no commitment to the values of "Canada". And lastly, we are so apathetic to the system, we allow ourselves to be victimized morally, financially and globally.

Congratulations Ignatieff. Please don't screw us.

Loyal Canadian
Before someone tries to paint me as a "conhack", let me set the record straight. I support no one party, I believe in good government - a Canadian ideal, I am a Monarchist (so Off With their Heads!), I am not interested in ideology but reality and vision. I have a Masters Degree in Political Science and don't get my news from a toilet paper roll.

So according to some reports Iggy thinks he's a reincarnation of Trudeau??!!

Since Trudeau did so much damage to this country can we expect more of the same from Iggy? Or perhaps he'd like to just annex Canada to the US since he likes it south of the border so much.

Once again the Liberal party has done the incomprehensible, another result of a backroom deal. Enough already! Disband the party and let's concentrate on the business of running the country for ALL Canadians, not just the bagmen.

And personally, I don't think PM Harper and the Conservative minorty government have done a bad job thus far. To the contrary, they've kept a steady hand on the wheel and are guiding this country through a difficult time. Instead of freaking out about "evil mr. h" and a so-called "hidden agenda", maybe Canadians (including the Liberals and the NDP-forget the separatists) should start working WITH the governing party to the benefit of Canada. Or would they rather concentrate on negatives and continue plotting ways to seize power?

A Working Canadian
Thia aimply represens one person opinion who represents greedy people; if its yours its theirs, if its theirs its theirs.

A Gagliano Montreal
I,m all for encouraging visitors to this country ,but we really should draw the line at letting a tourist become the prime minister.

James in Edmonton
Michael Ignatieff got the wrong answer about everything because he was out of canada for a number of years. Lberals do not need to get back to power again, we are all sick and tired of liberals in power too long so it is time for a change and let tories handle our country in timely terms. Mike need to move on and stick with being oppostion leader for awhile maybe like 5 more yrs

GO AWAY
What the hell would Ignatieff know since he has spent most of the last 34 years living outside of our country. What did we do to deserve this goof back?

Tono
I agree with you, DC.

It is the Liberals, not the Conservatives, that have played the pro-Ontario game with us westerners. The Liberals, in the past at the least, have had zero respect for the fact that most of their wealth is coming out of places like Alberta.

re: DC in Alberta
ARe you in touch with reality now? Really... your going to spit out that Con. crap... really... Heres what I want you to try to do, try to have a thought for yourself?

we need more Democracy
Iggnatief should know the self acclaimed leader is with a party that always used divide and conquer politics..and being entitled to their entitlements soap opera continues...wake up all you left wing nuts in this country and stand up for Democracy and lower taxes at least...!!!

Alan in Vancouver
Agree with DC ... this is like the Russians with the "big lie".

This Ignatieff ( thief) is a dangerous dude; we can not afford another Liberal financial mess.

Save us from these eastern "oddballs" who fall into power because we Canadians are too passive with our politics.

Naveed
Ignatieff is absolutely right. The present PM Harper and the Conservatives divide the country. For example, he caused a unity crisis last December. To keep himself in power, after disuniting our Parliament and Canadians all across the country. And incidentally the Conservatives went against the principles of parliamentary democracy by shutting Parliament.

Liberals and Ignatieff are the party to keep the country together. We have had just about enough of the alternative hypocritical, and divisive Conservatives.

Kevino
Thank you DC!

Glyn
I am so tired of hearing politicians critisize each other. Their stance on any issue is the other guys are wrong. The issues the ideas and the needs of canadians are irrelevant, they are afraid to give credit where credit is due because it would be a crime to admit someone else had a good idea. Liberal Conservative NDP its all the same there full of themselves. They should all be placed on a deserted island and left till only one is standing, we'll send that one to Guantonamo Bay for the Americans to lock up for the rest of their life or they recieve a fair trial whichever comes first.

con-bot #986
The pathertic liberals spent a weekend annointing Ignatief as leader because the other contenders were told by the backroom rulers not to run against him . They spent a weekend trying to come up with a new policy to campaign on . This is it ? LIE , LIE , AND THEN LIE some more . Hey liberals , why don't you dump this fool and join a party where you can actually vote for and elect a leader .

Jason
This sure made himself sounds like a uniter, not. Good luck, Mr. Say-Whatever-The-Pollster-Wants-You-To-Say.

Oscar in Ottawa
"Divides"?

Dude, it's politics, buy it's very nature it divides.... wow, good thing you need a degree to run the country.

D. Blakley
It was the Liberals who entered the unholy alliance last Dec.in an attempt to nullify the October election results. As I recall this was a tad divisive as well. You can change the leader but it will remain same old bunch.

Brett (Vancouver)
Ignatief is irrelevant. Nobody has told him that yet. I'm sure Canadians will let him know when he forces another election for a power grab.

I agree with DC in AB

cool canadian
It is amazing that Harper who denounced the "separatists" late last year will no doubt form a partnership with the bloc later this year to hold on to power. How pathetic and desperate.

paul from brantford
Wow. I consider myself a Centrist who has voted both Liberal and Conservative in the past depending on who is in charge and what their intent was for our Country vs. themselves. I was honestly hoping for more out of the Liberals than this. Iggy is just cementing those who have already decided that the present regime isn't what they want in order to take votes from the NDP, Bloc and Greens without regard for those 'Red Tories' or for that matter, the country.
Well my Liberal friends, meet your new boss..same as the old boss.

M Pandya
Leave Harper alone. Let us give him a chance to complete his 4 years in office and judge him once he completes his tenure

YouandMeTogether
If he wants votes out west he better stop this kind of talk. What do you expect from an egghead who is an American citizen and makes a coup to take over leadership of the party. If he can't get elected by his own party why should Canadians vote for him

Same ol' negative political attack
I think if the liberals spent as much time and energy working to build a better Canada as they did attacking Stephen Harper, we'd be a lot better off.

Simon in London
Another clever slogan from Braniac of Oxford. The Libs wanted to form a Gov with Seperatists putting them in chargeof BOC, Weapons and Foreign policy.

If you took away Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto from a map where Libs get their support pretty much the rest of Canada is Conservative. That's because all the Civil Employee's, Teachers, Medical, CBC are in these regions and pro Liberal.

True Canadians and not behind the Good Ship Tax & Spend Libs. Just ask Ontario how they are making out under Dalton the Liar Liberal.

RCR
Maybe if was actually in this country he would know his party has divided this country more than any other. You just gotta love this guy.Parachuted into a Toronto riding and doesn't even have to compete for the top job and when he did compete Dion beats him. Why does this guy rate this position? If I was a liberal who had been in the "trenches" for many years I would resent the heck out of this guy.Another Liberal back room deal.Shallow party-Shallow leader.

FP from Canada
Harper does divide Canadians and Im looking forward to Ignatieff becoming PM and restoring a sense of togetherness in this country. All you right wing conservatives need to start thinking like more tolerant canadians than talk like the repudiated republicans to the south. The Liberal party under Ignatieuf will re-establish true Canadian values.
Liberals never shut down parliament to avoid facing the polls. Harper was afraid to let our parliamentary system work

Pat
I agree with DC.

The Liberals has done nothing to unit this country. Brian Mulroney, love him or hate him...at lease he tried to bring Quebec back into the fold.

Trudeau was the real cause of alienation between West and East and Canada and Quebec.
Iggy is nothing but fluff. What new policies does he bring to the table? NOTHING!
Regardless who wins the next elections.....boys and girls....you are not going see and difference in governance and that an absolute guarantee!

BenOrr
For many, many years the Liberal Party has divided and conquered all of those who dared disagreed with them...anybody remember the failed 2 billion gun registration, we must not let the left wing media tell us who to vote for!
The headlines are full of Iggy Mania...don't fall for people!

R/H Ontario
I concur with "DC in AB"
The West and East Coast has always been seen as Second Class Citizens by ALL the Liberal Governments, Always!
If you live in those areas mentioned, Vote Liberal and continue being ignored!
Mr. Ignatieff is talking out of the side of his mouth again, just like another Liberal Leader used to do. I will wait until Mr. Ignatieff actually says something of substance before even considering a vote for the Liberals. I am not a staunch supporter of ANY Political Party. I tend to vote for the Party which "will be beneficial to Canadians", all Canadians, but so far in my lifetime, now in early seventies, I have always voted with my nose held tight. Never been sure of ANY Politicians and it continues on!
They (Politicians) have so far seen to be more concerned with THEIR well being NOT Canada. One day, maybe, one will come along and be the rightful leader of Canada, but now? Not Ignatieff!

Andy Kanata
Iggy says Canadians don't want political games they want parliament to work. Apparantly the message he got did not sink in. All this wolf in sheeps clothing has done since he appeared on the scene is play political games. That is all that he is about. He is all style and no substance. Has he done anything at all to contribute to a functioning government? The only thing he brings to the table is criticism and double speak. I used to vote Liberal but this guy and his massive ego bother me. He cannot be trusted to do what this country needs done. All he is looking to do is to get more material together for another book about himself.
Many people talk about his intellect and vision - a lot of good companies have been brought down by people with intellect and vision. Come on Canadians - don't be fooled by these Liberals again.

Peter
I don't get what Iggy is saying. I think it sounds good politically, but it doesn't have much reality behind it.

I've always thought Harper unites. He's from Alberta, and yet he has made HUGE concessions to Quebec (stating they form their own nation inside a united Canada). He's also fostered Canadian patriotism as regards Afghanistan, being a strong supporter of our troops and military. He's cut taxes for us all. He's cut down on the anti-American rhetoric that makes us look like miserly neighbours. I think Harper has done a great job. What does Iggy mean?

DCR-Toronto
Well, I want to thank Iggy for a good laugh this morning. Harper divides Canada? I am thinking that the Liberals are still living in a dream world. In ALL four western provinces combined, there are only SEVEN Liberal seats. SEVEN! One in Manitoba, one in Sask, none in Alberta, and five in BC. Who exactly IS NOT the Federal party it thinks it is. Harper has seats in EVERY region in the country. The Liberals brought in the NEP and Trudeau gave the west the finger. Divide the country.?? That is what the Liberals have to do to ever win. They pit southern Ontario against the west, and the west holds fewer seats. The east votes Liberal and the west is excluded. It isn't rocket science. Iggy, please please go back to the US or Britain..or anywhere else for that matter. Canadians are done with being brain washed. An I am one southern Ontario voter that realizes that without the west, Canada ouldn't be even close to being as great as it is or can be.

Sean
Iggy- is worse than Dion. I don't trust him one bit...

Alberta Bob
Your are right on, DC.

GF
Quote Iggy:
"Every town I go to, they say: 'Try and make Parliament work. Put your head down, stop the games, get the job done.'"

Yes Iggy, put YOUR head down. Stop YOUR political games.

For 3 months you have done nothing but threaten to revive the Seperatist coalition. Now you are threatening to bring down the government and force an election in the Fall. Are you so arrogant to believe you can do this on your own? You need the NDP and the Bloc to play along. As long as polls show them losing support, that ain't going to happen.

Stop TELLING Canadians what we want. LISTEN to what we want. I believe the majority of Canadians are fed up with ALL of you.

GET TO WORK!

MS in BC
We appear to pursue politics in Canada based on the age of our respective regional societies. The more mature societies are more balanced in their choices and as they go ( or refuse to go ) so does the core of the country's politics. The west, relative youngster that it is, has responded to being somewhat disregarded over the years by choosing fairly selfish politics (hello Alberta!) and this division in what used to be known as the 'civil society' is driving a more pronounced regionalism. Sadly, I don't see a national 'healer' on the horizon. It would take a leader that the whole country would follow. OK, we'd have to settle for most people outside of Alberta...

Melvin Murgatroid
"The west has been forgotten and treated like crap since day 1, and so has Quebec and the Maritimes -- mostly by Liberals!"

Oh, puhleeze.

Get some education on the Great Depression and when you find out that it was ONTARIO that carried some of the debt load for AB, SK and MB because their provincial governments were on the verge of bankruptcy, maybe you'll change your tune. It's nearly 80 years later and they still haven't paid off the debt they incurred to bail out those provinces.

Even the more modern federal transfer system pays vastly more to QC and the Maritimes than they chip in. Doesn't sound like they get ignored when they have a steady stream of money coming from the Feds.

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
Why is it that the Liberals seem to think that their only role is to criticize the Consevatives while offering no clear vision for Canada.I haven't heard one sentence from Iggy about how he would govern Canada differently from Harper. All of the Liberal rhetoric is limited to vague accusations that Harper has sown disunity. I wonder when we will hear a clear set of policies that give Canadians a roadmap to the future. For example:
What would Iggy do about the auto industry that is different from what Harper/Clement are doing?
What would the liberals do about the ongoing inequities of the equalization system that causes Alberta to run a deficit while Quebec gets $10BB of money from the West each year?
What will the Liberals do about the inequities of our political syatem that gives all consuming power to Quebec and Ontario while sentencing the less populous provinces to second tier status?
What will the Liberals do about the problems they created in the imigration system?
What will the Liberals do about the foolish long gun registry that they created to be a sinkhole for Federal dollars? What will th Liberals do about a justice system that allows Judges to meet out lenient sentences to criminals without any thought to the suffering of the victims of crime?
Harper does not have a sparkling personality that is true but he gets down to business and he leads others both in Canada and in the World. Canadians should think about what happened to the country when the Fiberals marketed another intellectual dilitente, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Iggy is cut from the same piece cloth. He thinks his supreme intellect will lead us out of the wilderness to a Liberal nirvana. What a load of pure unadulterated B.S.

Dunny from Manotick
Harper divides! Yup Iggy that's why Quebecer's will to separate is the lowest it has been in decades. This guy will say anything to make sure that he and his group of criminals get their entitlements. I guess his wish to change the culture of the Liberal Party doesn't start at the top.

Ryan in NS
Wow DC in AB - way to play partisan. What Iggy said was "Harper" is divisive - not Conservatives. Whatever happened in the 80s or by Chretien or by the Liberals is irrelevant to that point. And the point is spot on. This isn't rhetoric it's cold hard facts. Harper has all but destroyed the conservatives reputation in Quebec thanks to his way of handling the coalition. He has repeatedly spoken derogatorily of the maritimes and screwed us out of funds that were rightfully ours. And when one of his own party stood up for the maritime province he represented he was kicked out. That's how Harper rewards integrity.

These are only a small sample of his divisive acts. The only thing he has managed to unite is the right wing. Over 60% of those Canadians that voted in the last election voted for left wing parties. And yet we are being led by a right wing government. The left is too fractured by multiple parties at the moment which is the only reason this man is allowed be in power and enact his divisive policies. Canadians deserve better.

RAW
I'm from the west, Edmonton Alberta as a matter of fact. Sorry DC, I want to live and vote in the today not 30 years ago. Give it up already and move on the NEP is yesterdays news and not relevant today. Alberta demonstrates clearly why they are not taken politically seriously in Canada as a province that demonstrates leadership on a national basis. The electorate has maintained what I would cal an elected dictatorship that is so corrupt after thirty four years of rule. The Province really has nothing big or grand to that I could proudly say is Alberta’s contribution to demonstrate its wealth or success. The extreme boom and bust cycles are spurred on in full force by the provincial PCs makes life difficult for many including seniors, single parents, disabled etc. There is absolutely no policy to ease the burden on these important members of our society. The oil industry and the PCs will let these people serve there coffee, check there bags, make there beds but they have no patience to here that there wages have not gone up but there cost of shelter, food, and heat have skyrocketed sometimes up to 200%. Ignattief is telling it like it is. As an example go back an study Stephen Harpers attack on the Canadian Wheat board, his tactics would make Al Capone proud. Michael Ignattief has it right being a Canadian under Stephen Harper has not really made me proud to be a Canadian. For me life is not and cannot be just about profits and shopping I need more, I want more and I demand more.

Imya
So now the ivory tower is going to save Canada...I don't think so. Michael Ignatieff's blueblood demeanor is going to make Westerner's feel like serfs. His arrogance is alienating, and every Westerner knows Eastern slick-talk when it comes our way. Nashi he is not.

Conservatives are in charge of FINANACIAL MESS
Conservatives ran the most ATTACK ADS in the last election (and even before elections).

Conservative dupes never see clearly; they just live in the delusion that dumbed-down policies can actually avail.

Richard
Well Melvin, while you were in junior high dreaming about girls, the NEP almost, if not, did bankrupt Alberta. People lost their jobs, homes and total livlihood because Trudeau decided that the west should not have a decent income from it's own resources. I wonder if he had done that to any province east of the Manitoba border if he would have been just as loved, I think not, that's where all the votes were....you may not have a job but not because a prime minster put a cap on your income.

Goldens
What a bunch of Crap! Which "beer drinking popcorn eater " is he talking too. The country has never been more united. It was Liberal policy at one time to divide the country and cry saviour to get re-elected. Does this mean he is going to revive that policy and we are going to revisit an era that I hoped was a by gone era, never to happen again?
John Wilson
Bridgetown Ns

Travis in B.C.
Mr. Ignatieff have you forgotten why the Liberals where booted out of power in the first place. Our country is already deeply divided from west to east and that happen long before Mr. Harper came to power, way to fan the flame Mr.Ignatieff. If you ever force another election and manage to win your going to see how divided this country can really get.

Marcus
Liberals have been the biggest divisive force in all of Canadian history with their pitting wealthy against poor (individual and provicial level). French against English, immigrant against Canadian born. All done through entitlement programs that differentiates Canadian against Canadian and divides them into controllable voting blocks. Pathetic liberals......

Chris D
To all Conservatives:

If you want a majority Conservative government you need to win Quebec and Ontario, and to do that you must get rid of Stephen Harper and choose a new leader who is 1) not from Alberta and 2) not a former leader/member of the Alliance/Reform party. The rest of Canada will never trust Harper and his Alberta brand of American-style conservatism.

Lola
Harper did almost divide the country. The way he attacked bloc quebecois as separatist... I was scared that quebec would rise again to separate from Canada because the prime minister generalizes and accuses the whole quebec people to be separatist. I did not approve of this.

Metro
Divisive? Only if there's an opportunity for him.

Harper stands for one thing: Whatever keeps Harper in power. He's changed positions more times than twin hookers on "buck-a-bang" night.

Bring on the next election and let's let the adults get on with fixing the damage he's done.

Stephane Dion had good ideas and lousy PR. Harper has no ideas and expert PR (after all, his PA helped keep that clown Bush in power).

I can't say I love Ignatieff, but the Liberals have it all over the Alli--Sorry, I mean Refor--sorry, I mean Conservatives even as a squabbling rump party.

Let's have that election you kept challenging everyone to, Mister Harper.

Fog of Live
This man isn't Canadian and its time for home to go home. None of his supporters ever address his extended absence from Canada and the lack of any service to Canada in his history. This should be obvious to anyone.

Marilyn
I agree with you DC! I'm from Ontario and don't believe that Ontario or Quebec should govern this country just cause we are close to Ottawa! Not all of us are that stupid!

As for the Liberal party they should fix their own financial mess before being able to govern the country. For once lead by example show us you can be financially responsible - oh I forgot - this is the party that is broke and gave us the ad scam - yeah responsible. Not for a minute!

joe
Somebody should inform Ignatieff this country has been devided since the Plains of Abraham

Matt
The Liberals divide the country.

The history of legislation passed by Liberal governments over the years have pitted West against East, urban against rural. Just look at where the Liberal support lies. Urban centres in the east, mainly Toronto and Montreal.

Steve in Ottawa
This from the guy who refused to take a free Canadian flag from an accredited volunteer at the gold medal game of the World Junior Hockey championship round with Canada playing.

I know this for a fact because he looked me in the eye wit a mixture of contempt and disdain and mumbled, "No".

Some Canadian.

AH in Montreal
"..but increases funding". Nice, the world is in a financial crisis, and this guys wants to increase taxes to support this funding.
To stimulate spending, people need to have money, our economies are based on consumer spending. How will Canadians have money to spend if this joker only wants to take more out of their pockets.

Steve G
I'm not an Ignatieff supporter, but we need somebody to take control of the rudderless ship we are currently adrift on.

-_-
It's okay... I'll be happy to vote Green, then I can say I didn't vote for anyone in the House of Commons... that is unless they happen to get elected in the electoral district I'm in.

Cara
While we are talking about "dividing the country", someone might like to mention to Mr. Igantieff that Canada has 6 time zones, not 4 like decribes in his new book True Patriot Love. The United States has 4 time zones. Guess he still think he's in America.

michael clark
Boy the libteals take the canadians for total idiots they were in power for years and what did they do, Put us deeper in debt,Send our troups toafghanistan and give them our tax dollars to keep the poppys growing, piss off our neigbours a lot, they let the US stick us with the lumber tax and not do anything and more.the old saying "you do not through stones when you live in a glass house" is very appropriate here.

Art in Alberta
I am very happy that Ignatieff is the leader of the Liberal party! He is a man that can truly lead us into the future!

Harper has been horrible for this country! I hope to see him voted out in the next election and all of his Tory comrades. Let's get back to a soundly, openly run government!

Here's to the future of Canada!

James from NB
Divide the country? We are more united then ever!

Marc in Van
i can't wait for Harper to be voted out, I can't stand the man or his party.

OUT !

Don't tell me what to think
What is it with liberals that they believe they speak for everybody and that they must tell you what to think ? Where do they learn this ? Does it start in daycare ? ECS? University ? Is this why they are always pushing these programs ? To start the hive mentalty when children are 5 years old ?Is this why they keep electing university professors ? Because they must be told how to think ? Is this what you want for you and your children ? To be part of a hive ? To be assimilated ? Damn , the Borg are here and they are liberals.

PM
A Liberal accusing a Conservative of playing divisive politics ???

It's like Ignatieff's been living out of the country for the last 40 years or something...

Someone should explain to him how the Liberal party wins elections.

On second thought, maybe not.

Mike S.
I love how "Ignatieff is irrelevant" to all these Cons. Look at the polls. Apparently not all Canadians think Igniatieff is irrelevant do they?

Frank
Keep flying IGGY the higher you fly the harder you fall.Stop all your political Bashing and work together and get Canada rolling in the right direction , all of your RAH RAH is getting this country nowhere.

Ian K
Ignatieff - the 'parachute Prime Minister'.

If he cared so much about Canada, where was he for the last 30 years when we needed his alleged wisdom to solve internal and external problems especially with the U.S.? What exactly was he doing for Canada then? Or was he just working on his academic career?

Dion was incompetent but at least he was sincere. That is far from clear in Ignatieff's case. He has no credibility to be P.M. and it remains to be seen if Canadians will accept him.

Note to 'Cool Canadian': there's a vast difference between voting on the same side as the separatist Bloc on some issues and signing a formal agreement that gives the separatists a veto over future legislation and in effect, gives them a place in Cabinet. The latter is what the Liberals and NDP did - and that is unforgivable because it gives separatists power in government.

bella-in-ottawa
Someone on here said it best:Harper only enjoys power and control. Good grief, he muzzles his own cabinet/mp's. He does not unite this country. I for one am happy to see Mr. Ignatieff as the new Liberal leader. Mr. Harper, it's time for you and your cronies to bugger off.

Ignatieff is not the right choice for Canada
Harper dividing the country?
First of all Mikey: where were you for 30+ years of your adult live - the United States; what right do you have to claim that you can do better for Canada? Second: You haven't totally renounced the Carbon Tax - talk about dividing the West from the rest of Canada. Third: You and your unelected Liberal Senator buddies dragged your feet on the stimulus budget that was slated to help Ontario out - another dividing of the country. Forth: You came to Alberta and said "the oil sands are a national priority"; for you to Nationalize and destroy the Alberta economy? No wonder Albertans were saying: The Republic of Alberta
Fifth: I like the way that you and the rest of the Liberals branded Harper as a puppet to the USA; well I guess you are the puppet now with you taking orders from the Obama Administration. This is going to help protect our Arctic.
Sixth: Ignatieff, you claim to have nothing to do with the coalition but when it was in the works, you were on CTV saying that you believed it was necessary - sound like support to me.
Seventh: How can we trust you to be PM when you say one thing in Vancouver and change your story when you are in Toronto?

Come on Canada, lets see through this.

Gary - London
The Liberal party under Ignatieff is still the same tired old pony show. Promise the world to Quebec while kissing up to the minority ethnic groups.Lie like hell to the rest of the population.
This is how the Liberal party divides the nation.Whether lead by Trudeau, Chretien or Ignatieff the play book is the same. Now Ignatieff wants to move his party to the middle where he can straddle the fence. Is he now claiming to be conservative? Maybe he just isn't certain where he stands.

maggie
Would someone please turn that Iggie off? I can't believe he's allowed to spread his poison around. ISN'T THIS MAYBE TRIP #2 OUTSIDE ONT-QUE, WHAT DOES HE REALLY KNOW ABOUT US

Gutty People put their money where their mouth is!
If Iggy feels so strongly then he should force an election. He is all bluster and really does not know how to rub shoulders with the commoners. He next book will be Red patriot Lost. Obama's coat tails are already looking a little tattered for Iggy to presume we are all gushy again

CC-Western Canada
Well Melvin. It was Liberal policies that favoured Ontario that kept the west "down", in the first place. Obviously you haven't ANY roots in the west whatsoever. So many of you in the east (not all), don't realize how deep the cuts are in the west. The Liberals don't tell you what they did out here and there is no way of you knowing, and you sure didn't live it for the past few decades. Melvin, quit trying to speak of things you know NOTHING about! Manitoba, Saskatchewan and ALberta could stand alone with a lot more prosperity without the east, than with it. And if you don't believe that, you have your head in the sand. Hope CTV can post this one...it's the simple truth.

Tom Hawley
M Pandya
You want people to leave Harper alone and then judge him after four years in office.
Harper did not want to finish for four years.
Do you remember he called an election ? This after his "fixed date" for elections.
If he does not want to be in office for four years, why should the voters keep him there?
Duh!

ric
you got to be kidding me, another freakin election already?

What good is a government that is ALWAYS campaigning?

Ronald Wilson Westmeath ON
As regards Mr. Ignatieff"s comments about national unity, leadership style etc. Where do I start? Liberal government of the past was run by the PMO with the Whip keeping the peons in line. Arrogance? Liberals set the standard for a party of elitism and entitlement. Their gun control approach deeply divided rural and urban Canadians while Liberals like Alan Rock arrogantly told millions of law abiding Canadians to get a new 'hobby'. That thinking still stains the Liberal Party of Canada. They have chosen to cherry pick which rights and cultures are politically acceptable in Canada and that seems to have more to do with votes than it does equality for all. The recent history of party corruption is still fresh in our minds. Yes, Liberals may cheer in convention but believing their own propaganda does nothing to address the ills of this country.

Margaret / Calgary
It's true - the Cons sound like the Republicans in the US, the way they continually attack, and attack, and use ancient arguments to prop themselves up.

I blame it on the fact that Harper has relied on US media to showcase himself to Canadians, and has hired American spin doctors to get him into American interviews - where he won't be asked anything challenging. He's gone to efforts to make sure the Canadian electorate is as ignorant as possible about parliament, and about what he's doing.

We've ended up with too many people who think we elect a President and not a governing party; who think we are supposed to have an election every 4 years; and who think that one should treat the PM with respect no matter what he's doing -- like Bush.

Ignatieff will be PM, and I'm looking forward to hearing the details on how Harper & Cronies have profited during their time in the PMO. You can bet they've raked in the cash big-time, with patronage, deals, etc.

Ignatieff has Harper's number - he recognizes what he is, and knows what he's up to. Harper knows this too, and oddly enough seems to be kind of absent when it comes to pushing Ignatieff around the way he bullied Dion. He's more than met his match - can't wait for a public debate.

JSS
The comments coming from many eastern readers etc reflect more animosity towards Harper and the West. When someone wants Harper "out" they imply that the west and their vote is meaningless. As a westerner living in the east, and having heard this regional disrespect from people who knew nothing of who they were talking to (or they did know), I can only say to the WEST - what are you waiting for? Separate from this bad nostalgia we call Canada, and be done with the political garbage that continually comes from Ontario. Are you kidding me Ignatieff? 34 years? Has it really been that long? There must be other candidates now living in Costa Rica or Zimbabwe that want to reunite the CDN union. Ignatieff, please go away, like you did before. L is for Liberal and L is for Lame.

Patriot
IGGY is American! He has spent more than half his life there. If you want to devide the counrty vote Liberal!

C. Flavell
If the Liberal Party can't have a leader from Quebec, they look outside the country
Do they not trust people in
other parts of this country?
I think that is being divisive.

SK Doctor
This country will ALWAYS be divided as long as French separatists hold the balance of power in parliament...can we ever talk about anything else? I don't want to be 'united' - I want to be left alone by the government...

Margaret / Calgary
Metro
Divisive? Only if there's an opportunity for him.

Harper stands for one thing: Whatever keeps Harper in power. He's changed positions more times than twin hookers on "buck-a-bang" night.

* * * *

Gave me a chuckle this morning. I also refer to him as a chameleon, changing colours to suit the surroundings. He probably joined the Alliance church out west just so that he could get close to Preston, and start figuring out how to get to Ottawa.

Kevin in Alberta
want higher tax's vote Liberal!

Kevin
Does Iggy think we are all sheep? He isan't even Canadian!

Red X
Dear DC, Alberta is running a record deficit is it Ottawa's or NEP's fault?!

Harper has been a bad steward of the Economy, promising balanced budgets then projecting 5 years of deficits...

Canadian all my life!
Iggy is a puppet for the US government!

Natty, ON
Harper doesn't have what it takes to deal with high-heat of Natl politics, blaming others when in or out of power. Anyone who runs and hide from a confidence vote on his own policies is not worthy of support.
Enticing McKay to sell-out Conservative brand will never make Tories of Reformist/Alliance stock.
It's time his supporters realised that Harper maxed-out at Minority-govt, the man is clearly stuck in Regional Warp with an opposition backdrop.
His one big talent is in musseling the whole Conservative carcass. Monkey see-monkey do, really doesn't inspire any confidence.
Leaving Canada Rudderless at onset of worst Global Economic CRISIS in over half a century was CRIMINAL Negligence.

chuck100
Policians divide countries. I can't believe CTV would report such a nonsensical statement. Iggy, you've done nothing but divide since you came but to your other county. Must be getting close to receiving OAS.

Ryan AB
Harper is a terrible leader, but like what did the liberal party expect him to do, after they went for a coaliton, which no one wanted, harper stopped that from happening. this liberal guy has no idea whats going on

DC in AB
Lorne: That election that "the people didn't want" scored the Cons a bunch more seats. So how can you say that the people didn't want it? I wanted the election, and was glad to see the Libs lose more seats. You forget, the Libs stole billions from the Canadian taxpayer... and not one of them went to jail. The stimulus Harper gave away is simple Keynsian Economics. Go read John Maynard Keynes and you may have learn what economics is all about...

not an iggy fan
I cannot buy into Ignatieff. He has the look I admit but all that seems to come out of his mouth are negatives about the Harper govt and I dont trust that. his arrogant complacent self satisfied manner just sickens me. I would cringe to think someone who for the past 20 years has not even freaking lived in the country he wants to govern, ever is in the power seat. I dont think everyone should blame the Harper govt for the economy. it is a global thing and his govt have done what they could to help stimulate it along. Divide the country my ass. Ignatieff will destroy it! I would never vote for that jerk. Also the reincarnation of Trudeau? please! Iggy could not pack PETs lunch!

Steve the Pundit
I nearly gagged on my Sunday corn flakes when I read that "Liberals unite the country". What unadulterated rot!

Here's a partial record of the "cooperative, not confrontational" Liberals
- yes NEP was almost 30 years ago; but the spirit of that agreement was to sacrifice the prosperity of the west to benefit the east. And for those who say "get over it", many individuals and families were wiped out by the consequences of this. I'm sure if a family member took their own life because they lost everything through no fault of their own, you'd have trouble letting go...
- Liberals invented "issue politics", where wedges are driven between groups: natives versus non-natives, immigrants versus non-immigrants, etc.
- the repatriation of the Constitution: left out an entire province, sowing the seeds of separatism for a generation
- what about separation? Liberals kept this issue on the boil for decades as the ultimate wedge, claiming only they could save Canada. Meanwhile, under a snoozing Chretien, the country came within a hair's breadth of flying apart
- the "Bill of RIghts" in the afore-mentioned Constitution: no one single action has more effectively pitted Canadians against each other, making courts choose sides as to whose rights are protected, and whose are trampled upon
- the run-up of massive deficits (remember, Liberals began this under Trudeau): led to driving up of taxation of the middle class, creating larger divisions between rich and poor
- the later cutting of deficits by reducing transfers to provinces: amplified the imbalance between "have" and "have not" provinces, forcing cuts in essential services like health care, while the wealthy could purchase services abroad without impact.

I could go on, but the reality is any of Harper's alleged sins can't hold a candle to the train wreck of failed Liberal policies.

David
When one makes the Cheney-Bush administration one's role model, supported by the likes of Karl Rove, Richard Pearle, and Paul Wolfowitz, of course, it will divide the country. That is precisely what those foul humans did to their own country and Harper is, if nothing else, a firm supporter of their ill-conceived policies. The Us finally got a breath of fresh air with brains - time for Canada to follow suit.

Art Beck
Is anyone really moved by Ignatieff's vague name calling and posturing? That's the trouble with Canadian politics: our milquetoast leaders are uninspiring. Punch through to the issues, show us some vision, make us rise to the occasion. That's leadership. Canadian politics is dull, dull, dull.

Memorabilia
To say such a stupidity who is dividing this country can come only from a guy,who is
more American than a Canadian - from Ignatieff.
All of us remeber Trudeau's days. He was the greates divider of Canada. He almost pushed Quebec out of Canada and also created separatist feeling in Western Canada.
So, what is Iggy talking about? Does he think that we are children or have such a poor knowledge about our country as he does? Shame!

jay
Marc in Van
Yes lets put the liberals in so they can ruin this country past any chance of repair.

Lowercase
I don't see another potential leader anywhere that would make an election worthwhile. Layton is too idyllic and far-fetched, and Iggy, well I'd like to know exactly which towns he entered where they exalted him with the hopes that he will 'fix' parliament. No one will be able to do anything better than Harper at the present moment. Different, maybe. But different isn't always better.

There is no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

james from Vancouver
Ignatieff hit the nail on the head with this one. Harper is seemingly able to sell his soul (and any principle of his previous enrollment) to keep his job. Harper is about power. Ignatieff seems to be about a better Canada. So far so good.

You Tell Us What We Need, Iggy!
How soon some of you forget last fall when the 3 Power Hungry Leaders tried to usurp power in Ottawa, pitting different regions of our country against one another!
Iggy's signature was all ove this Coalition of the Greedy.
He is one power hungry freak, and who wants the party of self-interest back in control of Canada?
Greed, pork barreling, stench of entitlement, Adscam, the thought of the Liberals gaining control again is the most sickening thing I can think of.
Harper has been working hard and has accomplished so much more than all the Liberal P.M's in the past 40 years.
He will go down in history as one of our Greatest Prime Ministers!

4th Gen Canadian
Want higher tax's and to be run by the USA vote for IGGY!

BA in The 'Peg
Iggy says "...and must support the universities and researchers that will build it. "

Excuse me? Oh, ok, and then when you drive up taxes, Iggy, with your pipe dreams and carbon taxes, those researchers and university grads, will, not unlike YOURSELF, leave the country and go to the USA for better paying jobs and less taxes.

What a boob blowing more and more hot air.

No policies, just hatred.

It's the continuing joke that the Liberal Party and it's "leader" has become.

Ontario Taxpayer
The Liberla Party of Toronto will vote for iggy, Qc will vote for the Bloc...the ROC will vote for Harper and we will have another Con minority. Nothing will change until the ROC dumps southern Ontario and Qc. And those poor leftwing loons can't even use the argument that Ontario is the economic engine of Canada anymore....ahhhhh

roy
who has divided the country anymore than the Liberals all they ever thought about was Quebec and Ontario where all the votes are and screw the west and the east,sorry Mr Ignatief your not the person to unite the country

william holtom
Bill W James.

---------------------------
DC in AB
Harper divides the country? Excuse me? It was the Liberals who started the NEP back in the early 80's

----------------------------

The 80s oldies NEP gumboot---gumbo shuffle is getting a little old don’t you think.

And by the way the music you shuffle to, well that schwoossing sound you call music is,

Actually the schwoossing sound of Bitumen flashing through the Alberta Clipper pipe line

On it’s way through Alberta to the US. Gulf Coast where it well be refined and then sold back to you.

Even steady Eddy is a little miffed at that one but, the oil Barons rule.

Manning and Flanagan’s boy Steven is totally off the song sheet, so can’t count on him.

Rick in NB
Tories sure know how to work yourselves into a feeding frenzy, but you sound like a broken record. You claim Ignatieff is American, but how many know he only spent five years there. Your use of the NEP omits the fact that your answer at the time wast " Let the East freeze in the dark "
Here is a novel approach. Lets bury the hatchet and try to bring the East and West together. The fact is that Harper has no vision and is desperately trying to retain his hold on power. He does this for himself. He wants to rule Canada.
The Liberals will win the next election. It is up to you the people to decide if it will be a majority. People who will open their eyes and look at what is happening to our country.
Please don't make this a My team Your team thing. I like to think that it is an "us" thing.
PS: Those with no vision please continue to rant. It makes you stand out for what you are.

Reece
I agree with Iggy's assessment of Harper. Harper is all political and an idealogue. Everything he has to say has a reek of self-serving quips.

Call an election!

YES WE CAN!!...have our own Obama!

No to Iggy, he is American
The polesters should try doing a pole outside of Ontario! Would be a much different picture then!

Samual
Yesterday when I said Igatieff will make all Canadians proud I ment his action as our new Prime Minister will make all Canadians proud. Wow the CRAP party seems lost for words just attack statements. Harper will soon be gone forever thank god, it will take the liberals some time again to dig us out of the hole the CRAP party put us in. Finally a good honest educated politician, he could have already given Harper the boot with a coalition but was more concerned with Canada's economic situation.
Can't wait for debates Ignatieff will mop the floor with Harper.
Now Harper is looking at a coalition with the separatists ;in an atempt to hang on to power, What a looser our current PM is. What do you expect from the CRAP party.

happy
Why are the Conservatives so frightened of educated liberal leaders and why do Conservatives discriminate against people who leave the country temporarily for work? Conservatives all seem to be poorly educated and very mean spirited. We need to support education and science and treat each other with a little more respect. That's the true Canadian way. Try not to be so nasty all the time. Mr. Harper has had several chances to make a success of his time as Prime Minister and win a majority and he just can't seem to get the job done without throwing a tantrum. I suggest you find yourselves a new leader with a personality and an education and he may appeal to a majority of Canadians.

Bart from the Coast
A long as socially regressive policy surmount libertarian principles in Canada's right the neocons will never lead. Face it, unless Iggy, does something self-destructive, he'll will be PM. The CPC has peaked. They could not win against the weakest Liberal leader. Canadians have seen that given the opportunity the CPC attempts to play to a very narrow socially conservative base and most Canadians are not comfortable with that. The Canadian far-right, represented by the CPC will be sent into the wilderness just like the Republicans in the US. The only way to comeback is with a new more palatable platform and a fresh leader.

Balgonie Bob
I don't know about the rest of you folks but it is extremely important to me that my Prime Minister primarily shows a love and devotion to Canada. If the man or woman doesn't pass that basic test they are not worthy of the position and the party that apointed him or her won't get my vote, period. The only thing that Ignatieff shows is a gain power at any cost attitude. It really makes me worry what he would do if he ever was successful in a federal election. Writing a book (or having someone write one for you) about how some of your relatives did good things for Canada doesn't mean you do. Actions, like spending 3+ decades in the USA speaks volumes about where his heart lies. All he cares about is power, not Canada and Canadians.

Enough
I have to agree with Ignatieff. He is an honest scholar. It is time for change. You can’t run a country with shallow ideology. Enough is enough!

M. Horvath from SK
Resource-based economy.

That is all.

RCR
OK Margeret /Calgary what planet are you living on.There is only 1 party that has blatently stole from Canada. That is the Liberal party. You know.I know it.We all know it.I read a few of your posts lately big on acussations little on facts. If you want to talk about patronage google Adscam.

Annette
WHAT!! The Liberals are the ones that diveded this country, but what dose Igee knowes. He has lived in the USA for so long.But I guess you have to say somthing,because Harper has done a great job. To bad Igee woulden't try a little harder to work with Harper at a time like this,But all he wants is an election. which cost millions,somthing we don't have right now!! So you try and make a go of things

nancy from BC, the real west!
Ignatieff is absolutely right about Harper ... he's done nothing but pit Canadian against Canadian, Albertans against the rest of the country, Torontonians against rural Ontarians, Quebecers against everybody and on and on it goes. Simply put, Harper is not a leader. Leaders find ways to bring people together, not tear them apart! As for the NEP ... get over it already. What a freakin bunch of whiners!!!

TS
Liberal polices have been notorious for undermining their popularity. So they resort to inventing issues to pin on their opponents, such as the blame for the world economic downturn, and now for tearing apart Canada's unity.

New leader, same old party. New leader, same old results.

Give them time, and they'll they'll implode again.

LA.
The Liberal vision of Canada is higher taxes, more talk and no action, keep the east and the west poor and divided, keep funnelling money into Quebec, and more power concentrated in the PMO. The CPC is not neo-Con or far right. Neo-Con is a misnomer for Neo-Liberal and we have more of them in this country and the US than any far right wing. There are no far right wing parties in existence in Canada. Look at the list of parties - Communist, Marxist-Leninist and Green. Property rights must be entrenched in the Constitution, Provinces must be represented in the Senate (the Provinces are in peril) and the Quebec issue has to be resolved. We saw how the Liberals handled the Quebec issue, scandal after scandal, robbing Peter to pay Paul and separatists are still screaming for our blood. The behemoth transfer of wealth to that province is coming to an end.

jay
happy
HOw do they discriminate aginst people who leave for work.As for harper beeing nasty you could not be any more wrong.Sure he puts his foot down on some things.But he anything but nasty.

dfdghkldgkfhldgkfghlfghldfhlgj;la
so, iggy is a uniter and not a divider, eh? where have i heard that one before? never mind the fact that after he claims he's a uniter and not a divider, he goes on to attack the government as divisive, thereby behaving divisively in his critique of it's divisiveness. "it's you in the west that are behaving divisively and pitting ontario against the west! we easterners won't stand for the kind of petty, divisive politics that are successful out west!". like, get real. it's just one twisted post-modern joke after another with him and it's not like it's by accident, either....

Bruce
Iggy is a joke, he's worse than even the hapless Dion and every time Iggy opens his idiot mouth he gives the Conservatives, NDP and the Bloc more ammunition for the next election, in about two or three years, if Iggy is still the leader of the Fiberals by then.

Richard in Ontario
So this individual who has been out of the country for most of his adult life, is parachuted into a Liberal riding, then, again into the Leadership, is now telling us that our Prime Minister is dividing the country.. Wake up Iggy, your predecessors in the Liberal party divided the country years ago starting with "Star" Trudeau and continuing until today. Your people knew that the route to the PM's chair ran through Ontario and Quebec and for that reason didn't give a kiss for West. I think Steven Harper has done more to unify this country in three years than the Liberals did in the last thirty...

Gail (Hamilton)
You didn't print my first attempt with the truth because it probably wasn't concise enough. Divide and conquer is the main Liberal strategy. Looks like the Liberals are now using their ideology by saying it's coming from the Conservatives. What a crock!

Andy Kanata
Liberal posters have a lot to say about what Harper and the Cons have done to this country but strangely have nothing to say about what the Liberals have done. So many scandals, theft of public money, decimation of the EI fund,the destruction of the Health Care system and a near successful referendum in Quebec. If we look at the pros and cons of each party side by side, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see which party has done the most damage. And the sad part is, people forget the issues to vote for a personality.

td
Ask any political commentator in Canada about divide and conquer politics and they will tell you Chretian was the master. So if the latest Liberal savior was being honest he would tell you that Harper still has lots of learning to do when it comes to dividing the country.

This new egghead was told 'no' by the Liberals when they selected Dion. Presumably the Liberals picked their best person for the job and their pick turned out to be a loser. Can the second choice as determined by the Liberal backroom be any better? Doubtful.

jay
Samual
No don't fool you self thinking iggiy would mop the floor with harper.While a large number of canadians may want a change.Aslo a large number do not want the liberals back in charge.Aslo there seems to be just as many that are against harper that are aginst iggiy.If there is an election i feel layton would likely be the next pm.

kris
I would just like to suggest something. Perhaps, just perhaps, being able to step outside of the political fray for a few years and living abroad might be the best thing for a leader of a political party in this country. We are a nation of whiners who are committed to nothing more than naval gazing. I think a number of people had their hands in the regionalization of our nation, and i don't think this is a mistake. I like to think of it as divide and conquer. We seem to be more concerned as a people with what separates us, diversity and multi-culturalism is a sham when the only thing that makes us the same is how different from one another we are, how can we be anything but apathetic? How can we as a nation allow our leaders to mobilize such insignificant numbers of politically active partisans who have given their perpetual blessing to the parties, not the men and women who are elected to represent the population. How can a party even within it's own ranks consolidate it's strategy when even the MPs are kept in some sort of regional check that prevents them from actually representing the people who elected them. We have a big country with huge differences in people from region to region, from coast to coast to coast. The truth is everybody in the house is so used to this, and being unable to see the forest for the trees propels these attitudes forward. Perhaps Ignatief by having the advantage of being able to step back and view our nation as a whole form afar, might help us establish a comfortable desire for innovation.

Peter
The BLUE Alberta is choking on their own medicine. Who stole most from our country? Ever counted the scandals re. "funds diversion" into their own and their friends pockets created by the Conservative (?) government? And that goes for Provincial as well as Federal governments.
It is the pot calling the kettle black. Every election we are told the "new" politicians will clean up their act and only a few will show a real will to do so.
But Iggy is right. Harper has to stop playing his divisive games and act to the benefit of our country as a whole and not only for his Conservatives power.
This might mean for some Provinces to share their wealth (I hear BLUE Albertans cry) but we are - or rather should be - one country.
Peter

GregC
Mr. Harper is NOT the economic braintrust of this country. He has now put taxpayers money into a bankrupt corporation, but wants to privatize health care. Double standard, once again. Let us not forget he is not for the common good, but rather, for the common dollar. His blinders and immature emotions are causing his own and those that follow him their demise

Roadrobber
Iggy, you're more an American than a Canadian. Go Home! What do you know about Canada anyway?

Joe Sanity
Judging from these comments here today, I would say Harper has done a great job of dividing this country.

Niagara George
When entertainers and even more so, when athletes head south of the border to ply their trade, very few Canadians question their loyalty. We proudly introduce them as Canadians, and welcome them 'home' with open arms. We even invite them to play for Team Canada.

Ignatieff was one of those superstars who went to play his game in a different country. The fact that his game was academics does not make him any less Canadian, today.

Those of you who have lived abroad would probably agree with me that living in another country makes you more Canadian and not less.

It is Harper who has lived the sheltered live. He is the one who does not understand the workings of world politics.

The one guiding force Harper had... small government with a free enterprise... has been brushed aside for one of only two reasons.

One is that he knew his beliefs were wrong and Canada needed a liberal approach to this economic downturn. Or, two, he is only participating in the stimulus to gather support, which of course means votes.

Either way, he is not the prime minister I want leading our great country.

Chris S from Ottawa
Harper reaches out to farm families, to those who've been hurt, stolen from, (Hep C, Mirabel airport landowners)families trying to help their own kids have sports and music in their lives, etc.
He reaches out to the person who is struggling and provides concrete help.

The reason he even thinks to do this is because he relates to them. Ignatieff will never relate to such people. He tries to make it seem like he has compassion. Wow, what a see-through act. What a snarky, snobby, cold individual.
He shouldn't go painting himself as someone who unites anyone. I think he will not wear it well.

K
Okay who the heck let this goof into politices ? Canada might not be doing perfect but we are alot better off then when the Libs were in power. Geesh they cannot even sort out there own party let alone the country. A new face does not mean they will do a better job. I will bet anything that if we let the libs back in power we will pay for it in a big way... VOTE CONSERVATIVE

Mike, ON
Clearly Iggy is talking out his back end because if I remember correctly, it was the liberals who tried to steal power last year with their coalition stunt while ignoring the results of the previous two elections. That sounds more like divisive politics to me. See, what he's just trying to do is stir up controversy where there actually isn't any to begin with. He says it enough times and accusations start to sound more like truth. It's a typical liberal tactic. You really have to read between the lines with these liberals because whenever they say "Most Canadians want..." they are referring to their own agenda... and by agenda, I mean, whatever gets them wealthy and in power.

Matt
Sorry Liberals, federally and provincially you're big city first philosophy causes the real division.

Ever higher taxes to subsidize city based programs.
Public transit, national day care, anti-gun.
In Ontario the Liberals are funding "essential" things like pools in Toronto schools, while ignoring other schools with unsafe buildings and inadequate textbooks.

terri
HAPPY 35 years is not temporary.I am not worried about an election and I will still vote Harper. The nutty professor just does not do it for me.

Jojo in Wetaskiwin (who use to vote Liberal)
Great News! Thanks Mr. I... actually Canada has been divided for more than a century!
He's so hypnotic, isn't he!
Keeps all eyes on him.... Could he *gasp* be pushing for an election? Yep...same Liberals.....
No Thanks!

Adam Buisness Major Student
It seems most people arn't upset with the way the country's been run, but with Harper himself. Perhaps a more like-able Conservative leader would be the right answer.

MarkC, Chester, NS
I have sid this before and will keep on sying it. Canada is somehow diminished as a country with a man like Stephen Harper at the helm. Harper represents pragmatism and short sightedness. For a country to be great - as I believe Canada was it must continue to grow and improve. Harper's policies are outdated and manipulative. He does not create an environment for people to flourish but merely to hold their own or slide slowly backwards. Ignatieff or any one else with a solid and creative vision for Canada will suffice. If Ignatieff turns out to be a better leader than average for Canada we will all benefit. The only thing that is guaranteed is that our country will continue to erode under Harper. Slowly but surely.

Marg
To... Margaret/Calgary. I think you have your leaders mixed up. It is Ignatieff that is the cameleon, changing his policy depending on what province he is in, and telling Canadians what he thinks they want to hear.

If Mr Ignatieff is so noble and such a wonderful man, one would think that he wouldn't stoop so low as to condem a sitting PM during a Liberal leadership convention, er, I mean coronation. Save that for a campaign. I lost respect for the man prior, but this just cements it.

I am not a conservative "hack" and thankfully my parents didn't implant a "Liberal Chip" in my brain when I was born. I can think for myself and form my own conclusions, and while I have voted Liberal in the past, that is not likely to happen again any time soon. Too many scandals for me.

Wayne in HRM
The Conservatives are always asking the Liberals, What are your policies, where do you stand on issues? It seems obvious that they either need some input into their policy or are too preoccupied with the Opposition to effectively run the country. Now considering that conservatism is a proven dead ideology, perhaps they are serious about using any Liberal ideas that sound good to them. But unfortunately they would be unable to efficiently enact these policies and the measures would end up in failure. Therefore it seems much better for them to continue to preoccupy themselves with the Opposition instead of enacting more half measures and misguided directives that will harm the economy as it starts to improve later this year. Later this year we can boot them out and enjoy a more relaxed and less partisan summer.

Debbie
I am increasingly disgusted with the Liberal Party. This gathering we saw on the news was nothing more than a Harper bashing attack. The Liberals think we have forgotten what they have done to this country. They have the all their expired leaders get up and shoot their mouths off about Harper, when Harper is more in tune with Canadians than any Liberal official ever was. They are weak, grasping at straws to get some recognition. I think the PArty is defunked and should be abolished. The same goes for the commy NDPs.

Fred - Brandon MB
This phoney opportunist has a lot of gall calling Harper divisive. The Liberals have been exploiting the divisions in this country for the last fourty years. As well, they have created most of the divisions with their own policies.
Ignatieff has spent the last three decades living in the US and is now more American than Canadian. He doesn't even understand this country, and I hope that voters soon clue in.
Just look at how he has muscled his way in to the party leadership, including backstabbing Bob Rae who he claims is one of his best friends!

Stephen
Is Ignatieff taking about the Liberals? His case can be made for both the Libs and Cons.

Frank
To the folks out West....

Please don't paint all of us in Ontario with the same left wing brush. We have no control over the media and their need to whip up support for the Liberals. This is a deep-rooted monster, that is difficult to defeat, and all we can do it try to have a chuckle at it. Please don't believe that there really is some big ground swell of support for the Liberals, or judge anything from the left-wing political junkies that you read on these posts.

Harper is doing a reasonable job. We in Ontario don't feel that every PM must be from Quebec (or from the US/UK), and we think that you out west are hard-working and patriotic Canadians ... in fact much more so then those here in Toronto.

And with respect to all the Liberal support here in TO, don't be too offended by that either: half the people have no idea who they are voting for and could not tell you the basic differences between the parties. Many of them vote by community, or by what their spouses or parents tells them to. They know nothing of the issues, and have little at stake in the outcome either way. It would make zero difference to most of the supporters whether it's the Liberals from Quebec (or now the US) or someone from out west. They pay little or no taxes, and usually take more then they contribute, but unfortunately this is just the way it is in our democracy.

lamce achilles
Hey Iggy take your hope and change and go back to the us where you have hiding for the last 2 decades,obama will have you.

7 of 11
OK LIBERALS HERE'S YOUR BIG CHANCE . Pleeeeeeeease tell me 3 policies, 3 reasons to vote liberal . Come on tell me . I've been waiting for three years so have at it .

Johnny B
Refreshing and hopeful. I'm so tired of the negative nelly conservatives. It's nice to have a well spoken visionary like Ignatieff to vote for next time out.

Binny
Actually, Ignatieff, you did the dividing when you made the deal with the Liberals. You are one nasty piece of work. Look out everyone, he gets along so well with Obama, he just might hand Canada over as a birthday gift! Liberals will have alot of obeying and cowtowing to do as soon as gullible people elect Mr. Smarm Charm.

Joyce
Harper divides the Country?

I have always thought, when quoting someone as being the one who did the deed, does that not say, "It takes one to know one". Latter has more of the truth to it than the accusations being spewed out of Ignatief's mouth at the Convention.

I have to agree with the first commentor that it was the Liberals who did eveything by dividing the Country, like The NEP, and they just happened to be successfull in doing so, and the Adscam by favouring Quebec over the rest of the country says it all and thus the results by the Liberals not having representation across all the provinces of Canada.

The result was cash in brown envelopes went to ridings to fund the next elections which Chretien called in spans of no more than 3 1/2 years intervals.

I would like to hear Policieas coming forth from the Liberal Leader who was coronated at the Convention and not a democratically chosen leader, which have substance to them of which we have not heard any.

Ignatief's raising taxes debacle in
Kitchener-Waterloo, and then telling us he did not say this, and then reversing his unsaid quote as per Ignatief himself, seems to me to be rather untrustworthy.

The voters deserve to get substance rather than nice words which mean nothing, substance of policies is what the voters need to hear to make up their minds of what the Liberals are all about.

annie, ontario
This from an American educated, American employeed liberal, who worked at on of the most liberal schools in that land.

Obama went there, and has noe plubged the U.S. into so much debt, they will never get out. Shades of the Trudeau devistation loom with this guy, I'm afraid.

Flanstein
"Harper has unified a lot of this country."

I guess if you live in Alberta and despise the rest of the country it's easy to think this way - for me, Harper is a divisive force who seems to loath much of the nation he leads...

Mark in the East
Give me a break. Who was it. exactly, who threw their lot in with the separatists and socialists against the wishes of the vast majority of Canadians? Whose signature was the last on Dion's coalition document? Whose party came up with the NEP?

And who is the Torontonian who grew up in Alberta that recognized the quebecois as a nation?

Divisive? Give me a break, Ignatieff. You're a rookie and you're going to get steamrolled if you try to play with such fire.

Sarah
"For three years you have played province against province, group against group, region against region, individual against individual," he said about Harper."

EXCUSE ME? This is a bit rich coming from the Liberals, considering how that has been their modus operandi for the past thirty years. Pot, meet Kettle.

Maureen
Dividing the country? That will be something that the LPC are experts at!! They barely have a presence outside of Toronto, their policies (those that they have) are created within a little group of Liberal elites (don't have to go back to the NEP, Green Shift anyone?). Once again the LPC and its leader shows how disengaged they are from everyday Canadians.

Andrew (Ardrossan, AB)
Ignatieff you are a power hungry buffoon! Harper is the best PM we've had in a long time. Get it through your head, the Liberals do not have a divine right to run the country. If you want to unite the country why not team up with the Conservatives and abolish the Bloc from being in parliament, the idea of a separatist party representing only one province is ludicrous. If you don't have any thing intelligent to say, then keep quiet. Oh yea, and stay out of Alberta!

teejay
The only one who is divisive is Iggy. He's obviously spoinling for a fight, riding on the Obama-mania and a left-leaning press, and egged on by Chretien and the Has Beens, who would just love to get back into the power circle. Meanwhile, Harper has brought sanity and credibility back into Canadian politics. Let's make sure the Conservatives retain power, with a majority if possible, otherwise we will go the way of the New America.

Dean in YYZ
To all you LIBERAL POLL WATCHERS.

Watch your BOY drop like a hot potato,in the next set of polls.

He finally opened his big mouth!The last thing you all wanted to happen,before an election EH.

Now we see what he stands for

NOTHING

Same BS that the Liberal party has always spewd out.

happy
Jay: I didn't say Mr. Harper specifically was nasty. I said the conservatives were generally nasty as evidenced by many of the comments being posted. As for discriminating against people who leave the country for work, I have read many comments posted refering to Mr. Ignatieff as un-Canadian and American simply because he has worked in America. I believe he has also worked in England. Do you then consider him British?

Denis
Provinces switch from blue to red and vice versa for changes. Alberta has never had Liberal MPs (except a few)...maybe Alberta is the divider.

Haligonian Don
That is the way to go!! Instead of telling us (and showing us) about yourself, try destroying your opponent with innuendo. That's change we can believe in!
Sounds like Obama to me.

daveyboy
All SELFISH people/polititian are the ones who are deviding our country and the other Countries of the World. Our Governments are run by the natural man. We all have our own worldly agenda and want to support the party or parties who will best represent those needs and wants. So until we rid all governments of the natural mans way of thinking and his philosophies. We as a Nation and as a world community will continue to be "naturally" divided.

happy
Terri: It doesn't matter how long he lived in America. The fact is it wasn't a permanent move and was, therefore, temporary. How long would you allow someone to live outside of Canada before you would revoke their Canadian citizenship?

Paul P
I'm definitely not a conservative, in fact, I prefer the other end of the political spectrum. But I think it's dangerous for Canada that a foreigner has been elected the leader of the Liberal Party. And the media, which isn't "liberal" i.e. leftist, is just praising him like he's the second coming. This is how the media behaved in the US with Obama years before he became President. I think it's pretty obvious who we are supposed to be voting for in the next election, someone who will lead our country into a final merger with our neighbours to the south - Ignatieff.

Dunny from Manotick
Hmmm, I have read all of the postings on here and I get a deep sense of a lack of enthusiasm from even the most diehard Liberals. At best they only seem capable of regurgitating old and well used points. Are all you Liberals out there going to be holding your noses when we do actually have an election? Dion held a passport from France, Iggy might as well be a citizen of the good ol' US of A, Rae is a through and through socialist. Can't you guys find a real, slightly left of center CANADAIN to lead the party? Where have all the good liberals gone?

Frustrated Twenty Year Old
I have been watching politicians for two years of my life now. I am utterly frustrated with their pathetic smear campaigns and finger pointing. "Harper is ruining the country," "Ignatief is liberal scum;" so much chatter! I really, truly wish one of our politicians would just say what he or she is going to do for the country as opposed to trying to blame the current (or past) problems on other leaders. In all honesty, we as a people are to blame for their behavior. All this lying and slander, it gets votes! We see it, we hear it, and we devour it like it were fact without ever taking a closer look and then vote for the cleanest politician when an election rolls around.

I so frustrated I can't even remember where I was going with this. Nevertheless, valid points.

NEP actually helped Canada.
I agree with Iggy regarding Harper divided this country rather trying unite it.

Just want to add my opinion to flood of opinions.....

P.S. Quit crying about NEP - it benefit country as whole which in end Trudeau did what he thought was right.

Too bad for these crying baby in Alberta....

Irony is today Ontario don't do well and Alberta bragging about how they helped Canada out in today....

Interesting... that is what NEP was all about.. helping a whole country...

I guess Alberta should shut up and appricate the fact that they helped Canada with NEP.

Rob in OAKVILLE
The liberals might win the next election , but will never ever again win a majority. Chretien only won when the right was fragmented. That's not the case any longer