Will B.C. Premier's win bring the carbon tax back to life? May 14, 2009
Mr. Dion's defeat on the issue so unnerved the Liberals that Michael Ignatieff, who embraced a carbon tax as a leadership contender in 2006, later shied away from it. "We took the carbon tax to the public and the public didn't think it was such a good idea," he said earlier this year. (Globe and Mail)
The many woes of Ruby Dhalla May 12, 2009
Even Michael Ignatieff is distancing himself from this one. Her lawyer said that "she is receiving unending messages of support from the Liberal party," but I'm not so sure. (Globe and Mail)
Premier tells protesters not to block roads May 12, 2009
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff issued a statement today confirming that officials from his party intervened to help end the demonstration that closed the Gardiner Expressway for several hours Sunday night. The statement did not name which Liberals spoke with protesters by phone, but stressed that no Liberal MPs or staff participated in the protest. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Tamil protests open political minefield for Ottawa May 12, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also expressed his sympathy for Sri Lanka's minority Tamils, who are caught between government forces and the Tamil Tigers, which Canada declared a terrorist group in 2006. A Tamil woman takes part in demonstration at Queen's Park in Toronto on Monday. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Coalition would have deeply divided Canadians: Ignatieff May 12, 2009
MONTREAL If the proposed coalition of opposition parties had come to power last year it would have deeply and enduringly divided Canadians, says Michael Ignatieff ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff addresses a news conference at the end of the Liberal Leadership Convention in Vancouver, Sunday, May 3, 2009. (Globe and Mail)
Conspiracy fuelling nanny scandal, Dhalla says May 11, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff joins hands with MP Ruby Dhalla after delivering his acceptance speech at the Liberal leadership convention on Saturday. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press). (Globe and Mail)
Don't expect 'Iggymania' May 11, 2009
As Michael Ignatieff was crowned leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, hopeful Liberals were breathlessly touting him as the reincarnation of Pierre Trudeau. Even this newspaper got overexcited, publishing a full page of pictures of the former prime minister to mark the advent of another "philosopher king.". (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Ignatieff a scornful aristocrat, Bloc says May 8, 2009
cois is driving up the rhetoric against Michael Ignatieff ... Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe speaks with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff as they take part in Holocaust remembrance day ceremonies at the National War Museum on April 21, 2009 ... Michael Ignatieff says that Quebeckers can choose to be Quebeckers or Canadians, in any order. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Harper's slaying the protectionist dragon May 8, 2009
And we have, in Michael Ignatieff, a Liberal Leader who names Lester (Auto Pact) Pearson as the embodiment of liberal principles. When MPs vote in the next few weeks on Canada's free-trade deal with Colombia, the latest detestation of the protectionist left, the pact will be approved with unanimous Liberal support by a comfortable margin. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Sid, Alex and Michael: the Canada-Russia nexus May 8, 2009
Now, we have prince Michael Ignatieff, a descendant of the former Russian nobility, poised to become our prime minister. I once found it embarrassing, this turning to a Canadian who was away for decades in London and the U.S., who often described himself as one of them and bolstered their imperial projects, like invasion and torture, with articles and arguments. (Globe and Mail)
Scandal sidelines 'high-maintenance' MP May 8, 2009
OTTAWA and TORONTO Four days after she was pictured hoisting Leader Michael Ignatieff's hand in triumph at the Liberal coronation convention, Ruby Dhalla was in hiding from public politics for a second straight day ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff joins hands with MP Ruby Dhalla after delivering his acceptance speech at the Liberal leadership convention on Saturday. (Globe and Mail)
House committee asks Dhalla nannies to testify May 8, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff joins hands with MP Ruby Dhalla after delivering his acceptance speech at the Liberal leadership convention on Saturday ... The scandal, which came quickly on the heels of the coronation of Michael Ignatieff as Liberal Leader last weekend, threatens to knock some of the wind out of the sails of a party that has been leading the Conservatives in recent public-opinion polls. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Newman to pen Ignatieff biography May 7, 2009
Peter C. Newman, Canada's most famous chronicler of the powerful and famous, has gazed upon another titan of the Canadian Establishment, Michael Ignatieff, and found him worthy of Newmanization. Yesterday, just three days after Mr. Ignatieff was officially anointed helmsman of the federal party in Vancouver, Random House of Canada announced it had signed the veteran author, who turns 80 on Sunday, to write the first full-length biography of Mr. Ignatieff, who's 62 on May 12. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Dhalla loses critic role in nanny scandal May 7, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff accepted Ms. Dhalla's resignation from the shadow cabinet post, but she will remain a member of the Liberal caucus ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff stands on stage with MP Ruby Dhalla, second from left, after delivering his acceptance speech at the party's convention in Vancouver on May 2, 2009. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Be Like Barack May 7, 2009
Michael Ignatieff was just elected Liberal Party leader over the weekend, to the tune of a speech that had audience members wildly repeating, WE CAN. He spoke of a message of hope , and a longing change sweeping across the land. (Human Events Online)
Women, Quebeckers push Liberals ahead May 6, 2009
The Harris-Decima survey conducted for The Canadian Press gives the Liberals under Michael Ignatieff a five-point lead on the slumping Conservatives, driven in large part by urban and suburban women. There's literally five campaigns happening simultaneously [across Canada], pollster Jeff Walker of Harris-Decima said Tuesday in an interview. (Globe and Mail)
Liberals split on election question May 5, 2009
VANCOUVER Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has emerged from this weekend's convention with a ringing endorsement of his leadership and some money in the party's coffers, but he also leaves Vancouver with a caucus split on one crucial question: when to call an election ... Michael Ignatieff wasted little time after the formality was completed in attacking Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Globe and Mail)
Harper dismisses Liberal call for EI changes May 5, 2009
Rising for the first time in the House of Commons since the Liberal Party officially confirmed his leadership over the weekend, Michael Ignatieff demanded a national standard of 360 hours of work to qualify to receive benefits under the federal assistance program. He also urged the Prime Minister to strike an independent panel to recommend further changes within a matter of weeks. (Globe and Mail -- National)
* Canadas Liberal Party taps Ignatieff as leader May 4, 2009
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff smiles as confetti falls following his acceptance speech to delegates at the Liberal Leadership Convention in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday ... After Michael Ignatieff was declared leader of Canadas official opposition at the Liberal Party convention in Vancouver on Saturday, he slammed Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and accused him of dividing Canadians. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Ignatieff moves on EI 'crisis' May 4, 2009
VANCOUVER Calling it a crisis situation, Michael Ignatieff says he will introduce reforms to employment insurance that the Prime Minister can choose to accept or face the consequences ... Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff gestures during a news conference following the Federal Liberal Party Biennial Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia Sunday ... Michael Ignatieff formally claimed the Liberal crown Saturday and wasted little time throwing down the gauntlet to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Globe and Mail)
The coin toss and the filmmaker May 3, 2009
At a big political convention where the leader was basically acclaimed - there was a vote but Michael Ignatieff had no opponents - the Liberal Youth President's position was decided by a coin toss ... Michael Ignatieff credits Prime Minister Stephen Harper for putting the Liberals back on the road to power as the party convention begins ... Ignatieff volunteer Abe Schwartz created the video that introduced Michael Ignatieff's acceptance speech Saturday afternoon. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Live from Vancouver May 3, 2009
Then Michael Ignatieff spoke. If a test of leadership is to realise when things are running painfully long and speak for only 30 seconds, then Ignatieff is the next Paul Drucker. (Globe and Mail)
Welcome to Americanada May 3, 2009
And he should invite Michael Ignatieff to 24 Sussex for dinner, to explain that package. After all, the Opposition Leader spent a considerable portion of his adulthood in the United States. (Globe and Mail)
Burger poll, bilingualism and the Black Sea May 2, 2009
A million years ago, I worked on a campus newspaper with Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae. I've often wondered what happened to them when the 1970s hit, and we all had to get jobs. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Avoiding the federal cousins May 2, 2009
Michael Ignatieff makes his big acceptance on Saturday afternoon ... Michael Ignatieff credits Prime Minister Stephen Harper for putting the Liberals back on the road to power as the party convention begins ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff gave a weak endorsement, but an endorsement all the same, to the Gordon Campbell Liberals who are fighting a provincial election right now. (Globe and Mail)
Liberals gather to fete Dion, skewer Harper May 2, 2009
Michael Ignatieff credits Prime Minister Stephen Harper for putting the Liberals back on the road to power as the party convention begins. Related Articles. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Goodbye political theatre and tribal drama May 1, 2009
Taking heat for bypassing the membership in appointing Michael Ignatieff to replace Mr. Dion, their membership rolls still depleted, the Liberals are eager to demonstrate a commitment to grassroots democracy. Switching away from a system in which the party's biggest decision is entrusted to a couple of thousand people who can afford to travel across the country seems like a quick fix. (Globe and Mail)
Another big thinker, but don't compare him to Trudeau May 1, 2009
But if you're Michael Ignatieff, the similarities slice a little close to the bone ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff gestures as a TV technician holds up a white card to fill in sunlight during a news conference at the Liberal Party convention in Vancouver on Thursday ... Michael Ignatieff credits Prime Minister Stephen Harper for putting the Liberals back on the road to power as the party convention begins. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
The real pandemic is economic, with no vaccine May 1, 2009
Take Michael Ignatieff, who will be installed as Liberal leader in Vancouver tomorrow. He's been touring Western Canada asking audiences if they've noticed where the new economic centre of the country is. (Globe and Mail)
Ottawa to speed up Tamil family immigration Apr 30, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also called earlier yesterday for fast-tracking of visa applications from Sri Lanka. But Scarborough-Agincourt Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis, whose riding includes a large Tamil-Canadian community, said Mr. Kenney's assertion that visa processing is being expedited is "intellectually dishonest" because the government has not really devoted the resources to process them faster. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Natural backstabbing party on hiatus Apr 30, 2009
Besides an opportunity to showcase the leader, Michael Ignatieff, as a man of vision, the convention gives the Liberals an opportunity to open a new era of party unity. It's a been a long time, no less than a quarter of a century, that the party can truly be said to be free of the leadership infighting that has wreaked much havoc. (Globe and Mail)
How America could out-Canada Canada Apr 28, 2009
(Michael Ignatieff is hoping for a reprise. And let us not forget rock 'n' roll, the birth-control pill, pot and hallucinogens. (Globe and Mail)
Portrait of a patriot?Globe's Valpy on Ignatieff Apr 19, 2009
com: Michael Valpy takes questions on Michael Ignatieff ... Michael Valpy takes questions on Michael Ignatieff. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Portrait of a patriot? Apr 19, 2009
Two years ago, Michael Ignatieff was a spurned prodigal son, the much-hyped celebrity intellectual returned from abroad who had crashed in his bid to lead the Liberals ... Michael Ignatieff remembers her name ... Michael Ignatieff at Stornoway, official residence of the federal Opposition Leader in Ottawa. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Whistling up the coalition from the dead Apr 17, 2009
Last week, a "close adviser" of Michael Ignatieff told Le Devoir the chances were greater than 90 per cent that the Liberals would force an election this fall. That seems like a favourable time frame for Mr. Ignatieff. (Globe and Mail)
Liberals import Obama software for election preparations Apr 17, 2009
Now, Leader Michael Ignatieff and other key party members are pushing them to turn the information over to the federal party. Once that happens, the party can move ahead with plans to build a central database using a so-called software skin called VAN for Voter Activation Network developed by a Massachusetts company and used with great success by the Obama campaign for the U.S. presidency. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Ignatieff clarifies tax-hike remark Apr 16, 2009
OTTAWA Michael Ignatieff tried yesterday to put his campaign-style tour of Southern Ontario back on track by proclaiming he would not raise taxes until all other avenues of deficit-elimination had been found wanting ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff speaks Monday with supporters at Crabby Joe's in Chatham, Ont. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Burdens lifted, one confession at a time Apr 12, 2009
Michael Ignatieff, Liberal leader: I looked like a turkey when I claimed the federal stimulus package was "not working," the week after it was introduced. Also, when I have insomnia, I secretly listen to tapes of Ralph Goodale speeches. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Carbon tax resurfaces in Liberal policy proposal Apr 11, 2009
The idea was a flop with voters during last fall's federal election but it has popped up again in priority policy resolutions to be debated later this month at a Liberal convention that will officially crown Michael Ignatieff as Mr. Dion's successor. One resolution, proposed by the Quebec wing of the party, calls on a Liberal government to unconditionally commit to meeting the Kyoto Protocol targets, enacting legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that would include "establishing a... (Globe and Mail)
Ignatieff has ‘no moral compass,' PM says Apr 9, 2009
OTTAWA Prime Minister Stephen Harper accused Michael Ignatieff yesterday of abandoning his "moral compass" after the Liberal Leader praised Brian Mulroney recently for his electoral record. Speaking in Moncton, Mr. Harper shrugged off questions about internal Conservative bickering over the treatment of Mr. Mulroney, after Conservative officials told reporters last week that Mr. Mulroney was no longer a card-carrying member of the Conservative Party. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Afghan Law Governing Women Draws Cr... Apr 3, 2009
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff was equally serious in his remarks saying that Karzai better think twice before passing such a law. It remains unclear as to whether the law was actually passed. (Suite101.com)
Law legalizing rape in marriage prompts outcry Apr 3, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said the government must make it clear to Mr. Karzai that the law is unacceptable, while the NDP said Afghanistan should not expect Canadian troops and aid if it passes such laws. "How can the government say our soldiers have died to protect the rights of women when Hamid Karzai passes this law?" NDP Leader Jack Layton asked in the Commons. (Globe and Mail -- National)
PM's words on stimulus spending don't add up back home, Ignatieff says Apr 3, 2009
Liberal rival Michael Ignatieff suggested the Conservative Prime Minister is a hypocrite for calling for more stimulus abroad but ignoring growing evidence of the need for further measures in Canada to counter the recession. "Mr. Harper is saying to the world: 'You've got to do more.' At home he's saying, 'I've done all I need to,' " Mr. Ignatieff told reporters in Ottawa. (Globe and Mail)
MPs outraged over Afghan rape law Apr 2, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said he's outraged by the legislation and Canada must make it clear to Mr. Karzai that it's unacceptable. International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda said she was in disbelief when she first heard about the legislation. (Globe and Mail)
Tories move to kill long-gun registry in Senate Apr 2, 2009
He denied the Tories have adopted a deliberate strategy of trying to put pressure on Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff in an effort to split his ranks in advance of the next election. But he did suggest that if the Liberals are serious about improving their showing in rural Canada they will have to take a long, hard look at the bill. (Globe and Mail)
Tory MP faces suspension for attacks on Ignatieff Apr 1, 2009
OTTAWA The Speaker of the House of Commons is threatening to suspend a Conservative MP if he continues launching personal attacks against Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. Daryl Kramp received the warning Tuesday after using member statements in the Commons to accuse Mr. Ignatieff of hypocrisy. (Globe and Mail)
Talk about luck: We've got Harper and Ignatieff Apr 1, 2009
Last month, I had the chance to see both Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff in action among their own kind. Jaded observers of Parliament see the two men cut and thrust every day, of course, in Disneyland-on-the-Rideau, but that stuff is more akin to World Wrestling mayhem on television. (Globe and Mail)
Canadians warming to Ignatieff, poll suggests Mar 30, 2009
OTTAWA People seem to be gradually warming to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, but many still have a love-him-or-hate him view of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a new poll suggests. The Canadian Press/Harris-Decima survey indicates the two men have similar levels of support, but Mr. Harper's negative ratings are much higher. (Globe and Mail)
Obama unveils more robust Afghan strategy Mar 28, 2009
We have a right to be there, we're an important player, but the Harper government has sat there and said, Let's let Barack Obama fix this for us,' Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said. The Liberals and NDP said that Canada is letting the United States forge ahead without getting a seat at the table, noting that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has rejected calls for Canada to appoint a super-envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, as the United States and several European countries have done. (Globe and Mail)
What if she had said no? Mar 28, 2009
The Liberal Party has a new leader, Michael Ignatieff, and the opinion polls indicate that he has much more support across the country than his predecessor. The Harper government appeared to be taking its near-death experience and the economic crisis seriously, and produced a budget and policies that better respond to the needs and concerns of a country under a great deal of stress. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Tories' rosy forecast outdated, budget officer says Mar 27, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has hinted the time may be approaching for this but Mr. Page said it's not certain, noting Canada's recovery depends crucially on a global economic rebound in trade. (). (Globe and Mail)
Michael Ignatieff: More Chess Playe... Mar 27, 2009
Michael Ignatieff: More Chess Player Than PM: Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff plays to win ... Michael Ignatieff: More Chess Player Than PM ... Michael Ignatieff: More Chess Player Than PM. (Suite101.com)
Ontario moves to soften blended-tax blow Mar 26, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has forged substantial ties with members of Mr. McGuinty's government. The payoff for the federal government comes in the backing it gives Finance Minister Jim Flaherty as he presses other provinces to adopt a blended tax, something the government has been seeking since its election in 2006. (Globe and Mail)
Ottawa bureau chief takes questions Mar 26, 2009
Three weeks ago, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told Prime Minister Stephen Harper: "I am not writing a blank cheque on $3-billion. No Canadian would respect me if I did.". But on Tuesday, the minority Conservative government to quickly start pumping $3-billion into Canada's sputtering economy after Liberals backed off their demand for details on how the money will be spent. (Globe and Mail)
EI will be Liberal priority, Ignatieff says Mar 25, 2009
OTTAWA Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said Parliament must improve the employment insurance program within the next "six to eight" weeks and vowed his party will make that element of Canada's social safety net a priority when Members of Parliament return to Ottawa today ... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff thanks party members after speaking in Laval, Que. (Globe and Mail)
Liberals sign off on emergency $3-billion stimulus fund Mar 25, 2009
Only three weeks ago, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff insisted he would never support the fund without some advance idea of how it would be spent. He was adamant despite Prime Minister Stephen Harper's warning that the fund constituted a confidence matter and that opposition parties would find themselves in an election if they blocked it. (Globe and Mail)
Liberals fill coffers with pay-per-schmooze Mar 24, 2009
For $1,100, you can talk to Michael Ignatieff at a cocktail reception and then sit really close to him at the dinner that follows. Pay $500 and all you get is the rubber chicken. (Globe and Mail)
British MP vows legal action after being barred from Canada Mar 22, 2009
In Winnipeg, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said he never agrees with Mr. Galloway, but that's not a reason for barring him from the country. However, he said, if security officials have found he's a threat, he should not be allowed in. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Tough-guy Iggy: The Grits are on their way Mar 19, 2009
With his czarist background and first-hand experience chronicling human folly, Michael Ignatieff probably realizes better than most that much of Western society may be entering a highly risky prerevolutionary period ... Michael Ignatieff is yet to be tested, but his run will make history. (Globe and Mail)
Hundreds pay homage to chopper crash victims Mar 19, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff sent his regrets, as did New Democrat Jack Layton. But the evening was not about the political leaders, who did not speak. (Globe and Mail)
Dark days v. sunny outlook Mar 17, 2009
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff accused him of being on another planet and said his "happy songs" can't resonate in a country where the unemployment rate has rocketed to 7. 7 per cent, with 295,000 jobs lost since October. (Globe and Mail)
Wanted: new pension champion for Canada Mar 16, 2009
Will it be Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff in Ottawa. Or will it be Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Politicians dismiss threats from Chrysler as 'ham-fisted' Mar 14, 2009
"I think what matters is the jobs, what matters are the workers," Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said in an interview. He said it is critical that the two governments work with the companies and the union to find a solution to the crisis, which threatens not only GM and Chrysler assembly plants but the companies' Canadian suppliers and dealers. (Globe and Mail)
Senate signs off on stimulus plan Mar 13, 2009
Until Thursday, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff had steadfastly resisted government demands to speed the bill through the Grit-dominated upper house this week. But he reversed course abruptly Thursday, announcing that senators would rush the bill through an immediate final vote in a bid to ensure unemployed workers get access to enhanced Employment Insurance benefits. (Globe and Mail)
Budget watchdog pleads for help Mar 13, 2009
He asks Mr. Harper, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, NDP Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe to launch a rethink of his office so that it can deliver independent analysis. I. (Globe and Mail)
