Modeling Journey

Now is the time for Michael Ignatieff to step forward and let Canadians know where he stands with regard to a possible coalition government on December 8. There appear to be rumours that people close to Ignatieff say he is opposed to any coalition:

“Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff is unlikely to support the coalition deal being negotiated by lame duck leader Stéphane Dion - a decision that would doom the opposition parties attempt to bring down the government next week in a vote of no-confidence in the House of Commons. A person close to Mr. Ignatieff said that any deal with the Bloc Québécois and NDP struck by Mr. Dion would be a “poison chalice” for the next leader. He said that Mr. Ignatieff has the support of more than 50 of the 77 Liberal MPs, so the success or failure of a coalition proposition will depend on how the leadership candidate views any deal. Although Mr. Ignatieff has publicly maintained the official Liberal line that the government should fall over its handling of the economy, his supporters say any coalition deal with the left-wing NDP and separatist Bloc is fraught with risk. It would only take nine Liberals to be absent from the House next Monday for the government to survive and the source said he fully expects a number of no-shows.”

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/11/30/john-ivison-coalition-success-may-ride-on-ignatieff-and-he-isn-t-game.aspx

This muddies the waters, and it is imperative that Ignatieff step forward and let everyone know clearly where he stands on a coalition government.

If he is for it, he should say so.

If he is against it, he should say so.

I watched him on television carefully state that he was not involved in the negotiations of the coalition, did not know where they were, and was only being told about the talks. I thought his phrasing was very careful, and it filled me with unease.

For one thing, why on earth is he not directly involved in the talks?

I have been assuming that Stephane Dion, as the caretaker leader of the Liberal Party, was working very closely with the three candidates for the leadership of the party. If Dion is not doing this, it is the height of folly, and he should immediately involved them, consult them, and respect their views on all matters.

But this I do know: if Ignatieff or Rae or Lebanc oppose any reasonable coalition terms which will allow a progressive government to replace the Tories next week, then they will not – repeat not – become leader of the Liberal Party. Liberals will rise up in wrath against any candidate who spoils this chance to install a government which will work with the other two opposition parties to protect Canadians against the gathering storm of the recession.

Let your voice be heard, Michael. Loudly and publicly.

For starters, you could refer to the above article and expressly state that it is or is not correct with respect to the statements made about you.