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Ignatieff says he’ll step down as federal Liberal leader after historic defeat

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff pauses as he addresses supporters Monday evening in Toronto after being defeated in the federal election. — Canadian Press photo

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff pauses as he addresses supporters Monday evening in Toronto after being defeated in the federal election. — Canadian Press photo

Published on May 3, 2011
Published on May 3, 2011
The Canadian Press ~ The News  RSS Feed
Topics :
House of Commons.Under Ignatieff , TORONTO

TORONTO — Michael Ignatieff will step down as Liberal leader after he and his party suffered devastating defeats in Monday’s federal election.

The Liberals were reduced to an all-time low as Stephen Harper’s Conservatives were vaulted to majority status in the House of Commons.

Under Ignatieff, the Liberal party that governed the country for much of the past century was reduced to just 34 seats, a distant third behind Jack Layton’s bounding New Democrats.

Ignatieff, who also lost his own seat in Toronto, says he will consult with party officials about the timing of his departure.

Under party rules, a leadership convention must be held within six months of the leader’s departure.

Comments

  • Username
    Gerry Connors
    - May 3, 2011 at 22:47:23

    Wonder when Iggy will be heading back south of the border for another 35 years?

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  • Username
    mary
    - May 3, 2011 at 19:19:36

    Both Stephane Dion and Michael Ignatieff were victims of the attack style campaigns put forth by the Cons. This bullying style started back when Chretien was in office, some may remember how he was taunted over his looks, how he moved his mouth when he spoke. I believe Wayne Easter of PEI put it this way in regards to Ignatieff "The negative ads, $20 million and 6,000 ads over two years on his person and his character, did their job." What a sad day for Canada this electing of a party that sees no wrong in bullying others, that sees no wrong in constantly belittling others. And, some, if not all, of this was paid for with taxpayer dollars. $20 million spent on bullying just one person. How sick.

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  • Username
    mainlander
    - May 3, 2011 at 18:27:29

    Everyone complains how dishonest politicians are and they are only in it for themselves. However, when one with honesty and integrity comes along, they get crucified. Instead, a man who was the first ever to be found in contempt of parliament gets a majority govt. There is something wrong with giving this man a majority with all the underhanded, dishonest and frankly bad things he has done. This is the man who said we wouldn't know Canada when he was done with it. I voted Progressive Conservative in every election until the Reform party hijacked the PC party. It is really too bad that people don't see that the new Conservative Party is not the same one we used to vote for. When they dropped the word "progressive" from their name, it should have been a red flag. He's arrogant, a bully, and does not care what anyone else thinks. It is his way or no way. I am shocked he got the number of votes he did. He is very similar to the religious right politicians we see in the USA - pro-business, anti-woman, anti-immigrant, anti-gay, anti-abortion. Did people even listen to his campaign promises? His tax cuts to businesses will go ahead but almost everything else has to wait until the books are balanced. He took us from a surplus into a huge deficit and made government bigger. He tried to impede parliament every chance he got. Nope, Canadians do not want honest politicians who work for the people who put them there. This was proven in the last 3 elections. We will pay for this one for a long time.

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  • Username
    TREX
    - May 3, 2011 at 16:59:40

    George, joining two parties together - sort of like the Reform and the Conservative a few years ago......Interesting concept....

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  • Username
    Beebob
    - May 3, 2011 at 15:27:14

    Mainlander, you hit the nail on the head. Stephane was never given a chance and would have definitely been better than Iggy.

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  • Username
    Roy Bean
    - May 3, 2011 at 13:51:18

    Justin Trudeau will likely be the next Liberal leader.He is their cleanest dirty shirt.

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  • Username
    George
    - May 3, 2011 at 12:56:42

    I believe it is time for the NDP and Liberals to join forces and plan for the next election. A new party would have a stronger voice and would have a far greater reach on a new and stronger leader, A great way to put the Bloc to rest while maintaining close ties with Quebecers.

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  • Username
    Newfie Voter
    - May 3, 2011 at 12:29:21

    Justin Trudeau will be the next leader of the Liberal Party. Hopefully he will put the NDP back in the back benches, where they should stay.

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  • Username
    mainlander
    - May 3, 2011 at 12:03:55

    Stephane Dion must be feeling vindicated today.

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