by Nathan Vardi,
Forbes.comTuesday,
February 16, 2010
In 1904 Canadian Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier made this prediction: "The 19th century was the century of the United States. I think we can claim that it is Canada that shall fill the 20th century."Maybe Laurier was just a man 100 years before his time. As the world assembles in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, the 21st century is shaping up great for Canada.
For starters, Canada has avoided many of the problems that currently bedevil the U.S.—mountains of public debt, a banking system in crisis, the housing debacle and a weakened currency.Canada's banking system, essentially made up of the Royal Bank of Canada and four other big banks, remained strong during the global credit crisis. With no bailouts, it is the soundest system in the world, marked by a steady and responsible continuation of lending and profits. "Canada has shown itself to be a pretty good manager of the financial system," U.S. President Barack Obama said amid the financial crisis. Was that a touch of envy in his voice?And it is not just banks that have remained solvent. Canada, with its relatively small population of 34 million, has the lowest debt burden of any G8 country and less than half the per capita debt burden of the U.S. Bill Gross, who runs Pimco, one of the world's biggest bond managers, recently said that he thinks Canada is the best bet for investment among developed nations. "It moved toward and stayed closer to fiscal balance than any other country," said Gross.In addition, the Canadian economy, the world's 10th biggest, is endowed with natural resources increasingly valuable in this century—like potash and uranium. New technologies allow for the vast development of the Athabasca tar sands in Alberta, helping make Canada's oil reserves the world's second largest. Yes, there are environmental implications, but Canada is now the biggest supplier of crude oil to the U.S., a lucrative—and enviable—position for any country.Even global warming seems to be playing in Canada's favor. Melting Arctic ice poses serious concerns globally, but it has also opened northern sea lanes for the first time, as well as the opportunity to search for new natural resource deposits.The result of this mix of fortune and fiscal prudence: a relatively strong Canadian currency. The loonie has soared against the hobbled U.S. dollar so far this century. That strength has been a problem for Canadian exporters to the U.S., but it is also a source of national pride—and relief—as Canadians watch the financial flailing of their neighbors to the south.The world is taking note. Canada just hosted the G7 finance meeting way up north in Nunavut and will host both the G8 and G20 conferences later this year. Most important, Canada has welcomed the world to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and is showing off its accomplishments. Laurier would be thrilled. But not surprised.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Will Palin effect hit Harper?
Much is being made of Sarah Palin's latest foray into the spotlight, via a speech she delivered to the U.S. Tea Party convention. Her fans remain highly vocal, but scarce in numbers, according to the latest polls.
Among the leading political analysts in the United States, there seem to be a few more (grudging or otherwise) Palin admirers including David Broder, who describes her populism as "pitch perfect." I doubt her message or style would play well in Canada but there's a reason why it has some traction south of 49.
Disappointment and anger aimed at government are running at sky high levels in the United States. Some are distraught about the economic shambles they see around them. Others are angry about unprecedented levels of public debt and government intervention into the economy. Many on both the left and the right think Wall Street excess caused everything to unravel, while DC politics have ensured that only Wall Street is left standing.
Into this marketplace Palin's message that a revolution is needed to overthrow the elites is catnip for the angry. Mainstream Republican leaders know that to embrace her language is to play with a fire that may warm today, but could eventually burn you, so they stand on the sidelines as she occupies center stage, the standard-bearer of opposition to the Democratic leadership in the White House and Congress.
The Obama administration response to Palin has been somewhat dismissive, mixed with occasional sharp volleys aimed at Wall Street, which signal an awareness of vulnerability. But the full Palin effect won't really be known until we get closer to the next presidential election. She will either stand outside the Republican race and make it unstable and potentially divisive, or she will get in and risk an even more disruptive effect. There's no doubt President Obama will take his licks from her for the foreseeable future, but the Republicans may have more to be worried about. George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole saw first-hand what Ross Perot could do to destabilize things in 1992 and 1996.
Here in Canada, feelings about the federal government have been running a lot cooler during this recession. Most sense our economy is weaker because of contagion effects more than misguided policies here at home. Anger at Wall Street is a huge force in the United States, but there is no parallel feeling toward Bay Street and big banks here. Canadians rarely go in for talk of "revolution," and for every voter foaming with anger at Ottawa, at least two seem indifferent.
The next six to twelve months will likely be a watershed. A durable recovery, even if snail's-paced, will help prevent growing frustration with Ottawa, despite massive deficits and looming deep spending cuts. A double-dip recession on the other hand would introduce new risks for Stephen Harper. His support has always had some measure of conditionality: the feeling that no one else would do any better, or that there are no bigger, better ideas available. A weaker economy, and/or a stronger Michael Ignatieff, and voters may re-test those assumptions.
Among the leading political analysts in the United States, there seem to be a few more (grudging or otherwise) Palin admirers including David Broder, who describes her populism as "pitch perfect." I doubt her message or style would play well in Canada but there's a reason why it has some traction south of 49.
Disappointment and anger aimed at government are running at sky high levels in the United States. Some are distraught about the economic shambles they see around them. Others are angry about unprecedented levels of public debt and government intervention into the economy. Many on both the left and the right think Wall Street excess caused everything to unravel, while DC politics have ensured that only Wall Street is left standing.
Into this marketplace Palin's message that a revolution is needed to overthrow the elites is catnip for the angry. Mainstream Republican leaders know that to embrace her language is to play with a fire that may warm today, but could eventually burn you, so they stand on the sidelines as she occupies center stage, the standard-bearer of opposition to the Democratic leadership in the White House and Congress.
The Obama administration response to Palin has been somewhat dismissive, mixed with occasional sharp volleys aimed at Wall Street, which signal an awareness of vulnerability. But the full Palin effect won't really be known until we get closer to the next presidential election. She will either stand outside the Republican race and make it unstable and potentially divisive, or she will get in and risk an even more disruptive effect. There's no doubt President Obama will take his licks from her for the foreseeable future, but the Republicans may have more to be worried about. George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole saw first-hand what Ross Perot could do to destabilize things in 1992 and 1996.
Here in Canada, feelings about the federal government have been running a lot cooler during this recession. Most sense our economy is weaker because of contagion effects more than misguided policies here at home. Anger at Wall Street is a huge force in the United States, but there is no parallel feeling toward Bay Street and big banks here. Canadians rarely go in for talk of "revolution," and for every voter foaming with anger at Ottawa, at least two seem indifferent.
The next six to twelve months will likely be a watershed. A durable recovery, even if snail's-paced, will help prevent growing frustration with Ottawa, despite massive deficits and looming deep spending cuts. A double-dip recession on the other hand would introduce new risks for Stephen Harper. His support has always had some measure of conditionality: the feeling that no one else would do any better, or that there are no bigger, better ideas available. A weaker economy, and/or a stronger Michael Ignatieff, and voters may re-test those assumptions.
Canada to spend $12M to temporarily house Haiti government
JACMEL, Haiti - Prime Minister Stephen Harper began his second day in Haiti with a trip to the hard-hit coastal town of Jacmel.
During his visit to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean's ancestral hometown, Harper planned to take in Canadian Forces operations. He also planned to visit a water-purification facility and a clinic in the colourful colonial town.
It was at this clinic that a Haitian baby girl was delivered recently, and named after the two Canadian military medics who assisted in her birth.
The Canadian Forces and civilian volunteers have handled much of the medical care in parts of southern Haiti since last month's earthquake.
The prime minister will then head to the town of Leogane, before returning to Ottawa later Tuesday.
Harper began his two-day visit yesterday by announcing that Canada will spend $12 million to build a temporary home for Haiti's national government.
Many of the government facilities were destroyed.
Harper took a helicopter flight that allowed him to see some of that devastation in Port-au-Prince.
During his visit to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean's ancestral hometown, Harper planned to take in Canadian Forces operations. He also planned to visit a water-purification facility and a clinic in the colourful colonial town.
It was at this clinic that a Haitian baby girl was delivered recently, and named after the two Canadian military medics who assisted in her birth.
The Canadian Forces and civilian volunteers have handled much of the medical care in parts of southern Haiti since last month's earthquake.
The prime minister will then head to the town of Leogane, before returning to Ottawa later Tuesday.
Harper began his two-day visit yesterday by announcing that Canada will spend $12 million to build a temporary home for Haiti's national government.
Many of the government facilities were destroyed.
Harper took a helicopter flight that allowed him to see some of that devastation in Port-au-Prince.
Yonge Street takes steps towards $450,000 facelift
Thornhill
February 14, 2010 09:00 AM
by David Fleischer York Region hopes a new streetscaping plan can give a dowdy section of Yonge Street a much needed makeover.
The region's transportation committee approved plans to spend $450,000 on the plan in response to requests from Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.
"It is so inhospitable to pedestrians," said Markham Councillor Valerie Burke who walked the strip this past weekend.
"It's in desperate shape."
"Yonge Street could use a spruce-up, there's no doubt about that," Grandview Area Ratepayers Association president Marilyn Ginsburg agreed.
Even something as simple as adding trees would provide environmental and aesthetic benefits, not to mention cutting the wind that blows down the hilly section of road, she said.
Either way, Ms Ginsburg said, it should be something unique and respect the heritage district in Thornhill.
Vaughan and Markham worked together five years ago on a joint plan for Thornhill that has sat on the shelf along with plans to build Viva lanes through the corridor.
Its conclusions will be taken into account along with four other outstanding planning studies undertaken in recent years.
With Yonge serving as a major Viva corridor - and potentially a subway some day - pedestrians and transit are expected to become increasingly prevalent.
"It is critical that the pedestrian environment supports the goal of a vital pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, transit-supportive urban corridor," regional staff said in a report.
That means co-ordinating plans between the three local municipalities and the region, which actually controls the road.
The elephant in the room is the Yonge subway extension, which is on hold pending a Metrolinx analysis. It remains to be seen how long the region can wait before reverting to the Viva plans.
"I think we're beyond that," Vaughan Councillor Alan Shefman said of the dormant bus lanes.
"We're working on the subway."
As much as Yonge Street is in need of a facelift, it would make the most sense to wait until plans for the subway, and the development that will come with it, are firmed up, he said.
"If there is some sense it will be proceeding within a reasonable time, we'll hold off and do them together," Mr. Shefman said.
"Residents are very frustrated about the subway," Ms Burke said.
"They can't understand how the province wants us to take on this intensification (without) the infrastructure."
Residents are anxious, Ms Ginsburg agreed, especially with large developments such as the World on Yonge condominiums being approved while infrastructure is lacking.
"I think people are rightly nervous about it," she said.
There are no signs provincial funding for the subway is forthcoming, but politicians and residents intend on keeping the pressure up, Mr. Shefman said.
The citizen-driven Yonge Subway North committee meets once a month at Thornhill's Octagon restaurant and after 35 years on the strip, owner Ken Stathakis remains optimistic change is coming.
"When I first came here there was nothing ... it's day and night," he said.
He took an anticipatory breath, imagining what kind of change the subway could bring.
"It will be ... downtown," Mr. Stathakis said.
Representatives from each municipality want to work together to quickly establish a unified plan before development surges forward.
The study focuses on the area between Steeles and Bantry avenues, with the understanding it can be exported further north.
At this point none of three lower-tier municipalities are putting up any money.
The region approved a policy in 2006 that set out criteria by which local municipalities could obtain a share of the region's $3 million annual streetscaping budget.
Vaughan, Georgina, East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville have previously taken advantage of the program.
Council must approve the committee's decision at its meeting later this month.
GAMBLE ROAD/19th AVENUE
The corner of Gamble Road and the 19th Avenue will also get a makeover thanks to teamwork between Richmond Hill and the region.
The town approved paying 50 per cent of the $1 million cost, as well as ongoing maintenance costs at its November 2009 meeting.
Thanks to federal infrastructure funds, the region will contribute $345,000.
Both Gamble and 19th were being widened and the town moved to improve the look of the intersection with rock features, decorative paving and lighting, flower beds and enhanced crosswalks.
The redesign scales down the road and creates "an attractive green street that supports a pedestrian environment for the community, recreational users and transit commuters," regional staff reported.
YONGE STREET STUDIES
-Lasting from 2003 to 2006, the Thornhill Yonge street study was a joint Vaughan-Markham effort. Its suggestions include wider sidewalks and Markham fought to keep height limits for new development at 12 metres.
-Markham completed its Yonge-Steeles corridor study, setting out new guidelines for high-density development along the stretch.
-Vaughan is well along on its own study of the west side of the street and the adjacent segment of Steeles Avenue. A meeting last year was packed to capacity and a new round of meetings is set for March or April.
-Plans for high-density, transit-friendly downtowns are in the works for the Yonge-Hwy. 407 area. A public meeting in the next few months will outline some of the specific guidelines for Markham's Langstaff Gateway district, while Richmond Hill Centre's planning principles will be enshrined in the town's new official plan.
February 14, 2010 09:00 AM
by David Fleischer York Region hopes a new streetscaping plan can give a dowdy section of Yonge Street a much needed makeover.
The region's transportation committee approved plans to spend $450,000 on the plan in response to requests from Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.
"It is so inhospitable to pedestrians," said Markham Councillor Valerie Burke who walked the strip this past weekend.
"It's in desperate shape."
"Yonge Street could use a spruce-up, there's no doubt about that," Grandview Area Ratepayers Association president Marilyn Ginsburg agreed.
Even something as simple as adding trees would provide environmental and aesthetic benefits, not to mention cutting the wind that blows down the hilly section of road, she said.
Either way, Ms Ginsburg said, it should be something unique and respect the heritage district in Thornhill.
Vaughan and Markham worked together five years ago on a joint plan for Thornhill that has sat on the shelf along with plans to build Viva lanes through the corridor.
Its conclusions will be taken into account along with four other outstanding planning studies undertaken in recent years.
With Yonge serving as a major Viva corridor - and potentially a subway some day - pedestrians and transit are expected to become increasingly prevalent.
"It is critical that the pedestrian environment supports the goal of a vital pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, transit-supportive urban corridor," regional staff said in a report.
That means co-ordinating plans between the three local municipalities and the region, which actually controls the road.
The elephant in the room is the Yonge subway extension, which is on hold pending a Metrolinx analysis. It remains to be seen how long the region can wait before reverting to the Viva plans.
"I think we're beyond that," Vaughan Councillor Alan Shefman said of the dormant bus lanes.
"We're working on the subway."
As much as Yonge Street is in need of a facelift, it would make the most sense to wait until plans for the subway, and the development that will come with it, are firmed up, he said.
"If there is some sense it will be proceeding within a reasonable time, we'll hold off and do them together," Mr. Shefman said.
"Residents are very frustrated about the subway," Ms Burke said.
"They can't understand how the province wants us to take on this intensification (without) the infrastructure."
Residents are anxious, Ms Ginsburg agreed, especially with large developments such as the World on Yonge condominiums being approved while infrastructure is lacking.
"I think people are rightly nervous about it," she said.
There are no signs provincial funding for the subway is forthcoming, but politicians and residents intend on keeping the pressure up, Mr. Shefman said.
The citizen-driven Yonge Subway North committee meets once a month at Thornhill's Octagon restaurant and after 35 years on the strip, owner Ken Stathakis remains optimistic change is coming.
"When I first came here there was nothing ... it's day and night," he said.
He took an anticipatory breath, imagining what kind of change the subway could bring.
"It will be ... downtown," Mr. Stathakis said.
Representatives from each municipality want to work together to quickly establish a unified plan before development surges forward.
The study focuses on the area between Steeles and Bantry avenues, with the understanding it can be exported further north.
At this point none of three lower-tier municipalities are putting up any money.
The region approved a policy in 2006 that set out criteria by which local municipalities could obtain a share of the region's $3 million annual streetscaping budget.
Vaughan, Georgina, East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville have previously taken advantage of the program.
Council must approve the committee's decision at its meeting later this month.
GAMBLE ROAD/19th AVENUE
The corner of Gamble Road and the 19th Avenue will also get a makeover thanks to teamwork between Richmond Hill and the region.
The town approved paying 50 per cent of the $1 million cost, as well as ongoing maintenance costs at its November 2009 meeting.
Thanks to federal infrastructure funds, the region will contribute $345,000.
Both Gamble and 19th were being widened and the town moved to improve the look of the intersection with rock features, decorative paving and lighting, flower beds and enhanced crosswalks.
The redesign scales down the road and creates "an attractive green street that supports a pedestrian environment for the community, recreational users and transit commuters," regional staff reported.
YONGE STREET STUDIES
-Lasting from 2003 to 2006, the Thornhill Yonge street study was a joint Vaughan-Markham effort. Its suggestions include wider sidewalks and Markham fought to keep height limits for new development at 12 metres.
-Markham completed its Yonge-Steeles corridor study, setting out new guidelines for high-density development along the stretch.
-Vaughan is well along on its own study of the west side of the street and the adjacent segment of Steeles Avenue. A meeting last year was packed to capacity and a new round of meetings is set for March or April.
-Plans for high-density, transit-friendly downtowns are in the works for the Yonge-Hwy. 407 area. A public meeting in the next few months will outline some of the specific guidelines for Markham's Langstaff Gateway district, while Richmond Hill Centre's planning principles will be enshrined in the town's new official plan.
Markham's leisure plan pegged at $325 million over 10 years
Markham
February 11, 2010 03:00 PM
L.H. Tiffany Hsieh Markham is looking to spend $325 million on a 10-year program that would address the town's parks, recreation, culture and library needs, elected officials learned this week.
The Integrated Leisure Master Plan, one of many supporting documents for the town's growth management strategy, will lay out where the town should invest new infrastructure for leisure based on growth, needs and feasibility, the town's commissioner of community and fire services said.
"I call it the quality-of-life maker," said Brenda Librecz, who heads the multi-disciplinary project.
For example, a new community centre is already being recommended for southeast Markham, at Markham Road and Elson Street.
The plan includes library facilities for east Markham, Milliken Mills, Thornhill, southeast Markham and Markham Centre.
Similarly, indoor recreation is planned for east Markham, Milliken Mills, southeast Markham, Angus Glen, Victoria Square and other facilities.
The town will spend $149 million alone on approximately 160 hectares of parks.
However, staff estimated the town may need to be borrow $65 million between 2010 and 2019 to fund the programs.
Regional Councillor Joe Virgilio expressed concern over the high cost. "I don't think we can afford all the nice things you've got," he said. "I think this is the last year we are going to have a zero-tax increase with what you have here."
Deputy Mayor Jack Heath said the report is very good but not dynamic enough. He said he was not pleased to see so little about the theatre and Varley expansion, as well as the Rouge Park implementation task force.
About Pan American Games facilities, which are accounted for in the plan, Mr. Heath said, "We know we've got a pool coming, but there should be more on the impact overall if the town gets the (Canadian Sports Centre Ontario)."
Regional Councillor Jim Jones and Councillor Carolina Moretti both said the town needs to make better use of existing buildings.
"Markham Centre would be a great place to incorporate a library into an existing place, instead of a stand-alone building," Ms Moretti said.
While Councillor Logan Kanapathi said he's thrilled to see southeast Markham community centre in his ward finally moving forward, councillors Erin Shapero and Don Hamilton expressed disappointment Thornhill and south Unionville were ignored in the report.
"I think a little more thoughts need to be put into the southwest of the town," Ms Shapero said.
Ms Librecz assured the town's general committee that the plan is meant to help guide council more than anything else.
"This doesn't tie your hands," she said. "You'll unfold this as you work through it in the next 10 years. We have investigated every single area, it's not a bell-and-whistle approach."
Public meetings are to take place in February and March, with specific dates to be announced later.
February 11, 2010 03:00 PM
L.H. Tiffany Hsieh Markham is looking to spend $325 million on a 10-year program that would address the town's parks, recreation, culture and library needs, elected officials learned this week.
The Integrated Leisure Master Plan, one of many supporting documents for the town's growth management strategy, will lay out where the town should invest new infrastructure for leisure based on growth, needs and feasibility, the town's commissioner of community and fire services said.
"I call it the quality-of-life maker," said Brenda Librecz, who heads the multi-disciplinary project.
For example, a new community centre is already being recommended for southeast Markham, at Markham Road and Elson Street.
The plan includes library facilities for east Markham, Milliken Mills, Thornhill, southeast Markham and Markham Centre.
Similarly, indoor recreation is planned for east Markham, Milliken Mills, southeast Markham, Angus Glen, Victoria Square and other facilities.
The town will spend $149 million alone on approximately 160 hectares of parks.
However, staff estimated the town may need to be borrow $65 million between 2010 and 2019 to fund the programs.
Regional Councillor Joe Virgilio expressed concern over the high cost. "I don't think we can afford all the nice things you've got," he said. "I think this is the last year we are going to have a zero-tax increase with what you have here."
Deputy Mayor Jack Heath said the report is very good but not dynamic enough. He said he was not pleased to see so little about the theatre and Varley expansion, as well as the Rouge Park implementation task force.
About Pan American Games facilities, which are accounted for in the plan, Mr. Heath said, "We know we've got a pool coming, but there should be more on the impact overall if the town gets the (Canadian Sports Centre Ontario)."
Regional Councillor Jim Jones and Councillor Carolina Moretti both said the town needs to make better use of existing buildings.
"Markham Centre would be a great place to incorporate a library into an existing place, instead of a stand-alone building," Ms Moretti said.
While Councillor Logan Kanapathi said he's thrilled to see southeast Markham community centre in his ward finally moving forward, councillors Erin Shapero and Don Hamilton expressed disappointment Thornhill and south Unionville were ignored in the report.
"I think a little more thoughts need to be put into the southwest of the town," Ms Shapero said.
Ms Librecz assured the town's general committee that the plan is meant to help guide council more than anything else.
"This doesn't tie your hands," she said. "You'll unfold this as you work through it in the next 10 years. We have investigated every single area, it's not a bell-and-whistle approach."
Public meetings are to take place in February and March, with specific dates to be announced later.
Ignatieff outlines priorities for next Parliament
SLIDES.showHideViewT();
CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Monday Feb. 15, 2010 6:01 PM ET
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to adopt a cap-and-trade system with hard caps and impose legal limits on prorogation in the next session of Parliament.
In an open letter to the prime minister, Ignatieff called for a special committee to review prorogation.
"Mr. Harper sacrificed his entire legislative agenda simply to avoid the kind of accountability and transparency he once promised to deliver," Ignatieff said. "That's why our party has come forward with a proposal to place reasonable and responsible limits on the Prime Minister's ability to request a prorogation, and limits on the overall impact of prorogation."
Ignatieff also put forward a number of Liberal initiatives from the party's recent roundtables, including:
• Encouraging investment in start-up businesses
• Reform the Canadian Pension Plan and provide support for at-risk private pensions
• Call for an investigation into missing Aboriginal women in the Prairies
• More support for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
Harper had invited the Liberals to outline their priorities for the next session of the minority Parliament.
"Over the past month, Liberals have hosted 24 public hearings that have produced a wealth of substantial policy proposals from Canadians of all political stripes," Ignatieff said. "We're putting forward a number of these proposals to provide the basis for a productive session of Parliament – assuming that Mr. Harper is interested in making our minority Parliament work."
Ignatieff is due to return to Ottawa Tuesday, where the Liberals have held caucus despite the prorogation.
Parliament is scheduled to resume March 3.
Since Harper made the move to prorogue Parliament in late December, his party has tumbled in polls, but still has a slight lead on the Liberals.
CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Monday Feb. 15, 2010 6:01 PM ET
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to adopt a cap-and-trade system with hard caps and impose legal limits on prorogation in the next session of Parliament.
In an open letter to the prime minister, Ignatieff called for a special committee to review prorogation.
"Mr. Harper sacrificed his entire legislative agenda simply to avoid the kind of accountability and transparency he once promised to deliver," Ignatieff said. "That's why our party has come forward with a proposal to place reasonable and responsible limits on the Prime Minister's ability to request a prorogation, and limits on the overall impact of prorogation."
Ignatieff also put forward a number of Liberal initiatives from the party's recent roundtables, including:
• Encouraging investment in start-up businesses
• Reform the Canadian Pension Plan and provide support for at-risk private pensions
• Call for an investigation into missing Aboriginal women in the Prairies
• More support for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
Harper had invited the Liberals to outline their priorities for the next session of the minority Parliament.
"Over the past month, Liberals have hosted 24 public hearings that have produced a wealth of substantial policy proposals from Canadians of all political stripes," Ignatieff said. "We're putting forward a number of these proposals to provide the basis for a productive session of Parliament – assuming that Mr. Harper is interested in making our minority Parliament work."
Ignatieff is due to return to Ottawa Tuesday, where the Liberals have held caucus despite the prorogation.
Parliament is scheduled to resume March 3.
Since Harper made the move to prorogue Parliament in late December, his party has tumbled in polls, but still has a slight lead on the Liberals.
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