Ignatieff Signals Election Call in Early 2011

The Liberal leader says he will likely oppose the next Conservative budget and bring down the government.

Let’s get ready to rumble, due-electoral-process-style. Michael Ignatieff told the Globe and Mail Thursday that his party’s opposition to the Conservatives’ corporate tax cut plan is unshakable and unless the government backs down at the spring budget, he’ll trigger an election. He said that giving tax breaks to companies while running a record deficit is irresponsible, and that the Liberals will also oppose budget plans to buy F-35 jet fighters. It’s bold talk from Ignatieff, who defies polls that suggest an election in the spring would result in another Conservative government. Threatening an election is also a risky move, because if the NDP or Bloc Quebecois decide to support the budget Ignatieff will be left twisting in the wind.