Supper with Iggy

A former teacher and friend of mine got to meet 'Iggy', (Michael Ignatieff) the current leader of the Federal Liberal Party of Canada. Actually had dinner with him. I asked if she would like to weigh in on her thoughts of the often maligned leader. With her permission, I share those thoughts with you on my blog:

"You asked me what I think of "Iggy". Well, first of all, he is great in small groups. Looks you straight in the eye, listens attentively to what you are saying, and answers with long explanations which are very understandable. He does not impose or does he bully you into his ways. He explains, then is not afraid to say "you are right, I will look into it". He does not assume that everyone knows all the details when answering a question in public; he makes the questioner clearly give a background to the question, by asking another question before he answers. I found out many things because of this manner of questioning. Also, he takes the time to fully answer all questions. No brushing you off, or giving the standard party answer.

He kept telling me while we were eating at the table that he is working with a team. He had 10 of his cabinet ministers with him. All of which sat at different tables with the crowd. None of this keeping all of them together at one table. Even "Iggy's" wife sat at table next to us. It was intimate with a table of four only. This impressed me.

He told me that once the "baby boomers" retire, Canada is going to have difficulty filling the jobs that will be needed; therefore, it is imperative that federal monies be available for education and overseas programs for post-secondary students. The world is global now and we need expertise for our youth. Also, he mentioned privately that educational day-care centres funded by gov't be available for all. He does not agree with the $100 to families, as most of that money goes into family funds and is not spend on education.

Another topic brought up at lunch was the aboriginal island called Victoria Island in middle of
Ottawa River between Quebec and Ontario who want to have a National Cultural Centre built. This Federal Visitor's Attraction would enhance the two cultures of French Quebec, English Canada and Aboriginal in middle. The Liberal Party is looking into helping this come into being. The Liberal Party seems to be centralist in its thinking and includes everyone with dignity, respect and rule of law. I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Party and all it stands for. I think Michael would make a great Prime Minister and do great things for this country. He is not the arrogant, elitist person that the media presents. He told me of his struggles when younger. He was a freelance journalist who did not know when his next paycheque would be; no pension plan, and he struggled to pay his bills."