"No"

Being voted in as one of the most discreet members of Parliament didn’t seem to ward off an increasing number of journalists, Hill staffers and constituents from pressing me with questions about Michael Ignatieff and coalition ideas.  For the record, here are my responses.No – I have not lost faith in Mr. Ignatieff’s leadership.  How could I?  For 17 straight months he has permitted me the freedom to redesign CIDA in a way that prepares it for an ever-changing world.  This has permitted me to undertake some open-field running, protected by Michael’s desire to recover much of this country’s international decline.  He has included me in key steps along the way.  Tough to deny that kind of support.No – I have not been approached by a single member of caucus, asking that I back them in mounting a covert leadership bid.  Some in the media have a great time with this kind of approach, but it’s not working its way through the caucus. We remain resolute, though perhaps troubled at the party's polling numbers. I’m more of a reflective kind of person, often found in discussion with colleagues in the lobby.  There has not been a single occurrence of anyone approaching me personally and planning something untoward.No – I'm not for the coalition.  While I agree with Mr. Ignatieff that coalitions remain a possibility within many parliaments around the world, I fully believe that the Liberal Party should “get on” with proving itself a viable alternative to the present government.  I have not been polled within caucus on my view on this; it’s just not an issue.No – I will not cross the floor. At home this weekend, I was informed of a rumour circulating that I had been asked to cross over to the Conservatives in order to work with them on CIDA.  Honestly, I’ve been urged twice by some members of that party to make the move – once in Dion’s time, another recently.  But how could I possibly do it?  This is the party that has undercut the people at CIDA, largely abandoned Africa in its need and potential, treats other members of Parliament and the bureaucracy in brutal and delegitimizing fashion, and is in the ongoing process of dismantling the very Parliament I have historically cared for and which is the only vehicle capable of holding this country together.  I like many individual Conservative MPs, but they are a party of commandos and I can never condone it.  While they attempt to strip the dignity of various MPs, especially Mr. Ignatieff, for their support of the gun registry, there are a number Conservative MPs who despise their party’s position but who are whipped to support it – they have told me this personally.  Whipping is a natural part of political life in Parliament; demeaning and overt deceit is not.  Sorry, can’t join that club.I repeatedly have stated that I don’t like Ottawa life.  I don’t play well with people whose ambitions are larger than the greater needs of the country, whether in my party or others.  And I won’t play at all with the bullies; cruelty has ruined this Parliament.  But when my days are ended, I will look back on these past 17 months of remaking CIDA from the ground up as one of the greatest enterprises I have ever been involved with.  People from Tony Blair, the Secretary General of the UN’s office, Joe Clark, Afghan women’s groups, Canadian NGOs, and members of other parties, including Conservatives – all these have been drawn into the Michael Ignatieff view that Canada has the potential for true world greatness.  That’s leadership.  And, no, I’m not going anywhere else.  He inspires me still and might yet bring us back our international birthright as a caring nation and an international phenomenon.