Welcome to the Liberal.ca blog where we are going to do our best to keep you up to date on Michael Ignatieff’s Atlantic tour and other Liberal goings-on. By the way, if you haven’t already, sign up for Michael’s Twitter stream here and become a facebook supporter here in order to follow the Liberal Leader and keep tabs on the latest developments.
The weather today in Sydney was overcast, and entirely appropriate given the tough hurdles facing the local lobster fisherman we heard from down at Port Morien Wharf – from the declining price of lobster, to licensing issues. The fishermen’s message to Michael: we’re committed to making lobster fishing a sustainable industry and we need a supportive partner in Ottawa. Michael, meanwhile, reaffirmed Liberal support for the industry and referred to the pressure the Liberal team put on Minister Shea to address the issues affecting the livelihoods of thousands of Canadians. On a lighter note, he also hopped on one of their boats to have a look around. You can watch a short clip of Michael chatting with the fishermen below.
After Port Marien, Michael and Zsuzsanna headed to the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion where Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner and Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking were joined by some 250 people for a community BBQ. Some of the curious in attendance had come over to hear Michael speak while on their lunch breaks. There’s something to be said for Atlantic hospitality because the crowd (warmed up by a fiddler, of course!) gave the Liberal leader a rousing welcome. Our people on the ground tell us “People were so happy to see him. There is a lot of support for Michael and Zsuzsanna down here.” Here are some pictures from the event.
The third and final event of the day was a trip to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, a cutting edge facility proving every day that first-rate cancer care can be delivered anywhere in Canada. While Zsuzsanna toured the hospital’s paediatric wing, Michael was taken through the hospital’s cancer centre where Medical Director Dr. Ron MacCormack explained that the hospital’s success is due to the unprecedented involvement of the surrounding community: active volunteers, great public awareness about the facility and its needs, and a huge investment in technology. The laugh of the day came while Michael was in the MRI area, when a patient receiving his MRI flicked on his intercom to tell Michael he was a Liberal supporter. That’s dedication! Here are some photos of the tour.
Tomorrow we’re in Yarmouth and Clark’s Harbour, NS. Stay tuned!
