In a few minutes, I will rise in the House of Commons to deliver the Liberal response to the budget.

A budget that – just like the Throne Speech it followed – was short on substance and full of spin and gimmicks.

Canadians want a better alternative, one that is ready to confront the challenges of our times. They want real measures to protect pensions, not just a Seniors Day. Seniors Day is going to be pointless, if seniors can’t afford to take the day off.

It’s the same for jobs, veterans, families, healthcare, climate change, culture, clean energy. The list goes on. The Conservatives are ignoring the major issues that matter to Canadians—the issues we’ve been hearing about in town hall meetings across the country.

Well, we decided we couldn’t support this budget. But at the same time, we listened to Canadians who said they don’t want an election – they want an alternative.

And so the Liberal Party is proudly continuing to work towards the most open, most transparent, most inclusive process of public policy renewal in Canadian history—one that will continue through our Canada at 150 conference in Montreal later this month.

That’s where I want you to concentrate your energies right now. Please visit the Canada at 150 website at www.can150.ca and join the conversation about Canada’s future. And talk to your neighbours, family and friends, and get them involved, too. I want you to bring us the best ideas this country has to offer!

Thank you.

Michael Ignatieff

PS. If you would like to read the speech I’m about to deliver, it is online here.