ETOBICOKE – To celebrate the final stop of the successful Liberal Express tour, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff hosted a community barbeque in honour of police, firefighters and emergency medical services at Michael Power Park in his Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding today.
“What an exhilarating ride it’s been aboard the Liberal Express,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Our goal this summer was to hear what Canadians from all corners of this country are concerned about, and let me tell you, they had a lot to say.
“Canadians are worried about paying for their kids’ college tuition, saving for retirement, keeping our health care system universally accessible, and regaining Canada’s prestige on the international stage.
“I also learned that Canadians want leaders who are open to their ideas, thoughts and criticisms. They don’t like Stephen Harper’s ‘I make the rules’ approach to governing. They want a government that listens to and focuses on the priorities of Canadian families, and that’s exactly what Liberals are doing,” he said.
With the Liberal Express’ final stop at Michael Ignatieff’s Annual Protective Services BBQ, this summer the Liberal Leader will have:
- Travelled more than 57,000 kilometres
- Visited 112 communities in all 13 provinces and territories
- Attended 166 events
- Held more than 125 one-on-one media interviews
“Even though I am sad to say goodbye to the Liberal Express, I’m continuing my commitment to bring a new spirit of openness to federal politics with the Open mike tour.
“The tour is about giving Canadians their say, unlike our government, which has closed itself off from Canadians,” added Mr. Ignatieff. “Everyone’s invited to participate and all views are welcome – it’s a principle at the heart of the Liberal Party which we’ll be bringing to every Open mike this fall.”
Open mike town halls will take place in communities across the country and will feature local candidates and an ever-changing roster of Liberal caucus members. These town halls, which will also have a live, online component with questions from web participants, will be unscripted opportunities for every Canadian to share their views and ask questions about the issues that matter to them.
