About Michael Ignatieff:
An intellectual and academic, Michael Ignatieff had spent only a few years of his adult life in Canada before returning in 2005. He became a member of parliament in the 2006 general election. Although Michael Ignatieff had studied, written and taught about human rights, democracy, security and international affairs, his political views often seemed theoretical, and he was gaffe prone. All the same, he took an early lead in a large field of contenders in the 2006 Liberal leadership race after Paul Martin resigned. In a surprising upset, Stéphane Dion won on the fourth ballot and Michael Ignatieff came in second.
After three years as a member of parliament, Michael Ignatieff again ran for the Liberal leadership, this time to replace Stéphane Dion after the 2008 election. In announcing his leadership intentions, Ignatieff said things had changed - he was more experienced, he listened better and he was better known. In December 2008 a crisis in parliament brought the possibility of an election close and the Liberal Party moved quickly to resolve the leadership issue by naming Michael Ignatieff interim leader of the Liberal Party. His position as leader was ratified by the full party membership at a convention in May 2009.
Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada:
December 2008 to present
Birth:
May 12, 1947 in Toronto, Ontario. From the age of six weeks, his family moved following his father's diplomatic career. At the age of 11, Michael Ignatieff returned to Toronto as a boarder at Upper Canada College.
Education:
- BA in history - University of Toronto
- Oxford University
- PhD in history - Harvard University
Professional Career of Michael Ignatieff:
- Michael Ignatieff has taught at Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, the University of California, the University of London and the London School of Economics.
- Over his career, Michael Ignatieff has been a commentator, critic and broadcaster for TVO, the CBC and the BBC.
- Michael Ignatieff is the author of 16 fiction and non-fiction books.
Political Party:
Riding (Electoral District):
Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Political Career of Michael Ignatieff:
- Michael Ignatieff was first elected to the House of Commons in the 2006 federal election.
- He ran in the Liberal leadership race to replace Paul Martin in late 2006, but came in second to Stéphane Dion.
- He was appointed Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party by Stéphane Dion.
- Michael Ignatieff was re-elected in Etobicoke Lakeshore in the 2008 federal election.
- In November 2008, Michael Ignatieff announced he would be a candidate for the Liberal leadership race to replace Stéphane Dion.
- In December 2008, With the possibility of another federal election arising suddenly, the two other leadership canadidates, Bob Rae and Dominic LeBlanc, withdrew from the leadership race. Michael Ignatieff was named interim leader of the Liberal Party.
- Michael Ignatieff's position as leader of the Liberal Party was ratified at the Liberal convention held in May 2009.
