Having stepped back from the day to day turmoil of Liberal leadership, quietly ensconced in his University office dispensing wisdom to the youth of today, one has to wonder if Professor Ignatieff really thought that his thoughts on Independence, whether Scottish or Quebecois might somehow remain below the radar.
Of course, whenever a former Liberal throws out the idea that the prospect of Quebec separation is all but inevitable (though he seems to believe that his thoughts have been misconstrued), well, lets just say somebody offers up more than the Coles Notes on the project.
The Professor shared his concepts on federalism and the end of it with the Scottish BBC, which was putting together a report on the upcoming Scottish vote on devolution of powers.
A movement that Ignatieff believes will spur on other like minded nationalists from Spain to Quebec to go beyond the way stations if you will.
Of course, these are not things that were shared with Canadians on the campaign trail of but a year ago, where never it seems was heard a discouraging word and the Sovereigntists were to be kept at bay all day.
Now seemingly freed of the burden of leadership and the history of the Liberal party as having some kind of attachment to a federation including Quebec, Ignatieff seems more than ready to reveal his true beliefs when it comes to the two solitudes.
Now not mentioned to our understanding in his review to the Scots was the idea that what they seem to be seeking from the Mother Parliament, is already what the Quebecois take for granted as part of the Canadian federation.
Seemingly providing but a taste for further powers and it would appear, according to the Prof eventual independence.
But hey, you can't sound worldly and sage if you point out that the devolution of powers as delivered in Canada at the moment, would probably satisfy even the most ardent of nationalists from Basque and Catalonia regions, to the Scottish Highlands and beyond.
Needless to say, the acknowledgement of our apparent fate has found a warm embrace within the Parti Quebecois and Independistes of the province, who of course used Ignatieff's scholarly review to bolster their platform for the upcoming Quebec election and we imagine for that now, at least according to Professor Ignatieff, eventual day of independence.
And while he was busy backtracking less than a day after his bluster made the news, he was suggesting that perhaps he was misunderstood, misquoted anything but mistaken we guess.
Combine the Ignatieff interview, with Justin Trudeau's recent ruminations given the current governance of the Conservatives and how even he could see how Independence would be an option and it all provides for a nice little ticking time bomb for the Federal Liberals.
A collective currently working their way towards a leadership convention, a new leader and a new definition of what the Liberals stand for and their vision of Canada.
A vision we imagine which will be somewhat different than the most recent leader apparently held.
CBC-- Michael Ignatieff warns Canadian unity at risk
CBC-- Ignatieff's quote on Quebec separation sparks strong reaction
Vancouver Sun-- Michael Ignatieff backtracks on controversial comments on Quebec
Toronto Star-- Ignatieff never has and never will understand Canada: Olive
Toronto Star-- Michael Ignatieff's BBC comments on shaky ground
Toronto Sun-- Ignatieff comments spark backlash
National Post-- Quebec is headed for independence, Michael Ignatieff tells the BBC
National Post-- Michael Ignatieff hands Quebec separatists an unexpected gift
National Post-- "Irresponsible" Ignatieff attacked over Quebec independence comments
Globe and Mail-- Ignatieff warns on Quebec but stresses his commitment to national unity
Globe and Mail-- Michael Ignatieff was right about Quebec
Globe and Mail-- Quebec separation: Michael Ignatieff responds
Globe and Mail-- Ignatieff insists remarks on Quebec were taken out of context
Ottawa Citizen-- Don't worry, Ignatieff, Quebec isn't leaving
Macleans-- Ignatieff responds to furor over Quebec separatism comments
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