Michael Ignatieff cites ‘good Liberal roots,’ razor-thin margin to overcome in weekend speech at Bracebridge Lions Club hall.

It was part of a one-day tour that included the towns of Peterborough, Lindsay, Bracebridge and Collingwood.

Each town represents ridings that are currently not held by the Liberal Party.

Ignatieff was glowingly supportive of Parry Sound-Muskoka MP candidate Jamie McGarvey, whom he believes can beat Conservative MP Tony Clement.

“Jamie brings a lot of good experience. He’s from the area, he has municipal government experience. He’s a longtime Liberal. We have to remember this is a place with good Liberal roots,” said Ignatieff. “We had Liberal representation here the people remember with affection and respect. He’s got a base on which he can build, the margin he has to overcome is razor thin. It’s the smallest in the country at 28 votes. I’m very, very confident that he can beat Tony Clement in the next election.”

After the smallest margin of victory on record, the Liberals know the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding is one they can reclaim.

FedNor continues to be a hot topic for our area, with the geographic challenges of what is north and what is not.

“This is a riding on the border. Is it north, is it south? I’m aware of that. When you’re in Parry Sound you definitely qualify for FedNor dollars,” said Ignatieff “Let’s not be small about this. These are communities that need the help of the federal government.”

FedNor was created in 1987 and as a regional development organization helps to promote economic development, diversification, job creation, toward the creation of sustainable, self-reliant communities in northern and rural Ontario.

He added for rural communities such as Bracebridge and Parry Sound that are “seasonal and tourist-based” in nature, federal governments should help to ensure these communities thrive. People must be given the opportunity to raise their families and not feel pressured to leave for cities to make a living.

Ignatieff said the key thing for the Liberal Party is to give opportunity to everyone.

“It should not be concentrated in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax,” he said. “This country is too big. We need to make sure that everybody has a shot at the dream. They’ve got to have a shot at the dream in Bracebridge. They’ve got to have a shot at the dream in Parry Sound.”

A small gathering of 40 people listened to the author and academic speak, some for the first time.

“I’m proud the Liberal Party has people of such intelligence. It’s right back to (Pierre) Trudeau. The Liberals have always had academics, really bright people. Not politicians first, but thinkers first,” said Nancy Little of Parry Sound.