PM, Ignatieff reach tentative agreement on EI reform
It looks like the Conservative government will survive the summer after all. After a two hour meeting at Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s residence last night, it appears that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff will not vote against the government on Friday, as he originally threatened to do. Earlier this week, Ignatieff demanded details on Harper’s plans for employment insurance reform, the pace of infrastructure spending, the deficit reduction plan, and an alternative medical isotope supply—details that, if not provided, would provoke his party to bring the Conservative government down this week. But today, it seems as through Harper and Ignatieff are close to reaching a pact. Their tentative agreement includes a plan to set up a blue ribbon panel—half of whose members are to be appointment by the Liberals—to examine potential employment insurance reforms. Spokespeople from both offices characterized last night’s talk as “productive.” The two will meet again today to continue their discussion.