Stephane Dion

Stephane Dion's come from behind win in the Liberal leadership race was quickly hailed as one of the most stunning victories in recent Canadian political history.

But Dion's victory was not the most remarkable event of the Liberal leadership race. That honour goes to Michael Ignatieff's meteoric rise from political unknown to coming within inches of the party leadership and, very potentially, the Prime Minister's Office.

His rapid rise up the Liberal ranks represented a couple of things. First, it showed how much the Liberals miss Trudeau. The party that prides itself on major achievements that changed Canada like official bilingualism and multiculturalism and repatriating the Constitution had been in a comparative rut. Yes, they had a good run in the 90s by “putting Canada’s fiscal house in order” and ensuring that Canada “lived within its means” and enacting other popular neo-conservative mantras. But eliminating the deficit is just not the stuff that dream are made of. It’s not inspiring. The Liberals wanted a leader with big ideas and thought they found their new philosopher-king in Ignatieff. But Ignatieff is no Trudeau. Ignatieff could plant a rose bush in his suit and he still wouldn't be Trudeau. Two, the Liberals quick embrace of Ignatieff showed their vulnerability to someone with fancy US credentials. The Canadian inferiority complex to all things American once again reared its ugly head. Every press release was a reminder that he got his PhD and taught at Harvard. I get it: you're smart. Book smart, anyway.

Chretien and Martin insiders were so in love with him that, like a freshman enamored by their professor's big words and dreamy eyes, they were willing to overlook just how out of touch he was with the real world. And Ignatieff was out of touch. He was, after all, the one who started the new round of debate on Quebec's status in Canada. In full professor mode, he wanted to teach Joe and Jane Canadian a lesson on the meaning of a nation. Forget the fact that most Canadians, including those in Quebec, had put the issue to bed.

Even if he wanted an issue to separate him from the herd, why Quebec sovereignty? Why not universal healthcare, a national daycare program, pharmacare, heck even post-secondary tuition fees? No. The Ivy League professor couldn't be bothered with nuts and bolts issues that affect the lives of everyday Canadians. He wanted to focus on something grand and dramatic, something he could sink his teeth into and leave a legacy like Canadian unity even if it meant playing into the hands of both the Bloc and Stephen Harper.

I'm glad this is all moot. The Liberal rank and file beat back the manipulation of their party's old guard who were all too giddy about Michael Ignatieff. Whatever happens in the next election, the Liberals have a brighter future with Stephane Dion than they would have had they stayed in Professor Ignatieff's classroom.