HALIFAX - Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says he would never prorogue Parliament to avoid controversy if he became prime minister.
Ignatieff kicked off a cross-country speaking tour in Halifax on Monday by telling reporters that while prorogation is a legitimate constitutional power, using it to avoid "tight spots" is completely unacceptable.
"To use it every time you're in a tight spot seems to me is a flagrant abuse of a constitutional power and that's why Canadians are angry about it," said Ignatieff. "So therefore, I take from this a commitment not to do the same thing, period."
Meanwhile, Ignatieff said his party's new television attack ads which began airing Monday were simply an attempt to ask the questions Canadians want answered.
He said the public wants to know why Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose to shut down Parliament rather than answer tough questions on issues such as Canada's handling of Afghan detainees and the environment.
The ads feature dramatic music and a picture of a fenced off Parliament Hill with a sign reading, "Closed out of self-interest."
When asked by reporters whether he was taking a page out of the Conservative playbook, Ignatieff said he wasn't responsible for composing the music or doing the voiceovers.
"The issue here is fundamental to our democracy. Does the prime minister control Parliament or is the prime minister accountable to Parliament?" he asked.
"Our view very strongly is that the prime minister is accountable to Parliament and for that to happen Parliament has to sit."
Ignatieff said the Liberals intend to be back in Ottawa to go to work Jan. 25 despite the fact the prorogation by the Conservatives means the House of Commons won't be recalled until March 3.
