Prominent Canadian author and academic Michael Ignatieff has been acclaimed as the Liberal candidate for Etobicoke Lakeshore, Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario) President Michael Crawley announced today.

"We are just delighted that someone of Michael Ignatieff's stature has decided to enter public life and to stand for the Liberal Party," said Crawley. "As a leading world scholar in matters of international policy and human rights and one of the most respected Canadians thinkers around the globe, Dr. Ignatieff will be a tremendous addition to our team in Ontario and across the country."

Mr. Ignatieff will replace the Honourable Jean Augustine, P.C., M.P. Ms. Augustine notified the Liberal party of her decision not to seek re-election last week.

Mr. Ignatieff is the former director of the Carr Centre for Human Rights and Policy at Harvard University and is one of the most influential voices in the global debate on human rights. He has written extensively about the challenges Canada faces in the 21st century and the urgency of making Canada’s voice strong and credible on the international stage.