Ignatieff commits to stay as Liberal leader

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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says he would like to stay on as leader regardless of the outcome of Monday's federal election.

"This is a democratic party," he said Sunday during a campaign event in Ajax, Ont. "I'm committing to stay, I'm committing to work, I'm committing to fight — and I'm here to win on the 2nd of May."

When pressed by reporters to say whether or not he was committing to stay on as leader, he said "yes," but added the final decision on leadership rests with the party.

"My fate is not just in my hands. Hey folks, it's in the hands of millions of Canadian voters out there. And this election is not over," Ignatieff told supporters.

On a swing through several key riding in the Greater Toronto Area, Ignatieff emphasized the difference between the Liberals and the NDP, as he tries to shore up support in several Liberal-held ridings ahead of the election.

"We've worked together often on things where we have shared values, but hey — we know how to balance a budget, we know how to get a deficit under control, we know how to make promises and keep them," he said.

Ignatieff pointed to Liberal experience, saying Layton and the NDP have never formed a federal government.

"We've been there, we've done it," he said. "Every Liberal knows in their heart of hearts we're two different families, two different traditions."

Ignatieff pins hopes on 'undecided' voters

With polls suggesting the Liberals have dropped to third place, Ignatieff told reporters he believes many Canadians are still undecided, and he urged voters to make up their own mind before casting their ballot.

He said again that he believes a strong Liberal base will turn out and vote, saying the party has spent a "tremendous amount of time" working on a modern "get-out-the-vote operation."

Ignatieff also blasted Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, who has been courting Liberal voters as he tries to win enough support to secure a majority.

He said the Tory politics are part of a sustained attempt to destroy him and destroy the Liberal party.

In Ajax, Ignatieff appeared alongside Liberal incumbent Mark Holland, who is facing a challenge from Conservative candidate and former ambassador Chris Alexander.

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