Forward to the past!

Peter Donolo, left, former communications director for Jean Chrétien, speaks with the then-prime minister in this 1999 file photo. (Tom Hanson/Canadian Press)

I may not have seen Peter Donolo yet, but there is now proof he's here.

Today Michael Ignatieff's new chief of staff announced a number of significant changes at an all-staff meeting this morning.

In a memo, Donolo also acknowledges there is a lot of work ahead of the team in order to try and gain the support of Canadians.

He calls the new senior staff "seasoned" and they are that.

But what's even more interesting is that the new people come from all camps: Chretien, Martin and others. And they have a wide variety of experience: some know Quebec inside-out, some know the Liberal party inside-out.

Some of the highlights:

Principal Secretary: Jean-Marc Fournier: former Education Minister, House Leader and Minister of Municipal Affairs in the Charest government. A smart man with a keen political mind. Doesn't hurt that he knows Quebec inside out. He will offer strategic advice to Ignatieff.

Chief Operating Officer: Patricia Sorbara: worked with David Peterson and also as Chief Returning Officer for the Liberal Party of Canada during the Liberal Leadership Convention of 2006. She's basically in charge of the office.

Director of Communications: Mario Lague: here's a name very familiar to those who have been on the Hill for some time. He worked for Bourassa and one Paul Martin during his time as PM. He's also been an amabassador to Costa Rica. Those who know him say he's a "bon vivant" and very personable. He used to pour over polling data with Bourassa so his strategic mind will be of much use to this office too.

Director of Liberal Caucus Research/Senior Policy Advisor: Brian Bohunicky: a former Chretien-ite. He worked for Lloyd Axworthy.A quick glance at this biography shows he's not only has extensive work in the public service, but he also knows what an election campaign is about.

Executive Assistant to the Leader: Jim Pimblett: another former Martin-ite. He worked for the PM from 2003-2006. He knows how to get a leader where he needs to be and what's important not to miss. He also happens to be a very friendly guy.