A month after the Liberal Party of Canada recorded their lowest popular vote percentage since George Brown lost to Sir John A. Macdonald in 1867, Liberal support is now within the margin of error of Conservative support, says pollster Nik Nanos.

"...The government also said it would not commit to balancing the budget next year, saying that trying to do that at any cost would hurt Canadians more than it might help them. A month ago on the campaign trail, though, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was unequivocal in saying his government would never go into deficit. . .But Jean, reading the throne speech with Harper at her side, said, "In a historic global downturn, it would be misguided to commit to a balanced budget in the short term at any cost."

CBC News North takes note of the achievements of Nunavut's new premier and Canada's new health minister: "With Eva Aariak set to be sworn in as Nunavut's second premier Wednesday, some in the territory are applauding a year that has seen two Inuit women assume prominent leadership roles at the territorial and federal level . . .

"Better positioning Canada to compete for investment and market opportunities will require action at home. A fragmented regulatory environment for internal trade and commerce has for too long restricted the flow of labour and investment across the country. Our Government will work with the provinces to remove barriers to internal trade, investment and labour mobility by 2010"

Michael Ignatieff has been notching some key 'wins' when it comes to support from his caucus colleagues but today, Nova Scotia MP Mike Savage declares for Iggy rival Bob Rae: