We're not sure what to make of federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's threat to force an election over changes he is demanding the Harper government make to Employment Insurance.

We're not sure if we should be laughing hysterically at Ignatieff's threatened summer election, or should we be extremely angry about this ridiculous suggestion?

The last thing Canadians need at this time is a federal election. The economy is showing signs of recovery. The federal government is embroiled in the delicate matter of bailing out segments of the North American automotive sector. There is no crisis surrounding the federal government that begs for the government to be defeated at this time.

Ignatieff's threat of forcing an election over Employment Insurance changes he wants made is absolutely ridiculous. First of all, the change he wants were first implemented by the Liberals as a means of fighting the deficit in the mid-1990s.

Just two weeks ago the Liberals were demanding that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty resign because the budget deficit was far more than what was initially expected. Now the Liberals are threatening to defeat the government and force an election over Employment Insurance changes (Ignatieff wants the federal government to loosen up the requirements Canadians need to achieve in order to receive EI benefits) that will certainly push the federal government further and further into deficit.

By taking this stance the federal Liberals are talking out of both sides of their mouths. On one hand the deficit is too big, but on the other hand the government should be spending significantly more to provide EI benefits to Canadians.

The entire spectacle is absurd. Canada doesn't need an election. Voters across this country don't want another election. They elected this current Parliament less than a year ago.

We believe the Employment Insurance system in Canada does need an overhaul. However, any move towards improving the system needs to be studied thoroughly with all the options fully costed out to ensure the potential financial impacts of any changes are known ahead of time.

Does Ignatieff really think that the EI system can be improved in a shoot-now, aim-later game of chicken with the threat of an election hanging over the head of the current government like the Sword of Damocles?

Meaningful improvements to the EI system are needed, but what the system doesn't need are changes that are obviously designed to provide the Liberal Leader with a good sound bite as he campaigns in Ontario and Quebec in the next election.

Ignatieff has promised Canadians a more thoughtful approach to politics. It's time for him to start delivering.