Well, this is awkward

The host of a fundraiser for Michael Ignatieff owns a company that exports asbestos from Quebec.

Their differences on asbestos aside, Ignatieff said he’s happy to attend Chadha’s fundraiser. "Baljit Chadha is a great guy, personal friend, great businessman," he said. "(Asbestos) is a discussion I have with Mr. Chadha, but I’m happy to be there tonight."

The mining and export of asbestos is as fascinating a test of political leadership as there is in this country. Mr. Ignatieff’s stated objections have already cost him a candidate in Thetford Mines. Stephen Harper supports the industry, but at least two government backbenchers feel otherwise.