HALIFAX — Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says he would never prorogue Parliament to avoid controversy if he became prime minister.

Ignatieff says while prorogation is a legitimate constitutional power, using it to avoid “tight spots” is completely unacceptable.

Ignatieff says his party’s new television attack ads are simply asking the questions that Canadians want answered.

He says the public wants to know why Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose to shut down Parliament rather than answer tough questions on issues such as Canada’s handling of Afghan detainees and the environment.

The ads feature dramatic music and a picture of a fenced off Parliament Hill with a sign reading, “Closed out of self-interest.”

When asked by reporters whether he was taking a page out of the Conservative playbook, Ignatieff said he wasn’t responsible for composing the music or doing the voiceovers.

Ignatieff is in Halifax for the start of a cross-country speaking tour.