Updated: Fri Sep. 05 2008 5:49:44 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

The federal Liberals named the wife of Tony Ianno, former member of parliament for Trinity-Spadina, as the candidate in the downtown riding for the upcoming federal election.

Deputy Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff announced that lawyer Christine Innes will run in the riding, where he said she has deep roots. He said the mother of four has canvassed the riding on behalf of the party for many years.

"She's the kind of woman, the kind of candidate that our party needs to renew, to grow and to win in this riding," said Ignatieff, the MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, at a Friday news conference in advance of a federal election call, which is expected Sunday. 

The riding had been a Liberal stronghold until NDP candidate Olivia Chow defeated incumbent Ianno in 2006.

Innes will face Chow and Green Party candidate Stephen LaFrenie, a 49-year-old theatre teacher, in the upcoming election.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to meet with Governor General Michaelle Jean on Sunday morning and ask her to dissolve parliament.

That would set the stage for an October 14 election.