Michael Grant "The Professor"
Ignatieff (12 May 1947 – 5 June 2011) was a Canadian gangster, drug lord, and narcoterrorist who attained notoriety during the late-2000s as head of the Toronto Cartel. A historian by trade, Ignatieff held several teaching positions across Europe and North America before turning to criminal practices in 2006. Ignatieff would begin minor smuggling operations between the Canadian-American border in his home district of Lakeshore, often transporting firearms, cannabis, and contraband across the Great Lakes. Eventually, his criminal empire would grow and engage in larger smuggling operations, transporting cocaine, meth, and heroin across the Americas. Later in his career, Ignatieff began to expand his criminal network outside of Toronto to gain a monopoly in the Atlantic drug trade.
During this period, a major rival emerged in the form, Stéphane Dion, head of 'La Mafia Québécoise' (The Quebec Mafia). A former Parisian gangster, Dion would return to his homeland of Quebec during the late '90s to partake in the illegal drug trade. However, Dion's rivalry towards separatist militias and terror groups decreased his popularity in the criminal underworld of Quebec. Ignatieff would use Dion's unpopularity to his advantage, striking deals with local separatist groups to weaken the Mafia's grip over local cartels. During December 10th, 2008, Dion was assassinated by a car-bombing orchestrated by Ignatieff and the Quebec Liberation Front. His death would mark the beginning of the Toronto Cartel's control over the Canadian drug market and Ignatieff's rise to infamy.
Ignatieff's control over the eastern seaboard would mark the height of his criminal career. However, multiple anti-drug campaigns led by Prime Minister Russell Williams weakened the power of local cartels as government-funded paramilitary groups began slaughtering suspected cartel members in the streets. Increasing government pressure would force cartels to battle for dominance as the drug market became a more risky investment. Created in the early 2000s, the Calgary Boys had become prominent force in the Canadian drug trade infamous for their rapid growth. Led and founded by Stephen "Big Steve" Harper, the cartel began its push into Ignatieff-controlled territory, sparking the most violent turf wars in Canadian history.
Harper and Ignatieff would battle for dominance as Harper began to rise in popularity amongst those disenfranchised with the Ignatieff-led cartel. This prompted many rival gangs to take advantage of the chaos and grow their criminal empires. The most infamous of these were known as the "Dippers" led by "Mad" Jack Layton. During a gang shootout at High Park, Ignatieff was assassinated by an unknown sniper and would later due from his wounds, ensuring Harper's dominance over the Toronto Cartel. After his death, the Toronto Cartel would be placed under the control of Robbie Rae before being absorbed by the Trudeau crime family. Under the control of "Prince" Justin Trudeau, the Cartel would destroy much of Harper's criminal empire, effectively monopolising the Canadian drug trade.
