Further to the idea of star candidates, I’m somewhat in favour of them if they’re qualified for the jobs they’re given. Marc Garneau, for example, would be an ideal science minister, but probably not the best defense minister; similarly, banker and economist Paul Summerville’s expertise would serve him well in the finance portfolio but not necessarily as heritage minister. (I honestly can’t see former news anchor Peter Kent in any governing role.)
That said, there’s something unsavoury about parachuting these candidates into ridings in place of local representatives. Michael Ignatieff not only hasn’t lived in his riding for several years, he hasn’t even lived in the country… but his resumé is impressive. It seems to me there should be a way to get these people involved in government without losing the benefits to a riding that a local candidate can provide.