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Canada’s opposition may topple government

TORONTO: Opposition parties said on Friday they may seek to topple Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government and form a ruling coalition, charging that the Conservatives have not done enough to rescue Canada from the global economic crisis.

Mr. Harper blasted the opposition in a televised address. “They want to take power, not earn it,” said Mr. Harper, whose Conservatives won enough votes in the October 14 election to stay in power.

The opposition Liberals, New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois are discussing the option of forming a new government despite last month’s vote, said Karl Belanger, a spokesman for NDP leader Jack Layton.

The Liberals said they are considering introducing a motion declaring no confidence in the minority Conservative government but no decision has been made. A defeat on such a vote for Mr. Harper’s party could set the stage for another election or give the opposition a chance to form a government.

No federal government has ever been ousted in favour of an opposition coalition. Though Mr. Harper’s party retained power last month, it did not win a majority of Parliament’s 308 seats and must rely on opposition support to pass budgets and legislation.

Opposition members in Parliament said they cannot support the government’s updated fiscal plan, introduced by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Thursday, because it offers no stimulus package to deal with the global meltdown. The opposition said it was considering introducing a motion on Monday, but Mr. Harper said he was delaying all votes that could topple his government until December 8. — AP

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