Canada’s PM to Fight Planned Ouster

Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned an opposition plan to oust his government in an upcoming confidence vote, calling the effort a threat to Canada’s economy and democracy.

Last month, Harper set a December 8 date for a vote of confidence in his government. But he could ask Canada’s governor general, Michaelle Jean, to suspend parliament until January — a move that would buy the Conservatives time to rally support for Harper.

Harper’s Conservative Party, which has governed with a minority in the House of Commons since 2006, gained seats in Canada’s October elections. Harper, speaking in a televised address, vowed to use “every legal means” to stop the opposition from unseating his minority Conservative government next week and replacing it with an opposition-led coalition.

The embattled Conservative leader was responding to three parties that have united in opposition to his handling of the economy, saying he has failed to present a plan for dealing with the global economic crisis.

~ by topofthenews on December 4, 2008.