Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Canada Heads for an Early Election

PM set to dissolve parliament; snap poll likely on Oct. 14

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2008 9:29 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The Canadian parliament is set to be dissolved after the prime minister and opposition leader failed in their a final compromise attempt, reports the Globe and Mail. Stéphane Dion, the leader of the Liberals, told reporters PM Stephen Harper asked his party not to oppose any legislation for a year, a proposal he called "a joke" and "a face-saving exercise." The most likely date for a snap election is Oct. 14.

Harper's decision to call an early election goes against a law he introduced that fixed an election date for next year. The PM has tried to justify the snap poll by claiming his government is hamstrung, but the three opposition parties all claim that Harper is going to the polls now before the economy weakens further. His Conservative Party is also facing several ethics inquiries that could hurt its current popularity.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, walk for a G8 outreach working session in Toyako, Japan Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, walk for a G8 outreach working session in Toyako, Japan Wednesday, July 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
In a Thursday, May 29, 2008 file photo, Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper delivers a speech on climate change in London.
In a Thursday, May 29, 2008 file photo, Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper delivers a speech on climate change in London.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper responds to a question in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper responds to a question in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Thursday, March 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)
Federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion addresses the Nova Scotia Liberal party leadership convention in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,Canada, on Friday, April 27, 2007.
Federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion addresses the Nova Scotia Liberal party leadership convention in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,Canada, on Friday, April 27, 2007.   (AP Photo)
Canadian Liberal leader Stephane Dion speaks to the media following a meeting of the national liberal caucus in St. John's, N.L. Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007.
Canadian Liberal leader Stephane Dion speaks to the media following a meeting of the national liberal caucus in St. John's, N.L. Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007.   (AP Photo)
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion speaks in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007.
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion speaks in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Is Harper going now to avoid the 'Obama factor'?
London Free Press (Canada)

Tories on course for a majority, poll finds
Globe and Mail

A breakdown of the Tory-Liberal back-and-forth
AFP

 
Canada • Stephen Harper • Stéphane Dion • Canadian politics • election • Canadian Conservative Party • Canadian Liberal Party

More Newser Stories

Canada Returns Conservative Minority Government

Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Canada's Liberal Leader Resigns

Canadian Pols Call for Bribery Probe
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne