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Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2008 6:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Canadians vote today in the country's third election in four years, and polls predict a second minority government for Stephen Harper, the Conservative prime minister. But while his Tories have led Stéphane Dion's Liberals throughout the campaign, the global financial crisis—during which Toronto's stock exchange has dropped 20% in two weeks—has upended the race and left tonight's result in doubt, reports the Financial Times.

Harper and Dion have concentrated their efforts around Toronto and Vancouver, where several close races could determine the outcome. In Quebec, both parties have lost ground to the separatist Bloc Québécois, which has put independence on the back burner and campaigned on a populist platform. The left-wing New Democratic Party is also expected to perform well, and could enter into a coalition with the Liberals if the Conservatives stumble.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper answers reporters questions at a news conference in Richmond, British Columbia Thursday Oct. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Tom Hanson)

Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen wave to supporters as they leave a campaign rally in Quebec City, Canada, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008. Canadians will vote on Oct. 14. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)

Canadian Liberal Leader Stephane Dion gestures to supporters as he takes to the stage during a campaign stop in North Bay, Ontario, Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

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/CP,Andrew Vaughan)

NDP Leader Jack Layton addresses supporters at a campaign event in Richmond, Canada on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Andrew Vaughan)

Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper greet supporters at a campaign rally in Quebec City, Canada, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008. Canadians will vote in a federal election on Oct. 14. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)

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Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

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Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Canada • Stephen Harper • New Democratic Party • Stéphane Dion • Canadian politics • Canadian Conservative Party • Canadian Liberal Party • Bloc Québécois

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Harper's Tories in rout weeks after re-election

Canada Returns Conservative Minority Government

Harper's party grabs more seats but still falls short of a majority

Canada Heads for an Early Election

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

Conservatives Win Majority in Canada

NDP now official opposition as Liberals, BQ stumble

Canada's Liberal Leader Resigns

'I failed,' admits Dion after election drubbing; successors line up

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?