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Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Harper's Tories in rout weeks after re-election

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2008 9:20 AM CST
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(Newser) – Canada’s main opposition parties have reached an unprecedented deal to topple the Conservative government, only weeks after it won re-election, reports the Globe and Mail. PM Stephen Harper infuriated rivals by attempting to end public support for political parties under the veil of an economic stimulus bill. The Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Québécois would have 163 seats to the Conservatives’ 143.

The parties were hammering out an agreement on cabinet posts, with the Liberals to get 18 and the NDP six, and the Bloc Québécois supporting the coalition in confidence votes. It’s unclear who might become prime minister, with Stéphane Dion having resigned as Liberal leader after its October defeat. If the parties can agree, Canada will have its first coalition government since World War I.

Stéphane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, left, alongside Michael Ignatieff. Either could become prime minister in a matter of days if the opposition teams up to defeat Stephen Harper.
Stéphane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, left, alongside Michael Ignatieff. Either could become prime minister in a matter of days if the opposition teams up to defeat Stephen Harper.   (AP Photo)
Stephen Harper, recently re-elected as Canada's prime minister, may face a parliamentary defeat in the coming days and be forced from office.
Stephen Harper, recently re-elected as Canada's prime minister, may face a parliamentary defeat in the coming days and be forced from office.   (AP Photo)
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion takes to the stage after losing the federal election Tuesday Oct.14, 2008 in Montreal. Although he has announced his resignation, Dion might become Canada's next PM.
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion takes to the stage after losing the federal election Tuesday Oct.14, 2008 in Montreal. Although he has announced his resignation, Dion might become Canada's next PM.   (AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand)
Stephen Harper, recently re-elected as Canada's prime minister, may face a parliamentary defeat in the coming days and be forced from office.
Stephen Harper, recently re-elected as Canada's prime minister, may face a parliamentary defeat in the coming days and be forced from office.   (AP Photo)
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Stephen Harper, the Nixon of the north
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Canada • Stephen Harper • New Democratic Party • Stéphane Dion • Canadian politics • coalition government • Canadian Liberal Party • Canadian parliament • Bloc Québécois • Michael Ignatieff

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