Canadian PM Buys Time With Parliament Shutdown

Opposition had been gearing up to replace Harper's Conservative government

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 4, 2008 2:52 PM CST

(Newser) – Prime Minister Stephen Harper got permission today to close Canada’s Parliament until Jan. 26, avoiding a vote next week that would likely have forced him from power, the Globe and Mail reports. Harper’s Conservative government is under fire from a liberal coalition over inaction on the economic crisis. Over opposition howls, Harper pledged to use the time to build consensus on budget plans.

“We must realize the enormity of what has happened here today,” said Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, among possible candidates to replace Harper in an alliance with the New Democratic Party and Québec separatists. “For the first time in the history of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada is running away from the Parliament of Canada.”

Former New Democratic Party leader Ed Broadbent, left, chats with current leader Jack Layton. (AP Photo)

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (AP Photo)

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrives at the House of Commons. (AP Photo)

Liberal leader Stéphane Dion. (AP Photo)

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Canadian PM Buys Time With Parliament Shutdown

Opposition had been gearing up to replace Harper's Conservative government

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Canadian PM Buys Time With Parliament Shutdown

Opposition had been gearing up to replace Harper's Conservative government

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Canada • no confidence • vote • Stephen Harper • Quebec • Stéphane Dion • Jack Layton • Canadian parliament • Governor-General

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Conservatives Win Majority in Canada

NDP now official opposition as Liberals, BQ stumble

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 Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

Canada Heads for an Early Election

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

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?