Reply #17: Canada suspends parliament (to prevent vote on Harper) [View All]

[villager]

Source: BBC


Canada halts parliament amid row


Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has won a bid to suspend parliament, blocking an opposition attempt to topple his new government.

The governor general agreed to Mr Harper's request, unprecedented in the country, after talks.

If the request had been rejected, he would have had to step down or face a confidence vote he was sure to lose.

Opposition parties had called the vote for Monday, accusing the government of failing to shore up the economy.

Governor General Michaelle Jean agreed to prorogue - or suspend - parliament until 27 January when the government is set to present its budget.

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Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7765206.stm