Early vote, or else

Ottawa

Canada’s three opposition parties said this week they would bring down the minority Liberal government unless it called early elections. The government of Prime Minister Paul Martin has been severely weakened by a scandal involving questionable contracts under the previous Liberal administration. “I don’t believe this government has the moral authority to govern,” said Conservative leader Stephen Harper. Martin has promised to schedule a general election next spring, but rival parties fear public anger over the scandal will fade. If the opposition follows through with its threat, a no-confidence vote could be held in Parliament within a week. If successful, it would trigger elections as early as January.

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