Paul Martin's government is accused of losing its moral authority
Canada's three opposition parties have introduced a motion of no-confidence which could topple Prime Minister Paul Martin's government within days. MPs will vote on the motion, tabled by Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper, on Monday evening. It claims the minority Liberal party no longer has the moral authority to lead, citing a corruption scandal linked to a previous Liberal administration. If the government falls, an election is likely to be scheduled for January. Campaigning would take place over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Mr Harper said his party would join forces with fellow opposition parties the New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois last week, after Mr Martin's office rejected their demand for an early general election in February. The Liberal party became vulnerable after it lost the support of the New Democrats earlier this month following a row over private health care spending. Their backing had helped Mr Martin's government survive a no-confidence vote in May which he won by a single vote. The government has been dogged by allegations of irregularities over contracts awarded by a previous Liberal administration. Mr Martin is not implicated in the scandal, but the opposition says his government is tainted and should be forced out of office. |