Canada Conservatives: suspension of parliament is possible

Source: Xinhua | 12-02-2008 11:04

OTTAWA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Canada's Conservative government hinted Monday that it may suspend Parliament in order to prevent an opposition attempt to oust it, after the opposition signed an unprecedented agreement to form a coalition government if the Conservatives collapse.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper dispatched Environment Minister Jim Prentice to a news conference, who said Canada is in a "very, very serious" situation.

Prentice called the opposition pact "irresponsible and undemocratic" and said the government will consider all options.

He would not rule out the possibility that the government may ask Governor General Michaelle Jean to suspend Parliament until late in January, when the Conservatives have promised to introduce a new budget.

Earlier in the day, the Liberals signed an agreement with the New Democrats to form a coalition government, with the support of the Bloc Quebecois. Liberal leader Stephane Dion later sent a letter to the governor general saying he had secured enough parliamentary support to form a new government.

Under the constitution, the governor general must approve the new government or call an election if the Conservative government is brought down. A non-confidence vote has been scheduled next Monday.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei