Post date: Mar 26, 2011 1:0:0 PM
Canada's government was toppled in a no confidence vote with the opposition accusing it of sleaze and mismanagement.
CANADA-VOTE/HARPER - Canada's conservative government is toppled by the opposition with accusations of sleaze and mismanagement.
This now sets the scene for a May general election -- the fourth in less than seven years.
The leader of the main opposition party said enough was enough. MICHAEL INGATIEFF, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION PARTY SAYING:
"It's time to change Canada's direction. It is time to get us on the right path. After five years of conservative government, it is time to say enough is enough. Enough of the politics of fear. Enough of the politics of division. Enough of the politics of personal destruction"
Opposition legislators reacted with delight at the vote result, 156 -145.
But opinion polls indicate the conservatives are well ahead of the main opposition Liberal Party.
Canada's Prime minister Stephen Harper said he did not believe people wanted another election.
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER SAYING:
"Indeed there was nothing, absolutely nothing in the budget that the opposition could not or should not have supported. Unfortunately Mr. Ignatieff and his coalition partners in the N.D.P (New Democratic Party of Canada) and Bloc Quebecois made abundantly clear that they had already decided that they wanted to force an election instead, Canada's fourth election in seven years. An election Canadians had told them clearly that they do not want. Thus the vote today, which obviously disappoints me, will I suspect disappoint most Canadians."
The election is likely to be fought on two main themes, ethics and economy.
Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters