Canada's opposition parties in battle

TORONTO -- Canada's three opposition parties said yesterday they plan to topple the Conservative government Friday in a vote of no confidence in Parliament and trigger the country's fourth election in seven years.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper needs the support of at least one opposition party to stay in power, but all three rejected Harper's proposed budget after it was announced Tuesday.

The trigger that's expected to bring Harper down are allegations, supported Monday by a parliamentary committee, that Harper has acted in contempt of Parliament by failing to disclose the full financial details of his tougher crime legislation, corporate tax cuts and plans to purchase stealth fighter jets.

The opposition is to introduce a no-confidence vote on the contempt issue Friday, which could trigger an election that would take place May 2 or 9.

Opposition parties attacked the government for alleged ethical problems. Last week, Harper asked police to look into the activities of Bruce Carson, 66, a former aide accused of using his access to government leaders to lobby on behalf of a company affiliated with his 22-year-old fiancee, a former escort.

"This government has lost the confidence of Canadians," Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said.

Harper, in urging support for his budget plan, said: "Our economy is not a political game. The global recovery is still fragile . . . Canada's economic recovery has been strong, but its continuation is by no means assured."

Canada is likely to emerge from an election with little changed unless the opposition parties join in a coalition. Polls expect Harper's party to win, but not outright, meaning he will continue to lead a minority government, dependent on opposition votes to stay afloat.

The Conservatives hold 143 seats in Parliament. The Liberals have 77, the New Democrats 36 and the Bloc Québécois 47.