Canada’s opposition parties signed an unprecedented agreement to topple the Conservative government in a no-confidence vote next week and form a coalition government less than two months after national elections.

Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, the first major world leader to face voters since the global financial meltdown, led his Conservative party to victory in yesterday’s election but was forecast to fall short of a majority in parliament.

Parliament formally recognised the French-speaking people of Quebec as a nation within Canada early today, in a move that has led to a Cabinet resignation and ignited concerns over a renewed push for the province’s sovereignty.

THE winner of Canada’s election began facing the challenge yesterday of pushing his agenda of tax cuts and more defence spending through a parliament he does not control.

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin informed the governor general today that he would step down as prime minister.

CANADA’S politicians will hit the campaign trail this holiday season after opposition parties seized upon a corruption scandal to bring down the minority government of Prime Minister Paul Martin.

CANADA’S ruling Liberals hung onto power after Monday’s federal election, but cannot now govern without the support of the left-leaning New Democrats.