Corruption scandal has Canada preparing for poll

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.

Yesterday’s loss means an election for all 308 seats in the lower House of Commons on January 23. Mr Martin and his Cabinet will govern until then.

The Conservative Party teamed up with the New Democratic and Bloc Quebecois parties to bring down the government, claiming the ruling Liberal Party had lost its moral authority. Recent polls have given the Liberals a slight lead over the Conservatives, with the New Democrats in third place.