Canada set for election after government falls

CANADIAN opposition parties yesterday toppled Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government in a no-confidence vote, triggering the country’s fourth election in seven years.

The opposition parties held the Conservative government in contempt of parliament in a 156-145 vote for failing to disclose the full financial details of his tougher crime legislation, corporate tax cuts and plans to purchase stealth fighter jets.

Opinion polls expect Harper’s Conservative Party to win re-election but not a majority, meaning he likely will continue to govern with a minority in parliament, dependent on opposition votes to stay afloat.