OPPSITION TO FORM COALITION IN CANADA

Big news from our neighbors in the north:

It seems as though Canada's three opposition parties will topple the Conservative Stephen Harper government in a vote of no confidence on December 8th. Harper was first elected in 2006 with a minority government. Earlier this year, believing a majority to be within his grasp, Harper called an election. He won, but again failed to win a majority of seats in Parliament. Now, it appears that his government will be defeated in a vote of no confidence next Monday. The centre-left Liberal Party of Stephane Dion will then enter into a coalition with Jack Layton's quasi-socialist New Democratic Party with the support of the separatist Bloc Quebecois of Gilles Duceppe. The Governor-General will then decide whether to hold another election or, most likely, allow the coalition to form government. Stephane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party, would be Prime Minister until March, when the Liberals select their new leader, most likely Michael Ignatieff (Bob Rae and Dominic LeBlanc are the other candidates.)

If the Coalition forms government it seems likely that another election will be called within the next year or two. Holding together Coalition governments are very tricky, especially as the coalition will depend in support from the prickly Bloc Quebecois. Interesting times are ahead for Canada

If you want to follow this the Globe and Mail and the CBC are probably the best news sources. I personally find this to be absolutely riveting. Something about Canadian politics is just utterly fascinating.