Prime Minister Stephen Harper could be ready to put the future of Canada's mission in Afghanistan to a confidence vote, a move that may trigger a federal election.
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion listens in the background at the House of Commons as Prime Minister Stephen Harper explains he will introduce a confidence motion on the Afghan mission in March, a move that could trigger an election.
(Tom Hanson/Canadian Press) Harper's minority Conservative government will give notice Thursday that it is preparing a motion to extend Canada's role in Afghanistan past February 2009. The motion won't be voted on until late March. It will be partially based on the review of the Afghan mission prepared by a panel led by former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley.
But Liberal Leader Stéphan Dion told reporters on Wednesday that while he will add amendments to the motion, he won't compromise on his belief that the combat mission in Kandahar must end by February 2009.
Asked whether he would be willing to go to the polls over the issue, Dion said he didn't want to speculate with respect to an election.
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(Tom Hanson/Canadian Press)
But Liberal Leader Stéphan Dion told reporters on Wednesday that while he will add amendments to the motion, he won't compromise on his belief that the combat mission in Kandahar must end by February 2009.
Asked whether he would be willing to go to the polls over the issue, Dion said he didn't want to speculate with respect to an election.
Full story
Would you be willing to see an election called on this issue? If not who would you blame for forcing an election?
More...