Canada's Parliament Likely To Be Prorogued Upon Prime Minister's Request

December 4, 2008 12:49 p.m. EST

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - A two-hour meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General Michaelle Jean will likely lead to Canada's Parliament being suspended upon Harper's request. During the meeting, Harper formally asked Jean to suspend the parliament.

The move will prevent the parliament from proceeding with a no-confidence vote on Monday after the Liberal Party and NDP entered into an alliance this week with the main target of unseating the Conservative government.

Canadian media cited reports from Rideau Hall which indicated the direction of the governor general's decision which is vital to solving the political crisis Ottawa faces. Jean will likely prorogue the House of Commons until after the Christmas break.

The meeting was held at the residence of Jean at 24 Sussex.

Harper, in his first televised address as prime minister after the Oct. 14 snap election, said Wednesday the plan of the coalition to unseat the Tories will wreak havoc on Canada's unity, economy and democracy.

Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion countered that the Conservatives have lost the right to govern the nation. He asked Jean to deny Harper's request in a last-pitch effort to push through with the planned vote of confidence and ouster of the Tories.