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Stephen Harper Gives Television Address, Warns of New Coalition Government

by Jon Azpiri | December 3, 2008 at 05:55 pm

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In a televised addresss to the nation, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that his government will use "every legal means" to stop a coalition of opposition parties from bringing down his minority government.

During the speech, Harper repeatedly referred to the coalition as being backed by "separatists", a reference to the Bloc Quebecois' role in the new partnership that also includes the Liberals and NDP.

The Opposition is attempting to impose this deal without your say, without your consent, and without your vote. This is no time for backroom deals with the separatists; it is the time for Canada's government to focus on the economy and specifically on measures for the upcoming budget. This is a pivotal moment in our history.

We Canadians are the inheritors of a great legacy, and it is our duty to strengthen and protect it for the generations still to come. Tonight, I pledge to you that Canada's Government will use every legal means at our disposal to protect our democracy, to protect our economy, and to protect Canada.

Harper is expected to ask Canadian Governor General Michaëlle Jean to prorogue parliament, delaying a confidence vote that could overturn Harper's minority government. Liberal leader Stéphane Dion has asked Jean to deny Harper's request.

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