The Prime Minister vowed in a national televised broadcast to use all legal means necessary to prevent separatists from wielding power, preparing the public before an expected attempt to shut down Parliament in the face of his minority government's imminent defeat.
Stephen Harper is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Michaëlle Jean on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET to ask her to prorogue Parliament. If Ms. Jean approves, it would allow the Prime Minister to avoid a confidence vote scheduled for Monday, where the three opposition parties have vowed to defeat the minority Conservative government.
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion followed Mr. Harper's speech, saying he has written a second letter to Ms. Jean asking her to refuse any request by the Prime Minister to suspend Parliament until he has faced a confidence vote in the House of Commons.
Speaking from behind his desk in a taped message Wednesday evening, Mr. Harper said his government has already taken action to assist the economy and is working on further measures for a budget in January.
He urged the opposition parties to suggest ideas for that budget rather than attempt to defeat his government and form a coalition.
"Instead of an immediate budget, they propose a new coalition which includes the party in Parliament whose avowed goal is to break up the country. Let me be very clear: Canada's government cannot enter into a power-sharing coalition with a separatist party," Mr. Harper said.
The Prime Minister's address made no apology for approving an economic statement that included measures, since withdrawn, that were deemed overly partisan and provocative by the opposition. In particular, the Harper government's proposals to end public funding for political parties and suspend the right to strike for federal public servants enraged opposition parties.
Rather than announcing a new approach, Mr. Harper's address restated his view that the proposed coalition is undemocratic and would be harmful for Canada during an economic downturn.
"At a time of global economic instability, Canada's government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together. At a time like this, a coalition with separatists cannot help Canada. And the opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists they promised voters would never happen.
"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 separatists. It is a time for Canada's government to focus on the economy and specific measures for the upcoming budget.
"This is a pivotal moment in our history. We Canadians are 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. Thank you, and good night," the Prime Minister concluded.
In Mr. Dion's taped message, which was delivered late to broadcasters, he said the Prime Minister must be replaced because he has failed to introduce measures to stimulate the Canadian economy.
"His mini-budget last week demonstrated that his priority is partisanship and settling ideological scores," the Liberal Leader said. "Canadians want their MPs to put aside partisanship and focus on the economy.
"The Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party are ready to do this. Jack Layton and I have agreed to form a coalition, a coalition government to address the impact of the global economic crisis. The Bloc has agreed to support this government on matters of confidence. The Green Party has also agreed to support it."
Mr. Dion said the coalition is ready to create jobs and build infrastructure in Canadian cities.
"We share the frustration Canadians have about a political crisis that has been allowed to take prominence over the more important economic challenges we face. Elsewhere in the world, leaders are working to cope with the recession, to bring forward the kinds of investments that will help their people and their economies. Politicians are working together. Rivals are working together.
"Mr. Harper's solution is to extend that crisis by avoiding a simple vote. By suspending Parliament and continuing the confusion. We offer a better way. We say settle it now and let's get to work on the people's business. A vote is scheduled for next Monday. Let it proceed. And let us all show maturity in accepting the result with grace and the larger task of serving Canadians in mind," he said.
