Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper shut down Parliament on Thursday in an unprecedented attempt to prevent a no-confidence vote that he was widely expected to lose. Less than two months after winning re-election, Harper convinced the country's governor general – representative of the British queen in Canada – to close down Parliament until January 26. “Today's decision will give us an opportunity — I'm talking about all the parties — to focus on the economy and work together,” Harper said. Governor General Michaelle Jean took the decision after meeting with Harper who faces criticism from three opposition parties that have united against him. They charge that Harper failed to protect Canada from the global financial crisis and sharply criticized his move to close parliament. “For the first time in the history of Canada the prime minister is running away from the parliament of Canada,” said Liberal leader Stephane Dion, who headed up the opposition movement against Harper. Opposition New Democrat leader Jack Layton called it a sad day. “He's trying to lock the door of Parliament so that the elected people cannot speak,” Layton said. “He's trying to save his job.”
