Opposition leaders issue ultimatum to Martin

The opposition leaders are demanding that Paul Martin should call an election in early January or he could face a no-confidence motion that could bring down his government in November.

Harper said the opposition parties agreed to let Martin call the election in January so that parliament could continue to get some work done – such as the energy rebate bill, C-66 – before it breaks for Christmas.

"If the government wants these things done, if it wants to avoid a Christmas election, this will give it the opportunity," Harper said.

Harper rejected a suggestion that the date was more motivated by the opposition leaders' desire to avoid aggravating voters by forcing a Christmas election.