The unelected Governor-General of Canada agreed to order an unprecedented suspension of Parliament yesterday to save the Conservative minority Government from almost-certain defeat in a no confidence vote.

Stephen Harper, the newly reelected Prime Minister, persuaded Governor-General Michaëlle Jean – the Queen’s representative – to shut the House of Commons until January 26.

The decision allows time for the Government to draw up a budget that responds to the global financial crisis before facing a no-confidence vote sought by three opposition parties.

The opposition Liberals and New Democratic Party joined the separatist Bloc Québécois from French-speaking Quebec to try to topple Mr Harper’s Government just weeks after the election in October.

Stéphane Dion, the Liberal Party leader, accused Mr Harper of failing to act to bolster the slowing economy. “For the first time in the history of Canada the Prime Minister is running away from the Parliament of Canada,” Mr Dion said.

Mr Harper criticised the Opposition for trying to install a “separatist coalition” that could put the unity of the nation at risk.

Times Recommends

• Mandela’s tribe threatens President Zuma
• The French empire strikes back
• Wife of cheating governor exacts a political revenge