Opposition topples Harper's government in Canada

Canadian government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper was on Friday defeated in a historic vote in Parliament, setting the stage for country's fourth election in seven years.

The opposition parties voted 156-145 in favour of a Liberal motion, citing Harper's minority Tories for contempt of Parliament and expressing non-confidence in the government.

The contempt charge marks a first for a national government anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Harper emerged from the House of Commons after the vote and announced he will visit the Governor General's residence on Saturday to dissolve the 40th Parliament and sound the starting gun on an election campaign.

It will be the fourth election in seven years. The election is expected to take place May 2.

Image: Canada's PM Harper pauses while speaking following a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Photoghraph: Blair Gable/Reuters