Canadian PM seeks majority government

Harper's speech, made last week in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., was videotaped by someone in the audience who sent a copy to the Liberal Party, which sent it to the media.

In the speech, Harper appealed for Conservative supporters to give him a majority government in the next election, saying if the Conservatives do not succeed in getting a majority the Liberals will govern in a coalition, "propped up by the socialists and the separatists," referring to the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Quebecois.

In the past Harper has avoided to show his wish for a majority to the public, fearing that may turn away voters who were afraid to give him too much power. The Liberals have portrayed Harper as an extremist Conservative with a hidden agenda. The mainstream of Canadian society is considered Liberal.

Harper made the appeal last week after Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff announced their plan to seek the defeat of the Conservative government. Openly, Harper has declared he did not want an election and accused Ignatieff of jeopardizing his efforts to deal with the economy.