Spotted this in a friend's blog, which may help to put this in context:
"While we have been working on the economy, the opposition has been working on a backroom deal to overturn the results of the last election without seeking the consent of voters. They want to take power, not earn it."
(Stephen Harper in a statement to the press on the possibility of the Conservative minority government being replaced by a majority coalition of opposition parties - November 28, 2008)
“As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government's program. We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority. Your attention to this matter is appreciated."
(From a letter to the Governor-General signed by Jack Layton, Gilles Duceppe, and Stephen Harper - September 9, 2004)
In other words, Harper is complaining about something he tried to do himself!
