The Harper government was defeated on a historic vote of non-confidence. Tory MPs chanted "Harper, Harper" as they voted against the motion but the opposition parties combined to pass it by a vote of 156 in favor, to 145 against. Speaking briefly after the March 25th vote, Prime Minister Harper said it was regrettable that the opposition forced an election instead of helping to pass a budget needed to bolster a fragile economic recovery. (An election campaign formally began the following day after Prime Minister Harper met with Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall. It was the fourth election in seven years.)

Date: 2011-03-25
Placeline: OTTAWA, Ontario.
Source: The Canadian Press
Length: 17 seconds

Transcript Prediction: << that's the vote today which obviously disappoints me will I suspect disappoint most Canadians as a consequence I will have to meet with the governor general tomorrow to advise him of the situation and to take the only course of action That Remains >>

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