Canadian government collapses

Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has received a vote of no-confidence over “abuse of power” allegations, leading to the collapse of the government.

The opposition parties managed to gather 156 votes in favor of the motion versus 145 for the government’s survival on Friday.

The main opposition Liberals, the separatist Bloc Quebecois and leftist New Democrats were among the supporters of the motion.

Canada will now have to hold a federal election in early May.