Harper faces litmus test after opposition deal

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper faces two highly unpalatable choices after opposition parties signed an unprecedented deal on Monday to bring down his minority Conservative government.

The opposition, which says Harper is not doing enough to tackle the financial crisis, has its eyes set on a confidence motion due for a vote in Parliament next Monday.

The Liberals, New Democrats and separatist Bloc Quebecois signed a formal agreement designed to keep them in power until June 30, 2010.