Canada's minority Conservative government on Friday survived a confidence vote in the House of the Commons with the support of the biggest opposition the Liberal Party, ensuring its stay in power.

The final vote tally was 214 in favor of the bill, 82 against. The other two opposition parties voted against the economic update report, which was delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper earlier this month.

Earlier in the week the prospect of a summer election loomed large as Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made demands of Harper on key issues including Employment Insurance (EI) reform.

Ignatieff warned he would join hands with the other two opposition parties to topple the government, if Harper did not meet his demands. The two later reached an agreement to tackle the EI issue and the Liberals promised to back the government in the Friday vote.

The Parliament will suspend for the summer holiday after the vote. However, the minority Conservative government is expected to face more rough waters when the Parliament resumes in autumn.

Under the Harper-Ignatieff agreement, the opposition will be able to table a non-confidence vote on the government in September.

The Conservative government was elected in October 2008. With less than half seats in the House of the Commons, it needs the support of at least one opposition to survive.

Source: Xinhua