The conservative government has been defeated. The historic defeat marks the beginning of a battle between parties that will result in elections in May. The votes cited the Harper government for contempt of parliament- a first in any Commonwealth government.

Canadian voters will have five weeks to sort out the rhetoric brought on by different party leaders. Harper claims that opposition coalition is a danger to country. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff says that the real danger is Harper’s contempt for democracy.

Canada’s 40th parliament will formally be dissolved Saturday morning.

The news today was read and produced by Erica Bridgeman

The stories were written by Jacqueline Di Bartolomeo, Michael Lemieux and Michael Moore

A spring election still hasn’t been called, but that didn’t stop parliament from switching into election mode during Thursday’s budget debate. The Liberals, Bloc Quebecois and NDP have all announced that they will reject the budget and bring about a no-confidence vote on Friday.

The vote is expected to topple Stephen Harper’s minority government and schedule the fifth election in the last ten years. The federal parties instead used the first and likely only day of debate to set their blueprints for the seemingly inevitable campaign.

Taxi drivers in Montreal will no longer be fined for displaying religious objects. The city has recently clarified a bylaw regarding religious objects in taxis. They have told their inspectors to be more tolerant in their inspections.

The result comes as an especially important victory for one cabbie. Arieh Perecowicz was fined for over $1400 for various personal objects in his cab. He fought these tickets for years before finally losing last month.

Luckily for Perecowicz the city also decided to revoke all of his fines.Perecowicz says he is very happy and considers this a victory for all of Quebec.

The city of Montreal is taking steps to prevent its bedbug problem from spreading. On Thursday, the public health department released its plan to combat the growing bedbug infestation.

If passed, the plan will force extermination companies to report infestations. It will also create a databank to keep track of infested households. Other measures include a public education campaign about bedbugs and the creation of a regional committee. City council is set to vote on the plan in June.