The opposition parties, who angrily rejected on Thursday the Conservative government's economic plan that they thought contained no economic stimulus package, are negotiating a coalition to replace Harper's government.

Harper's government has to step down if it loses the two confidence votes which the opposition had planned to table on Monday. Harper deferred the motions to Dec. 8.

"While we have been working on the economy, the opposition is working on back room deal to reverse the results of the election," Harper told a news conference in the parliament.

"They want to take power, rather than earn it," Harper said of the proposed coalition. "The opposition is in its right to bring down the government, but (Liberal Leader) Stephane Dion does not have the right to take power without an election."