Technically... the Canadian constitution promises "peace, order and good government". There is nothing in there regarding an entitlement to effective and responsible government. For reference:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/const/c...l#distribution
Harper isn't doing anything for the good of Canadian people. He's taking advantage of the political climate in order to secure another term for the Conservatives. It will likely end up a waste of time and money too as Canadians will probably vote close to last time, electing yet another minority government.
Albertan's really don't understand how people think out east. Eastern populations are not happy with a western Prime Minister. They aren't happy with a predominantly western party (at least in their eyes). The economy out east isn't so hot now, especially with Ontario teetering on the edge of being a have/have not province. They aren't going to be voting for a party that represents tax breaks for the rich, extremist social values and promotion of Alberta's oil revenues (this being the optics for the Conservatives in the east).
The ONLY thing keeping the Conservatives in power is Dion.
Honestly, as a Canadian I think all our parties have failed to provide a viable solution to the most dominant political view in our country: Social "liberalism"/Fiscal conservatism. In the olden days, this view was known as "toryism". Unfortunately we have a bunch of raving social conservatives tilting the replacement Conservative party way to far to the right in social policy, leaving us with no resort other then a minority government.
If another election is called in this climate, I'm seeing yet another minority.