OTTAWA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in the Governor General's residence Thursday morning and is expected to ask for a temporary suspension of the Parliament in an attempt to avoid a confidence vote that could topple his minority government.

    An official from Harper's Conservative government confirmed earlier in the day that Harper would ask Governor General Michaelle Jean to prorogue, or suspend, the current parliamentary session until the end of January, when his government has promised to table a budget.

    A parliament member from the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) said Jean was not expected to reply immediately to Harper's request. She has scheduled to meet with leaders of the opposition parties later in the day.

    The opposition has agreed to topple the minority Conservative government and form a coalition to replace it. A non-confidence vote is scheduled next Monday, which could see Harper's government collapse.

    Harper has pledged to use "every legal means" to prevent a proposed opposition coalition, formed by the Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP), backed by the Bloc Quebecois, from taking power.