Politics test: Canada calls 3 by-elections

OTTAWA, July 25 (UPI) -- Canada's minority Conservative government began to test the federal pulse with the announcement of three by-elections in Quebec and Ontario, observers said.

Prime Minster Stephen Harper announced the three elections would take place in early September in two Quebec districts previously held by Liberal and separatist Bloc Quebecois members, and a southwestern Ontario seat held by a Liberal, CTV News reported.

National media said the election call is a "litmus test" of the minority government's future, as the Liberal opposition has chosen not to bring down the government on several key issues, including the budget and Canada's combat role in the NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Of the 308 parliamentary seats, the Conservatives hold 127, opposed by the Liberals, the separatist Bloc Quebecois and socialist New Democratic Party.