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Prime Minister Stephen Harper signalled limited flexibility in his negotiations with the NDP for their support for the next budget and avoid an election.

"We listen to the views of other parties in Parliament whether we agree with them or not," Mr. Harper told reporters Monday when asked for his take on recent talks with NDP leader Jack Layton.

"But we don't engage in horse trading or negotiations over the budget. In the end, after listening to the pitches of other parties or various interest groups, we will make the decisions we think are in the best interests of the Canadian economy."

He said any MP who "puts the best interests of the Canadian economy before all else," will support next month's budget.

Mr. Harper declined comment on new polls showing his government running far ahead of the opposition, including the Liberals, who have been threatening an election.

"I don't comment on polls. Polls go up, polls go down," he said. "I'll just say this. The priority of this government is and remains the priority of Canadians and that is the economy of this country. I encourage all parties in Parliament to focus on the economy."

Commenting on turmoil in Libya as protesters challenge the government, Mr. Harper said it was "outrageous and unacceptable" for security forces to fire on the protesters, and called for an end to such action.

Mr. Harper is on a visit to B.C. that will take him to the Vancouver Island communities of Langford and Sidney on Tuesday.

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