NDP Leader Jack Layton said Ottawa would have to radically toughen proposed legislation to protect the environment and quickly introduce strict mandatory emission controls on the automobile sector.

The New Democrats and the Conservatives account for 154 of Parliament's 308 seats, enough to give the combined parties control of the chamber during an upcoming federal budget vote expected in February or March. Last week's defection of former Liberal Wajid Khan handed the Tories another seat and gave the NDP the balance of power.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has repeatedly praised what he calls Layton's constructive approach.

But Mr. Layton ruled out any kind of alliance and said he wanted to "see some very dramatic and significant changes in direction" by the government. Source...