Canadian government renews early election pressure

OTTAWA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Canada's minority Conservative government stoked up talk of an early election on Thursday, threatening a vote of confidence unless opposition members made clear they would pass a crime bill by the end of the month.

The government is angry over what it calls obstruction by Liberal members in the Senate, who are resisting pressure to approve the crime legislation. The Liberals hold a majority in the upper chamber.

If the government were to lose a confidence vote in the House of Commons lower chamber, it would be defeated and an election called immediately.

Polls show the most likely result of an election now would be another minority Conservative government. The Conservatives won power in late January 2006.

Government Minister Peter Van Loan said he would put a confidence motion on the order papers on Friday, which means it could be formally introduced in the House of Commons at any time.

If the government pressed ahead with the measure, the House could vote as early as Monday.

Even if the legislators adopted the motion, the Senate would not be obliged to pay any attention. Senators are appointed by the government of the day, but the Conservatives want to change that and have them elected.

Legislators are already faced with the prospect of two confidence votes soon. The government is expected to present its budget at the end of this month and is promising a vote in late March on whether to extend the country's military mission in Afghanistan. (Reporting by David Ljunggren and Randall Palmer; Editing by Rob Wilson)