Defeated Canada PM Quits, But Doesn't Tell Party Supporters

OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper caused some confusion today, making no mention of his future plans as he addressed supporters after a crushing election defeat even though his party said he would step down.

Shortly after Harper called Liberal leader Justin Trudeau to concede defeat in Monday's vote, his Conservative Party issued a statement saying he had asked the party to elect a new interim leader.

But when Harper spoke to a rally in his home riding in Calgary, he made no mention of quitting as leader.

Confused reporters wondered whether the party statement was a hoax and it took Conservative officials several minutes to confirm it was genuine.

Harper has no plans to address the media on Tuesday, an aide said. The outgoing prime minister most likely will return to Ottawa soon to prepare for a formal handover of power to Trudeau in a few weeks' time.