Harper condemned the government for the sponsorship scandal and what he called "the Liberal culture of entitlement" before tabling the motion, seconded by NDP Leader Jack Layton.
"After 17 months in office the record of this government – or I should say in many instances its lack of record – has become unacceptable to a large majority of members of the House representing an overwhelming majority of Canadian voters," Harper said.
A vote on the motion is expected on Monday, Nov. 28. A defeat would force an election in mid-January.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper speaks in the Commons, Thursday morning.
The motion was streamlined from the toughly worded version published in the media on Wednesday. The latest version simply says, "That this House has lost confidence in the government."
It no longer includes the reported references to "corruption," government "arrogance" and a "culture of entitlement."
The NDP or Bloc Québécois could still propose amendments to Harper's motion.
Activity on Parliament Hill hit a frenzied pace in advance of the vote. Since Monday, the Liberals have unveiled or re-announced about $16 billion in spending.
On Wednesday, the government announced a proposed compensation settlement worth about $1.9 billion for victims of abuse at residential schools. The Liberals also said they will provide $755 million for grain and oilseeds farmers who are struggling with high production costs, low commodity prices and bad weather.
Softwood lumber producers were waiting to hear of an aid package on Thursday reported to be worth $1.5 billion.
- FROM NOV. 23, 2005: Klein says Harper seen as 'too much on the right,' predicts 2nd Liberal minority
"Last night there was a feeling of Christmas in the air ... so much so that we saw a red streak rocketing through the sky," he said. "It was a red Challenger jet, with the words 'entitlement' across its side."
Liberal House Leader Tony Valeri defended the government's record, saying the Liberals stand for the values of "fairness and social justice" that unite Canadians. "This country is among the first in the world in economic opportunity for everyone."
Valeri said the opposition parties continue to "use innuendo to tear down people" and choose to push for an election before the Gomery inquiry into the sponsorship scandal can release its final report on Feb. 1.
The prime minister had promised to call an election within 30 days of the release of the final part of the Gomery report.
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