Canadians don't want election now--Liberal leader

OTTAWA, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Canada's opposition Liberals will wait until Wednesday before providing a formal response to the minority Conservative government's policy speech, but are aware that Canadians don't want a new election now, Liberal leader Stephane Dion said.

Dion told reporters the party would discuss the speech at its caucus meeting on Wednesday. "The priority of Canadians is that this Parliament works and there is not a third election in 3-1/2 years," he said.

Two opposition parties have already said they will not back the policy speech, so the Conservative government needs support, or at least tacit support, from the Liberals to stay in power.