The fall session of Parliament begins in less than two weeks and – surprise, surprise – talk of a federal election is already heating up.

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff made it clear Wednesday his opposition government won’t support the Conservative’s minority government, possibly forcing a non-confidence vote if the Tories can’t rally support from the Bloc Quebecois and New Democratic Party.

Ignatieff cited what he called Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s disappointing economic record as the main reason for foring election.

Jean Crowder, NDP MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, said her constituents have no appetite for another vote.

The last federal election was held less than a year ago.

“Nobody wants to see the stimulus spending end and that’s what an election would do,” said Crowder. “I’ve been hearing that most people just want to get out of this economic downturn and see government roll up its sleeves and get to work.”

The first chance for the Liberals to introduce a non-confidence motion is on Oct. 1. Parliament resumes Sept. 14.

James Lunney, Conservative MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, was on the road Thursday and was unavailable for comment. North Cowichan Coun. John Koury was elected Aug. 29 as the Conservative’s Nanaimo-Cowichan representative.

Crowder said the NDP sentiment is that Harper needs to “find a way to work with opposition” to find common ground on issues such as the environment and the economy.

NDP leader Jack Layton announced Thursday he would rather avoid an election.

“Within minority Parliaments, the prime minister must understand that he cannot govern alone,” he said in a press release. “Canadians did not give the Conservatives a majority. They elected a minority government, which calls on parties to find common ground and work together where possible.”

Harper told reporters at a press conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake he is willing to listen to other parties’ ideas. In the meantime he said the Conservatives would continue working to improve the economy.

Crowder added that better incentives for low income earners to make efficiency retrofits to their houses, renewable energy and improved public transit top the NDP’s environmental strategy, issues they would like the see the Conservatives address.

If an election were to take place, it would be the fourth time in five years Canadians went to the polls.

B.C. also went through a May provincial vote and municipal elections last November.