Belinda Stronach used to be a member of ______ [br] [originaltext] Canadian P

Canadian Prime  Minister Paul Martin announced the addition of a rising opposition Conservative star to his party’s ranks days before his minority Liberal government faces a confidence vote.
   Belinda Stronach, the daughter of a wealthy auto parts magnate who entered politics only a year ago, was named human resources and skills development  minister by Martin. She will also implement the recommendations of a judicial inquiry into corruption accusations against the government.
   The surprise defection gives the Liberals and their New Democratic Party allies 151 votes in parliament, while the Conservatives and the separatist Bloc Quebecois, which want to topple the government, have 152 members.
   The fate of the government still rests with three independent MPs, only one of whom has so far committed to support the Liberals in a budget vote Thursday. That vote will decide whether the government is forced to call an immediate election that most Canadians do not want.