Layton sparks NDP celebration in N.L

New Democratic Party supporters in St. John's celebrated Jack Layton's announcement Tuesday that he won't support the federal budget.

The NDP 's national leader has joined the federal Liberals and the Bloc Quebecois in their opposition to the federal Conservative's budget, making a spring election likely.

Provincial NDP Leader Lorraine Michael said Thursday that she's thrilled with Layton's decision.

"I really didn't think he could go for it because I knew it was so far below where his beliefs are and where his heart is, and I'm very proud of his decision," said Michael. "He's voted for the people of this country and I'm very proud of him."

A vote on the budget that would force an election could come as soon as Friday.

If the federal government doesn't fall, theDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans,the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Marine Atlantic ferry servicecould all face budgetcuts.

The budget would cost them a total of more than $75 million annually by 2014.

Much of that money, about $57 million, will be chopped at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, ACOA would lose $15 million and Marine Atlantic nearly $6 million.