The head of Canada's opposition Liberals said Oct. 20 he will step down after leading the once-dominant party to one of its worst defeats in elections for Parliament a week earlier.

Stephane Dion AP PHOTO

Stephane Dion (pictured) said he would stay on as leader until his successor is chosen by the party, which isn't expected before the Liberals' convention next May.

Seeking to unseat the governing Conservatives of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Dion campaigned on what proved an unpopular environmental tax during slowing economic times and the Liberals suffered a drubbing, dropping to 76 seats from 95.