The Prime Minister's Office confirms that Stephen Harper will address the B.C. legislature Feb. 11. (CBC)

The federal Opposition Liberals say Prime Minister Stephen Harper is wrong to visit the sitting B.C. legislature at a time when he's shut down Parliament.

Harper's office confirmed the prime minister will address the B.C. legislature in Victoria Feb.11, the day before the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

'I think the prime minister is coming here to say thank you.'—B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell

"The prime minister will salute Vancouver, Whistler and British Columbia for its magnificent work in organizing and hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games," the prime minister's spokesman, Dimitri Soudas, said in an email.

The B.C. legislature opens Tuesday with a throne speech and will sit for two days before breaking for the Games. MLAs will return March 2, when Finance Minister Colin Hansen will deliver the budget.

In Ottawa, opposition parties have been furious at Harper's decision Dec. 30 to suspend Parliament until March 3. Parliament had been scheduled to resume on Jan. 25.

The decision sparked a strong public backlash, which opposition parties have been trying to exploit. The Liberals returned to work on Parliament Hill on Jan. 25 and have been holding round-table discussions on a variety of issues every day.

Premier enthusiastic

"We're a little worried he may go out to B.C. and try and prorogue that legislature, too," said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff Friday.

"It does seem a little odd that he's prepared to address a working legislature while he's closed down his own. Go figure, is what I'd say about that."

Harper's visit to the legislature may be more about showing Canadians he's working, not just attending Games events, said Norman Ruff, a veteran political watcher and retired University of Victoria professor.

Premier Gordon Campbell said Harper's visit is the first time a prime minister has ever addressed the B.C. legislature.

"I think the prime minister is coming to say thank you to thousands of people for what they've done," Campbell said.

"I think it's great that a prime minister decides that he's going to come and say thank you to citizens who will strengthen our country from the contribution they've made."