NDP Leader Jack Layton speaks with reporters following a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

NDP Leader Jack Layton would not say on Tuesday whether his party would support a Liberal no-confidence motion to try and topple the government and send Canadians to the polls.

But he also said it was unlikely his party would prop up the minority Conservative government. Layton spoke to the press after a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Asked if the Liberals could count on NDP support if they introduce a no-confidence motion next month, Layton said that's a "big hypothetical."

"Time and time again, [the Liberals] talked about elections. That seems to be the main thing they think about," Layton said.

He said he prefers not to answer hypothetical propositions concerning the Liberals because they keep changing their mind and that "you're never sure what they're going to do."

"Let's see what they're going to do," Layton said. "If they take a certain position, bring forward a certain motion, we'll assess the situation at that particular time."

The earliest opportunity for a confidence vote that the Liberals will have will be on Sept. 30. If it happens, the vote will most likely be over the issue of reforms to employment insurance. The Liberals and Conservatives are in negotiations aimed at making it easier to qualify for EI benefits.

A report recommending any changes is expected by Sept. 28. A no-confidence motion could follow two days later, under an agreement reached by the two parties in June to stave off an election at that time.

Recent polls have suggested the Tories and Liberals are in a dead heat.

Layton noted that in the past, it has been the Liberals who have voted to keep the minority government alive.

"Look at the record – 79 times in succession it hasn't been the NDP that Mr. Harper has counted on to get support," he said.

Layton said his party is focused on trying to get the government to change its direction.

But he did say that the NDP would be the least likely of the political parties to support the Tories.

"We have very fundamental differences with the direction that they're taking the country," Layton said. "And as of today's meeting [with Harper], I can't say that I feel any optimism that they're going to change direction, that they're going to work with others to try to actually accomplish the results that Canadians need right now, particularly those who are out of work."

Layton said the pair had a "lively debate" but that there was no sign Harper is willing to compromise on "fundamental issues" such as job creation, infrastructure funding and employment insurance reform.

With files from The Canadian Press