Well happened yesterday and today, so it is news.

We have a parliamentary system like you, don't know enough about your system but here a "vote of non confidence" can be called at any time and it was done yesterday. This morning (EST) the Liberals had to call an election and the official date is Jan 23.

In the 2004 elections the Liberals won a minority government. There was a vote of none confidence a few months ago, but the NDP, enough defectors and some independents helped keep the Liberals in power. But the NDP has been getting annoyed at the Liberals. The leader of the NDP had made a public deal with the rest of the opposition giving the Liberals an ultimatum. Either the Liberals agree to call an election for the spring or before they leave for Christmas vacation the NDP will vote no confidence with the rest of the opposition and force the election.