Canada has a minority government which requires that the current government requires the support of one or more opposition parties to stay in power. The last probable hurdles to overcome were the election of a new leader for the Liberal party, the Christmas, and New Year’s break. After the break once the parliament has reconvened the opposition can create a circumstance to defeat the current government and compel an election. Alternatively, the government calls an election – this is unlikely – without re-convening parliament.