Reply #8: The problem is this:

[Doctor Cynic]

All the polls indicate that Harper is not popular, but not unpopular at the same time. Right now the government is in a minority situation and, in theory, cannot govern too rightward. The problem is, the Liberals have a leader who simply isn't leading, has no charisma, has an image of a loser, and for weeks they have been bust ripping themselves apart. A few Liberal politicians switched to Conservative, and in some by-elections (or special elections if you want to call them that) the Liberals lost a seat that they had been holding for 80 years. It's like if a Democrat were to win in a special election in Idaho. This left the Liberals in an extremely tight situation, and the government dared them to not oppose their agenda or they would call an election. Given this situation, the Liberals could not afford an election, and for several important votes the entire party simply abstained (and as a result were ridiculed as losers). As a result, Harper is essentially able to rule as a majority. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like there are any Liberals who could act as a fresh face and get their act together...and the clock's ticking.