The Liberals (the largest overall party)+NDP(social democrats) have 151 members, while the Conservatives+Bloc Quebecois (anti-gov't separatists) have 152 members of parliament, but there are 3 independents (2 former Liberals, 1 former Conservative). There is also the normally non-voting Speaker, a former Liberal MP.
The balance was 150/153/3, but a conservative switched this week, lured with the equivalent of a Cabinet position. That baiting PO'd one former Liberal independent though, who voted against the gov't tonight...
Tonight's final vote on an NDP amendment to boost social spending and erase a corporate tax break was 152-152, with the critical vote coming from a former Conservative MP re-elected as an independent after he lost the Conservative primary.
Then, the Speaker broke the tie in favor of the Liberal government.
