http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/06/29...lxn_tues040629 Quick info:
The Liberals are the centre of Canadian politics, which is the left fringes of the Democrats. Conservatives are usually considered to be around Kerry Democrats, and are considered to be pretty far right up here. The NDP is FAR left of the Democrats, and is a socialist party. The Bloc Quebecois is a Quebec-separtist party, and they tied for their best outing ever.
The one independant is a Conservative that lost his nomination, and wanted to run anyway. It is suspected he will either join the Conservatives, or vote with them on almost everything.
Should the Liberals lose a major vote, they will be forced to call another election.