Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is applauded after Martin's government was defeated by a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Monday Nov. 28, 2005. (Photo: Xinhua)

    OTTAWA, Nov. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Canada's parliament on Monday approved a non-confidence motion tabled by opposition Conservative Party, toppling Paul Martin's Liberal minority government and triggering a federal election in January.

    The motion was passed Monday evening local time by a vote of 171 to 133 in the 308-member House of Commons.

    Throughout Canadian history, only four federal governments havebeen swept from power more swiftly.

    Both Prime Minister Paul Martin and his chief political rival, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, have planned televised speeches to follow the historic vote.

    Harper introduced the motion Thursday, which got the support ofthe New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois, calling the Liberals law-breakers over the sponsorship scandal in which hundreds of millions of dollars were diverted to supporters.

    Last month, the New Democratic Party led by Jack Layton withdrew its support for the Liberal government elected only last year. Bloc Quebecois also voted for the motion.

    Prime Minister Paul Martin would likely go to Governor General Michaelle Jean on Tuesday morning to ask for the dissolution of the parliament and the start of an election campaign.

    The election could be set on Jan. 16 or 23. Enditem