OTTAWA - It is still unclear when our MPs will return to the House of Commons, but it is likely another week or so away. Ottawa will be difficult to recognize for some returning MPs - epecially the Liberals.

In Mondays federal election the Conservative party received their much-coveted majority, and the Liberals were nearly wiped off of the electoral map. In fact, this was an election to be remembered for many reasons. The Bloc Quebecois fell out of favour in Quebec and won only 4 ridings.

It was the NDP and Conservatives who picked up these gains - with the NDP perhaps being the biggest surprise. They nearly tripled their seat total, surging as the polls predicted they would to end up at 102 seats. The Conservative seat count hit 167, while the Liberals were held to a paltry 34 seats.

This election has also pressed Gilles Duceppe and Michael Ignatieff to step down - leaving their parties in disarray.

This is likely more troubling for the Liberals, who are facing a daunting rebuild. Ignatieff was meant to be a part of that rebuilding process, but he has now led the party to its worst showing ever. The Liberals have now lost their status as the official opposition for the first time.

Voters were clearly hoping for a more engaging and efficient government this time 'round by electing a majority, and now PM Harper has a chance to lay his cards on the table. Without the constant bickering between Ignatieff and Harper there is, indeed, the potential for a more civil House. All indications thus far have shown that Layton and Harper are able to see eye-to-eye, and negotiate issues responsibly. This will be a welcome change for Canada - and there will certainly be much less pandering to Quebec for the next four years.