Define a vote of no confidence?

Answer 1

A confidence motion in Canada is one where members of the House of Commons are asked to vote on the Speech from the Throne, a tax bill, or spending bill. The government can also declare that a specific bill is a confidence motion. Failure of the majority of Members of Parliament to support the bill would result in the collapse of parliament and thus trigger an election. The opposition can also put forward a motion during opposition days to ask for a vote on the condidence of Government.

In Canada a vote of non-confidence is voteing to decide if the majority of members in the House of Commons still have confidence in the Canadian government's ability to lead the country.

Answer 2

In Parliamentary systems, the Prime Minister is a member of the legislative assembly who is in charge of the Executive Branch, including the Cabinet (also members of the assembly). The Prime Minister and Cabinet must be supported by the majority of the assembly in order to stay in power. If the majority oppose the Prime Minister, he can be dismissed with a Vote of No Confidence, which results in an election being called.

In the UK, the last time this was done was in 1979, with the Prime Minister losing by one vote. In the 1974 election, the Labour Party had gained a majority by just 3 seats. They lost their majority after a series of by-elections.