Why did Stephen Harper remain the leader of a minority government after the 2008 election?

Stephen Harper remained the leader of a minority government after the 2008 election because, although his Conservative Party gained 19 seats to reach a total of 143, the party failed to secure the number of seats required for a parliamentary majority.12

Harper had called the early election hoping to capitalize on his popularity in Quebec and achieve a majority government. However, voters in Quebec continued to support the Bloc Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois and the Liberal Party, preventing the electoral gains he had anticipated. Despite falling short of a majority, the Conservatives remained the largest party in the House of Commons, allowing Harper to continue as prime minister leading a minority government.12