A Liberal amendment to the Harper government's Throne Speech means no federal election...for now.

That's the assessment of Brandon University Political Science Lecturer Kelly Saunders after Liberal leader Stephane Dion announced his party will abstain on a vote if the amendment is rejected by the NDP and Bloc Quebecois.

While a vote's been averted this time, Saunders believes holding one soon is inevitable. She expects the government will be brought down early in the new year.

Saunders notes polls indicate voting preference hasn't changed much since 2006, and predicts another minority government. She's not surprised by the Liberal tactic, but