At about 9:30 a.m. ET Martin will ask Governor General Michaëlle Jean to dissolve Parliament and set a date for the election.
The Liberal minority fell Monday evening to an overwhelming 171 to 133 vote on a motion of no confidence, triggering the first winter campaign since 1980.
Once Martin emerges from the Governor General's residence to announce the election call, likely setting the date for Jan. 23 to allow for a break over Christmas, the race will be on.
(CP file Photo)
The tone for much of the debate has already been set, coming out in comments from the leaders following the vote.
"We will hear nothing but pessimism from the opposition, and there's a reason for this," Martin told his supporters. "That's all that they have to offer."
But Conservative Leader Stephen Harper is ready for the arrows coming from the Liberal camp.
"Know when the Liberals scream about us, it's just a diversion," he said. "It's like the thief who cries fire in a crowded restaurant, so when no one's looking he can clear out the cash register."
All the federal party leaders say they are ready for the campaign, and each has the first stops on his campaign trail planned.
Martin attends a campaign launch party in Ottawa, and is expected then to travel to Montreal.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper will be in the Nepean-Carleton riding where former Ontario energy minister John Baird is running for the Tories. Harper then goes to an all-candidates meeting in Quebec City.
NDP Leader Jack Layton plans to hold a news conference in Ottawa before going to Toronto, where his wife Olivia Chow has announced she'll be taking a third swing at a federal seat.
Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe plans to stay in Ottawa all day.
