What’s in store for the upcoming parliamentary session?

The House of Commons resumes sitting next week after a news-rich summer break that included more worldwide economic woes, Tony Clement/G8 controversies and the death of NDP leader Jack Layton.

This session will be Canada's first real opportunity to see the Conservative majority government at work.

Except for an abbreviated session in the spring, the Tories will get their first opportunity to wield full power as the government.

Here's what to expect from the three major parties:

Conservative Party:

For the Harper Tories, this session will primarily be about the economy.

At the heart of that issue is Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's June budget, which provides some targeted spending and a commitment to eliminate the deficit by 2014.

In addition to the economy, you can expect the Tories to follow through on many of the promises they made during the election campaign.

The government has committed to passing an omnibus justice bill within its first 100 sitting days in office, killing the long-gun registry and re-introducing anti-terrorism laws that expired in 2007.

Additionally, a publication obtained by CBC News meant to give new MPs a rundown emerging issues, listed 27 areas for consideration, ranging from cybercrime to the policy affect of an aging population.

New Democrats:

For the NDP, this session will be the first test of life after Jack Layton and the first signs of what a post-Layton NDP will look like.

Brad Lavigne, principal secretary to interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel, said earlier this week the NDP plans to focus this fall's parliamentary session on its own proposals for the economy and other issues rather than simply reacting to the Conservatives.

"We saw what happened under the Liberals and we want to make sure that we learn from their mistakes," Lavigne told the Toronto Star. "To set the political agenda, we need to be on the offence."

During a speech at the summer caucus retreat in Quebec City on Thursday, Turmel said her party, despite being embroiled in a leadership race, will hold Stephen Harper's feet to the fire by focusing on families-first policies and will fight for tax credits for small businesses and revamped pension plans.

She also said her party would push the Tories to invest in infrastructure, especially in Quebec where aging roads and bridges have been collapsing.

Liberals:

The Liberal caucus has had nearly four months to lick its proverbial electoral wounds and seem resolved with being relegated to third-party status.

"The message is not cuts, cuts, cuts. It's jobs, jobs, jobs," Rae told a room full of MPs, senators and former Liberal candidates at a caucus retreat last month regarding his plans for the upcoming session.

"The Conservative mantra takes us on a forced march to austerity. Liberals are talking about something different."

Rae also has the opportunity to outshine Turmel in this session. The political veteran enjoys a considerable advantage when it comes to being quote savvy and may just become the "go-to" person on the opposition benches for the Ottawa Press Gallery.

(Reuters Photo)