Parliament’s Plate – Monday, January 30

It’s back to school day! After a long winter break, our MPs are finally returning to Ottawa to open the doors to the House of Commons.

The day will begin with some debate on Conservative MP John Carmichael’s private member’s bill. His is the one that would make it illegal for anyone to prevent another from flying the Canadian flag.

After a quick hour of that, they’ll be moving on to debate the Conservatives’ proposed Pooled Registered Pensions Plans Act. The fund, if created, would allow employers, employees and the self-employed to take part in a large-scale defined contribution plan as they save for retirement. This, of course, comes on the heels of an announcement of sorts from the prime minister that old age security payments could be delayed in an effort to save money.

And with the return of the House comes the return of committees, only two of which are scheduled to meet today — members of government operations and of status of women will both be meeting (separately) behind closed doors this afternoon to take care of some planning.

Before everything gets going, however, Government House Leader Peter Van Loan and NDP finance critic will, one hour apart from each other, take their place in the Commons foyer to talk about their respective parties’ goals for the new sitting.

Spoiler alert: The NDP could go along the same lines as interim leader Nycole Turmel went last week when she spoke to caucus. The Conservatives, meanwhile, will likely talk about “creating jobs” and “economic growth and prosperity.”

Missing out on at least some first-day-back festivities is NDP leader hopeful Thomas Mulcair, who stayed back in Nova Scotia following yesterday’s NDP leader debate in Halifax. He has planned a meet and greet at a Tim Horton’s in Truro, N.S. early this morning, followed with a stop at the opening of African Heritage Month in New Glasgow.

Conservative MP Kellie Leitch will also be in Nova Scotia, making an announcement about supporting disabled residents in Halifax find jobs.

Follow Amy on Twitter.