As Parliament returns, here are some of the key players this fall

As members of Parliament return to the House of Commons on Monday, here's a look at some of the key members and issues their counter parts across the aisle will discuss.

Members of Parliament return to the House of Commons today for what’s expected to be an intense few months.

Here’s a look at the politicians who will be facing off with each other on key issues this fall.

We’re about to see Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Mark Carney confront each other in person in question period for the first time.

Poilievre was not in the House when it sat in June because he failed to win his Ottawa area seat in the April election. But he will be there this fall after winning a byelection in the rural Alberta riding of Battle River—Crowfoot in August.

Poilievre has a reputation for being quick on his feet and question period has been a strength for him. Carney has far less experience with the back-and-forth political theatre of question period — the House sat for four weeks in the spring but Carney only attended question period six times.

Jon Dugal, a Liberal strategist and senior consultant at New West Public Affairs, said Poilievre has promised a new tone this session and Conservatives have promised to provide policy alternatives, not just opposition.

“Meanwhile, the prime minister very much held his own this spring against an experienced foe,” Dugal said. “I’ll be watching for how much they stick to that script, and whether Poilievre’s sharply tuned House skills can trip up the prime minister in question period.”

In the days leading up to the return of Parliament, Poilievre said his party planned to introduce a bail reform bill and accused the Liberals of being too lenient on criminals. He also accused Carney of moving too slowly on major projects and argued the federal government’s new major projects office is nothing more than another layer of bureaucracy.