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Stephen Harper steps into the chamber of the House of Commons on Monday with a majority in both the House and Senate and facing a weakened opposition led by interim leaders. This fall, Canadians will begin to see the results. Here are 10 things to watch:

1. The economy

Canadian economy likely will continue to perform better than other G8 nations. But if conditions worsen, Mr. Harper could buckle to pressure with more stimulus spending.

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2. NDP leadership contest

The race won’t stay nice for long. Quebec MP Thomas Mulcair will pose the stiffest competition to party president Brian Topp. Rookie MP Nycole Turmel will head the party as interim leader. If she falls flat, it will be a long seven months for New Democrats.

3. Tough-on-crime agenda

The omnibus bills call for tougher sentences for violent, sexual and repeat offenders and new anti-terrorism tools for police. The Opposition says it’s overkill. But the Harper government, stymied for five years in a minority Parliament, will move swiftly.