Provencher Member of Parliament Ted Falk is in Halifax this week for a Conservative caucus meeting to prepare for a resumption of Parliament next week. Falk says the party has plenty of things to discuss.

"There are lots of issues that we need to formulate strategies on and talk about how we want to approach. Certainly, as Conservatives, I think we've always been seen as the voice of taxpayer and that's a role that we think is very important. That's going to be one of our focuses, to make sure that taxpayers are being heard in Ottawa and that, hopefully, this Liberal Government will curb some of its spending and start looking out for the taxpayer."

He says the mood at the caucus meeting is very upbeat as he and his fellow members have had a good summer in their ridings, connecting with constituents. Falk adds the leadership contenders are also busy soliciting support among MP's as they prepare for the convention next May.

"We're going to discuss a little bit more about some of the parameters going around that leadership contest. I think it's going to be an exciting time. There are lots of individuals expressing an interest and there are lots of good candidates who have already stepped forward."

The fall sitting of Parliament begins Monday.