The issue of which party can best manage the B.C. economy in looming hard times will be the dominate feature this week as the governing Liberals and New Democrats return to the legislature for a fall session.
The short, five-day session and its economic focus is also expected to offer voters an early view of what they can expect in the coming spring election campaign.
Premier Gordon Campbell's Liberals are seeking a third consecutive term in May.
NDP Leader Carole James says Campbell's Liberals did little to help British Columbians in good times and now that the economy is faltering, they can't be trusted to guide the province through a coming storm.
The Liberals say they have a proven record of sound economic management, while the New Democrats are known for mismanagement when in office.
University of Victoria political scientist Dennis Pilon says the New Democrats have scored recent political points at the expense of the Liberals, but they are still far from landing what he calls a knock-out blow.
