There's always plenty to chat about with Kady O'Malley.

On Wednesdays, CBCNews.ca's Politics blogger convenes a "people's caucus" to discuss and debate the issues of the week, so far.

This week:

• Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's 2013 federal budget has been previewed with media leaks, pre-emptive provincial reaction and even early messaging from the minister himself. Flaherty's in Toronto this morning at a shoe manufacturer for his customary pre-budget photo call, but the numbers themselves have to wait for one more sleep. What are you expecting from tomorrow's budget speech?
• As luck (or something else?) would have it, arguments begin tomorrow morning in Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page's federal court challenge of the Harper government's interpretation of his office's mandate. Page himself is out doing a series of exit interviews, including one with CBC Radio's The Current this morning. His office also released another headline-grabbing report about the costs of Canada's criminal justice system today - mere days before his term expires. What do you think of the budget watchdog's work and public statements?
• What do you think of the actions and explanations surrounding the resignation of former intergovernmental affairs minister and Labrador MP Peter Penashue?

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