By Chris Rands, CBC News

NDP Leader Jack Layton speaks to MPs and supporters in Ottawa on Monday ahead of the start of the fall parliamentary session. (Chris Wattie/Reuters)

NDP Leader Jack Layton this morning:

"We're all ready for an election if it comes to it. But I have to tell you what I'd rather do, but I'd rather be in that House of Commons with my colleagues working with people from other political parties on behalf of Canadian people who sent us here just 11 months ago."

Next up, federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley will make her statement on proposed changes to employment insurance.

We are told Layton will respond to her statement after question period.