Orders of the Day - First Nations leaders, assemble! It's national chief electing time!

First Nations leaders from across Canada will descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Centre today for the 33rd annual general meeting of the Assembly of First Nations, which kicks off later this morning and runs until Thursday. 

Topping the agenda at this year's event: the election -- or, depending on the result, re-election -- of a National Chief, with no fewer than seven candidates -- including four women -- vying to oust incumbent Shawn Atleo. The vote is set to take place tomorrow, with an all-candidates debate scheduled for this afternoon. For more on the politics underlying the process, check out this extensive backgrounder by CBC reporter Duncan McCue. You can also watch the proceedings via CBC.ca livestream here.

Expected to be in attendance at today's gathering: Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae, who will spend the morning on the convention floor before winging his way to Newfoundland later this afternoon, where he's set to attend an event at the Bally Haly Country Club in St. John's this evening.

On the ministerial circuit:

Transport Minister Denis Lebel delivers a "financial contribution" to the Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec during an appearance at Magasin Latulippe.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson will do the honours at an "important announcement" related to the "installation of new technology" at the Peace and Queenston-Lewiston Bridges that will, according to a PMO advisory, "help people cross the border faster." Later this afternoon, he'll drop by Niagara Falls-based Cytec Canada with glad tidings on job creation and growth within the region. 

Meanwhile, Treasury Board President Tony Clement talks up his "ambitious Open Data initiative" with Sault Ste. Marie's "entrepreneurs and innovators" at the city's Innovation Centre.

Back in Ottawa, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq will be on hand for the official homecoming welcome celebrations that will greet double lung transplant recipient Helene Campbell.

Moving west, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews visits the Eden East Program Community in Steinbach, where he will unveil an "investment" in Segue Career Options and International Trade Minister Ed Fast takes his consultation tour to Regina's Brandt Industries.

Finally, Revenue Minister Gail Shea takes her red tape reduction tour to Yellowknife, where she will host a roundtable with "local business owners" to discuss her government's efforts to date in that area, with particular focus on the mineral exploration tax credit.  For up to the minute dispatches from the precinct and beyond, keep your eye on the Parliament Hill Ticker below -- or, alternatively, bookmark it and check back throughout the day.