The Progressive Conservative government will start the fall session of Legislature with the goal to pass some bills hanging over from the spring, however pressure on the government will also come from some non-legislative items.

The PCs will look to complete their legislative agenda this month by passing changes to the Labour Relations Act which would impose secret ballots for union certification. A move that will definitely be a target of the NDP - and unions in Manitoba.

The Tories are bringing changes to balanced budget legislation and political party financing and will hope to get changes to the Protecting Children Act that would allow more information sharing among authorities.

The Opposition will likely take on the PC government this session for a list of issues not on any order paper.

Finding a solution to the looming Dec. 2 closure of the Tolko paper mill in The Pas represents a major challenge to the Tories. Hundreds of jobs are on the line even as a the B.C.-based company has signalled there is an interested buyer for the plant.

Premier Brian Pallister has steadfastly maintained there will be no bail-out of the mill unless the company involved will demonstrate a long-term commitment to keeping it open.

The relatively-rookie government also faces pressure over another issue in Manitoba's north. Denver-based OmniTrax Rail laid off all the workers at the port of Churchill and has cut rail service to the northern town.

An announcement by the federal government last week with some economic development money doesn't solve all the long-term challenges in Churchill.

The opposition NDP is also keen to grill the PCs on something they haven't done.

Despite most Canadian provinces raising their minimum wages this month, the Tory government has chosen to stand pat on Manitoba's minimum rate this year. Pallister has promised consultations between small businesses, the government and labour groups to set the rate for next year.