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Assembly of First Nations national Chief Shawn Atleo addresses the Special Chiefs Assembly at the conclusion of its conference in Gatineau, Que., Dec. 6, 2012.FRED CHARTRAND/The Canadian Press

Politics Today* is your daily guide to some of the stories we're watching in Ottawa and across Canada, by The Globe and Mail's team of political reporters.

What do first nations hope to get from Harper?

First nations leaders, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, meet the press this afternoon to outline exactly what they want to achieve in Friday's meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of cabinet. Their demands will be watched closely for an early indication of how Friday's working meeting will go.

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, meanwhile, now says she may not show up to the Friday meeting driven by her hunger strike. Her spokesman said now that Governor General David Johnston won't be there, Ms. Spence's conditions for ending her fast are not being met.

Meanwhile, if you're feeling lost on everything going on with #IdleNoMore, Spence and Attawapiskat, the Globe's Bill Curry has a handy explainer to set you straight. And John Ibbitson considers how Tuesday's decision granting Métis more negotiating rights with the government throws a wrench into current aboriginal discussions.

Will Toronto save or spend?

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's appeal hearing wrapped up in one day on Monday, but this is a bad time for him to be in limbo as the city tries to figure out its budget. Toronto finds itself with a surplus of more than $200-million, which leaves it with a crucial question: spend now to alleviate big cuts, or sock away for a rainy day?

Last Liberal face-off

Ontario Liberal leadership contenders bring their debate roadshow to Toronto tonight. It's the last all-candidates debate before the convention at the end of the month. Don't expect fireworks – most of the past face-offs have been tame, and the last is likely to be no exception.

* Political Points or Politics Today? Or something else? Since this daily morning feature started in December, we haven't settled on what to call it. If you like one of those names – or have another suggestion – let us know in the comments or on Twitter.

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