OTTAWA -- Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is finding himself the object of affection on the federal campaign trail today as two party leaders jockey for his attention.

The popular mayor has scheduled meetings with Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau followed almost immediately by NDP rival Tom Mulcair on what is otherwise a relatively quiet day.

All three major party leaders are in the city preparing for a debate Thursday on the economy.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has been thumping his chest since Finance Department figures released Monday show that the federal government booked a $1.9-billion surplus for 2014-15 -- a year earlier than projected.

But it hasn't been all rosy for Harper this week, particularly in the courtroom where he has faced several setbacks.

On Tuesday, the Federal Court of Appeal overruled the Conservative government's attempts to ban face coverings at citizenship ceremonies, a decision Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said would be appealed.

Hours before that court ruling, Sen. Patrick Brazeau pleaded guilty to assault and cocaine possession. A more serious charge of sexual assault was withdrawn.

Harper appointed Brazeau to the Senate in December 2008, but Brazeau was kicked out of the Tory caucus after he was charged.

Also Tuesday, a judge reserved her ruling in the case of a former top aide to Harper who is charged with influence peddling.

Bruce Carson is accused of trying to persuade the federal government to buy water purification systems from a company that employed his girlfriend. He has pleaded not guilty.