Since its inception in 1999, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy has been steadfast in its mission to foster Ideas for a Better Tomorrow. Through research, publications, educational events and policy analysis, Frontier has impacted dozens of governments and policy sectors. With Western Canadian roots and a drive to cultivate responsible citizenship, Leaders on the Frontier features discussions of common sense and good governance from this non-partisan, cutting-edge think tank.
Is the Canadian dream dying before our eyes? David Leis and urban affairs writer Joel Kotkin expose how rising housing costs, shrinking home ownership, and bad energy policies are creating a new kind of serfdom—where the middle class is squeezed out, and the elites tighten their grip. Why are young Canadians locked out of homeownership? Is the government quietly killing economic freedom? And could global agendas be turning Canada into a testing ground for top-down control? This episode will change how you see Canada's future—and why now is the time to fight back.
Why are Canadians getting poorer while Americans surge ahead? David Leis and economic columnist Matthew Lau talk about the widening economic gap between Canada and the U.S.—and the numbers are alarming. Business investment is down, productivity is flat, and the middle class is feeling the squeeze. They break down the $48 billion deficit, rising government spending, and the case for privatization. Is Ottawa helping—or just getting in the way? Plus they talk about trade barriers between provinces, corporate welfare, and why Alberta's frustration might be a warning for the rest of the country. If you're worried about the cost of living, the shrinking middle class, or what kind of future we're headed for—this is the episode you need to hear.
Is Canada's federation coming apart? With Parliament still prorogued, no budget, and a federal government operating with zero accountability, frustration is growing—especially in the West. David Leis is joined by Cory Morgan, Columnist at the Western Standard, Lee Harding, Investigative Journalist and Senior Research Associate at Frontier Centre, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre. Together, they'll break down the growing cracks in Canadian unity—and what needs to change before it's too late.
Frustrated. Fed up. Ready for change. That's how many Albertans feel after years of being sidelined by Ottawa. In this eye-opening episode, David Leis sits down with Dr. Dennis Modry and Lawyer Jeff Rath—two key voices behind the Alberta Prosperity Project—to talk about the growing push for sovereignty. Is Alberta better off on its own? Why are more people demanding a referendum? And what would independence really look like—for the economy, Indigenous communities, and Alberta's place in the world? We get into everything: Trudeau's policies, the recent election, the TMX pipeline, Western alienation, and why some say the current system is simply ungovernable. If you think the separation talk is just noise… you'll want to hear this.
Canada can't fake it anymore. While other nations are signing trade deals and rebuilding strength, Canada is stuck—facing rising separatist tensions, a stagnant economy, and a military in decline. Former MPs Dorothy Dobbie and Robert-Falcon Ouellette along with Lt. Gen. Michel Maisonneuve discuss Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet and the very narrow window to act and turn things around for Canada. Will leaders unite on urgent policy reform or will the country slip further into division, debt, and decline?
The election's over—but the questions are just beginning. David Leis sits down with former politician Preston Manning to talk about what the results really mean for Canada's future. Are we more divided than ever? What's fuelling the unrest in the West? And could referendums or even secession be on the table? David and Preston get into everything from pipelines and energy security to why so many Westerners feel ignored by Ottawa. If you're wondering where Canada goes from here—and whether the West will go with it—this conversation is for you.
The election is over and for some, it feels like a train wreck. But now what? Civic advocate Maggie Hope Braun joins David Leis to lay out a path forward. She exposes how local governments are quietly being influenced and why getting involved in your school board or city council could be the most powerful thing you do. If you're feeling disillusioned, this episode will light a fire.
The election's over but the fallout is just beginning. What will Mark Carney do next? Can Pierre Poilievre hold on to power? Will the NDP prop up the Liberals to form a majority? David Leis and his guests former Liberal MP Dan McTeague and former Premier of Saskatchewan Grant Devine unpack it all. Fear vs. policy, winners vs. survivors, and what it means for Canada's future. If you're happy or discouraged by the results, this conversation will give you the clarity and hope you need.
With the election just days away, what's going to happen? Could the Liberals clinch a fourth term, or are the Conservatives poised for a surprise surge? Columnist Barbara Kay and Frontier Centre's Marco Navarro-Genie share their predictions and what policy changes are needed to secure Canada's future.
President Donald Trump's goals might make sense but his style doesn't, says historian and former politician Conrad Black. From calling Canada the "51st state" to slapping on tariffs, Black says Trump's approach risks damaging U.S.-Canada ties. Could his tough talk give the Liberals a boost or be the final push for change?
Canada's economy is barely growing. Affordability is out of control. And yet—this isn't the top issue on the campaign trail. Is our economic future at stake? What bold policies are needed to get Canada moving again? And why aren't more leaders addressing it head-on? Canadians have every right to be frustrated—and it's time to ask the hard questions.
Tom Caldwell warns that Canada is losing some of its brightest minds at an alarming rate, and it's a serious problem for the nation. As President, CEO, and Director of Urbana Corporation, a publicly traded investment firm, he argues that while Canada is a great place to start a business, it's not a great place to grow one. He points to interprovincial trade barriers, an anti-growth mindset, and Quebec's uncertain commitment to the country as key obstacles. Why don't we have free trade within our own borders? Are we truly a unified country, or is dysfunction costing Canadians millions? David asks Tom what he would do if he was in government. You need to hear this.
With Mark Carney facing tough questions, Jagmeet Singh pledging tax reform, and Pierre Poilievre drawing massive crowds, this election is heating up fast. What do the latest polls say? What's next for the top parties? And which direction will Canada take on April 28? Join the LIVE Thursday at 2pm CT on YouTube, X and Facebook.
Canada's healthcare system is in crisis—costs are rising, wait times are getting worse, and over 5 million Canadians are stuck waiting months for emergency surgery. Colin Craig, President of SecondStreet.org, says this isn't just a post-COVID problem; the system was failing long before. Why isn't the government making healthcare a priority? In this episode, he breaks down what's really wrong and lays out a plan to fix it—if politicians are willing to listen.
Canada is facing unprecedented challenges—from economic turmoil to political uncertainty. Will this election be a turning point, or are we headed backward? Joining us LIVE to break it all down: Marco Navarro-Genie – VP of Research at Frontier Centre Catherine Swift – President, Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada What's really at stake, and what more can we expect from this election campaign?
Former Liberal MP Dan McTeague says Canada's democracy is broken—and prorogued Parliament only made it worse. Meanwhile, while some Canadians are outraged at President Donald Trump, McTeague argues he's simply exposed Canada's weaknesses—on pipelines, EVs, and interprovincial trade. Has it taken an outsider to remind us of our own nation's strength? How do we turn things around in Canada?
Election Day is April 28, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Will Trump's tariffs dominate the conversation? Can the Conservatives finally take power after a decade of Liberal rule, or will Canadians forgive and forget under Mark Carney? And here's the real question—once the election is over, will your MP actually have a say, or is Parliament just for show? Former Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette and former Conservative MP Dorothy Dobbie join us live to break it all down. Don't vote blind—find out what's really at stake before you head to the polls!
Canada's MPs have lost their power to speak for you in Ottawa, says Liberal MP Robert Falcon Ouellette. Alongside former Conservative MP Dorothy Dobbie, they expose the dark reality of Canada's government: powerful bureaucrats and political operatives—not your elected officials—are pulling the strings. Are Canadians being played? And what will change after this election? Hear what these MPs suggest the next PM do. This is a must-listen episode! Read Dorothy Dobbie's article on this topic: Dorothy Dobbie and Frontier Centre sound the alarm on Canada's Public Administration Crisis – Urgent Reforms Needed
Five years later—did Canada learn anything from COVID-19? Barry Cooper and Marco Navarro-Genie, authors of Canada's COVID, discuss how the pandemic changed us and whether we're still stuck in old narratives. Plus, what does Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's appointment to the National Institute of Health mean for Canada?
Recorded Feb 26 (Please excuse David's audio. It has since been corrected.) Jim Lakely, former White House journalist and VP of the Heartland Institute, reveals what Americans really think about the Canada-U.S. tariff war—are they for it or against it? Plus, he shares shocking info about USAID, Elon Musk, D.O.G.E., and Trump's soaring popularity. Is Trump trying to take over Canada, or just using his signature negotiating tactics to improve life for both countries? Jim breaks down the threats, the real intentions behind Trump's moves, and whether Canada needs to grow up and deal with issues like drugs, cartels, and national security.
Canada has a new Prime Minister-elect—Mark Carney—chosen by his party, not by you. As Canadians brace for Parliament's return and a potential election, Carney's push for a trade war with the U.S. raises serious questions. Are Canadians being gaslit for political gain? Meanwhile, Mexico is strengthening ties with the U.S.—is Canada choosing a path that could backfire? Join Scott McGregor, former RCMP Intelligence Official, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, break down the political fallout and what Canada should do next. Don't miss it!
Canadians are outraged—wasn't Trump supposed to be our friend? Political scientist Barry Cooper says Canada has failed as a U.S. ally and ignored the very issues Trump is calling out. Could we have prevented this trade war? This conversation might change everything you thought about Trump's tariffs. Please forgive David's mic quality, it has since been fixed.
Trump's tariff threats aren't just about borders and drugs—there's a much bigger issue at play. Former RCMP Intelligence Analyst Scott McGregor reveals what Trump really wants Canada to address and why Canada is now seen as a national security threat to the U.S. Has Canada become a safe haven for criminals? Are Canadians ignoring the real danger? It's time to wake up. Don't miss this explosive conversation!
Marriage is under attack! Join Peter Jon Mitchell & Andrea Mrozek as they expose why marriage is crucial to society and how we can protect it. In their new book I…Do? Why Marriage Still Matters, they reveal the policies needed to strengthen this foundation before it's too late. Leaders on the Frontier is live every Thursday on YouTube at 2pm CT.
Canada is undefended. Retired Lt. Gen. Michel Maisonneuve says Canada's military is ineffective and we are unprepared for war. He says Canada needs to stop apologizing for the past, reject DEI, and reclaim Canada's true values. Have Canadians become too complacent? He shares why Canada can still be great—and how we get there.
Retired Lt. Gen. Michel Maisonneuve made headlines with his bold Vimy Award speech, warning that Canada is abandoning its history, civil liberties, and global leadership. He talks about how he went from being applauded to surviving Liberal-funded cancellation in his new book, In Defense of Canada – Reflections of a Patriot. Is Canada at risk of losing what made it great? Are we seeing a dangerous shift in values? What policy actions need to be done to get Canada back on track? Leaders on the Frontier is live every Thursday on YouTube at 2pm CT.
Is marriage becoming obsolete—or is it more important than ever? Peter Jon Mitchell, author of I... Do? Why Marriage Still Matters, talks about the book and that the decline of marriage could be a bigger problem than you think—and what it means for your future.
Should the government be allowed to shut down Parliament during a time of economic uncertainty? The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms is challenging the federal government's decision to prorogue Parliament—and their case is being heard this week! John Carpay joins David Leis to break down this critical legal battle and what it means for you. With tariffs, economic instability, and pressing national issues, should Parliament be forced back to work?
What does a second Trump presidency mean for Canada? Political scientist Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre for Public Policy, breaks down the key issues—border security, the end of DEI, tariffs, immigration, and more. How can Canadians navigate these uncertain times?
Could Trump's tariffs actually be good for Canada? Is this the reset our country needs? Policy expert Marco Navarro-Genie, Winnipeg business owner Rob Anderson, and business advocate Ron Koslowsky join David Leis to break down the Canada-U.S. tariff chaos—and what it means for our future.
Donald Trump's latest executive orders have left the media stunned—banning censorship, freezing government hiring, leaving the WHO, border security and so many more. Jeffrey Tucker of the Brownstone Institute breaks down these shocking moves, their impact, and how Trump reshaped politics forever. Has the world ever seen a president this bold?
Are globalist policies ruining Canada? Maggie Hope Braun, a fearless leader, will empower us as citizens to take action against policies that threaten our property rights, affordability, and choices. Maggie shares jaw-dropping examples of victories across Canada, showing how common sense and citizen power are winning the fight against globalist agendas. Learn how you can get involved and make a real impact in your community.
Canada's judges and legal system are being influenced to side with tyranny, claims John Carpay of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. In his new book, Corrupted by Fear, John reveals Canada's current challenges, and helps make sense of the erosion of rights in the country. He also shares why judges have sided with the government to restrict citizens' freedoms—and what you can do to fight back. How does this affect you, your rights, and your future?
What's the state of Canada-U.S. relations, and why does it matter? Catherine Swift unpacks President Trump's impact on Canada and the uncertainty surrounding this critical time. How will it affect your investments, the Canadian dollar, and your family's future?
Lt. Col. David Redman says Canada needs bold action—just like Donald Trump is taking in the U.S. From restoring rights and freedoms to tackling crime and fixing the failing economy, Redman outlines how to pull Canada out of jeopardy. What does Trump's 25% tariff threat really mean? Why is no one investing in Canada? And how can we rebuild the country we love? Don't miss his powerful vision for Canada's future.
Chaos, dysfunction, and a country in crisis—has Canada lost its way under Justin Trudeau's leadership? Lt. Col. David Redman joins David Leis to explore how we got here, what a new Trump administration could mean for Canada, and the urgent need to renew our nation's purpose and vision. Why is a united and clear vision more critical than ever? And what does it mean for your future?
Are taxes ruining Canada? Certified professional accountant Kim Moody argues that high taxes are driving businesses out of our country, impoverishing Canadians, and making the country less attractive for economic growth. With a $62 billion deficit, Moody insists that increasing taxes is not the solution. Has Justin Trudeau's leadership damaged Canada's future? And more importantly, is there a way to fix it?
Did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau step down for the good of the country or himself? Join former Liberal MP Dan McTeague, journalist Nigel Hannaford, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research and Policy at the Frontier Centre, as they unpack the implications of his resignation. Canada is facing a crisis with high tariffs looming, what will happen now that our government is crumbling? Is this the start of a new chapter for Canada? What happens next—and how does it impact you?
Conrad Black, author and former Canadian politician, shares his insights on Donald Trump's presidency and why he stands out as a leader like no other. He discusses the immigration crises in Canada and the US, the rise of the MAGA movement, and the significant cultural shifts it has sparked. Get Conrad's book: Donald J. Trump – A President Like No Other
Net zero, carbon taxes, and energy caps—who's really being hurt by these policies? Environmental leader Patrick Moore, with over 40 years of experience, challenges the climate alarmism driving today's policies. Is the climate crisis as urgent as we're told? How are you being impacted, and what can you do about it? Join Patrick and host David Leis as they discuss these issues and the upcoming Frontier Centre for Public Policy Alaska Cruise next August.
Sonya Savage, former Alberta Energy Minister, says there's a war to destroy Canada's oil and gas industry. How does this battle impact you? From jobs to heating your home and fueling your car, the Canadian government's policies could drastically affect our economy and your daily lives. With Canada sitting on one of the world's largest natural resources, why aren't we making the most of it?
10 Key Principles to Stay Free: Eamonn Butler, co-founder and director of the Adam Smith Institute, discusses his book Classical Liberalism – A Primer. He explains what it truly means to be free and what's at stake if we lose our freedoms.
Drugs, human smuggling and illegal immigrants flow from Canada to the US through our "open border". President-elect Donald Trump is now threatening Canada with a 25% tariff if it doesn't stop. Former RCMP intelligence official Scott McGregor joins David Leis to discuss Canada's border issues and what a high tariff would do to Canada. How does this all impact you and your family in the end?
Are unions useful anymore or should they be scrapped? John Mortimer, president of the Canadian Labourwatch Association, reveals shocking details on how union dues are used to support certain political parties and lobby for woke ideologies. He says unions have too much power and are not working for the employee anymore.
In this live conversation, Rod Clifton and Mark Dewolf, co-editors of the new book; From Truth Comes Reconciliation, reflect on the often overlooked stories of compassion and dedication from those who served in Canada's Indian Residential Schools, alongside the experiences of harm and suffering. Why does this history matter? Columnist Barbara Kay also joins the conversation along with Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre for Public Policy, who helped publish the book. The book is inspired by the late Senator Murray Sinclair's call for these stories to be heard. We honour both the positive and painful legacies of the residential school system.
What does woke mean? And why should we care about it? Eric Kaufmann, author and professor of politics at the University of Buckingham in the UK joins David on the podcast. Eric shares that wokeness is not a fad but a cultural revolution—a movement that can only be stopped by a drastic intervention in our institutions and culture. He speaks about what we can do to make changes and also talks about his new book, The Third Awokening.
Donald Trump isn't even in office yet but the "Trump effect" is already having an impact around the world. How will Trump impact Canada's economy and political future? Leighton Grey, lawyer and host of the Grey Matter Podcast joins David Leis for a live conversation about the MAGA movement and how it will affect you.
For decades we've heard the fearful stories about climate change, from oceans taking over coastal cities, to stronger hurricanes and heat domes—but what does the science say? Michelle Stirling, with Friends of Science, says that humans are not to blame for climate change and that the Canada Carbon Tax will not save the planet; instead it will drown the middle class.
The impact and fallout of the Freedom Convoy movement are still being felt. Was the Emergencies Act justified? Author Ray McGinnis just published a book with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, Unjustified: The Freedom Convoy, The Emergencies Act, And The Inquiry That Got It Wrong. This book explains the truths regarding the illegal use of the Emergency Measures Act and why this matters to every Canadian. Listen to this conversation with Ray, host David Leis and Marco Navarro-Genie with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and podcaster Jason Lavigne.
Is our constitution outdated and unfair to Western Canada? Cory Morgan, author and columnist with the Western Standard, explains why the government favours Ontario and Quebec over Alberta, despite equalization payments coming from Alberta to support other provinces. Cory reveals how citizens can have power to influence change in government. Yet only 2% of Canadians are involved in politics—how come? Cory also talks about his new book, The Sovereigntist's Handbook: Charting the Course to Western Independence.