Hosted by Senator Pamela Wallin, No Nonsense brings you prairie stories from the heart, from people making a difference. Conversations focus on everything from the personal to the political. No filter, no spin, no nonsense.

We are now entering year five of the Russia-Ukraine war, and more warnings of a possible US attack on Iran. Foreign policy expert Richard Shimooka on No Nonsense.

Our tax system plays favourites, making it complicated and confusing for taxpayers and businesses alike. Jack Mintz, the country's leading tax policy expert, has some ideas for a fix.

Bridgegate, F-35s, and why we are staying so quiet when China – our new “strategic partner” – jails a free speech advocate. Our wise person panel joins No Nonsense, Tasha Kheiriddin, Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, and Mark Norman.

A great convo with Bronwyn and Brian about Canada-US relations, energy politics, and whether there will even be a pipeline, on their podcast Pipeline Online.Listen to more episodes of the Pipeline Online Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@BrianZinchuk/videos https://pipelineonline.ca/podcasts/

Pollster Darrell Bricker says the risk of western separatism is being fueled by the attitude of those who refuse to accept it's real. Join us on this edition of No Nonsense.

Parliament is back and Davos seems like an eternity ago. With Sean Speer, we'll take a second look at the Prime Minister's “New World Order” and the future of Conservative politics, on No Nonsense.

We might be listening to one other - but are we truly hearing the message? Deborah Tannen explains the pitfalls of modern communication.

Donald Trump's threats to invade Greenland set off a frenzy at Davos - but within hours there was a deal in the works. Christian Leuprecht weighs in.

The Canadian diplomat held hostage for more than 1000 days by the communist government of China gives us his take on the new Canada-China trade and “strategic” partnership. Michael Kovrig on No Nonsense. You can find his articles and interviews referenced in this episode at https://michaelkovrig.substack.com.

From Venezuela to confrontations with ICE... all have become partisan flash points. Pollster and author Cliff Young explores the deep divides in Nativist Nation: Populism, Grievance, Identity and the Transformation of American politics.

Is the media actually providing Canadians with facts and context? Our panel with Tara Henley, Brian Lilley, and Peter Menzies looks at the aversion to “controversial” content.

Making smart financial decisions doesn't mean complicated math! David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber, on how you can navigate today's risky economic landscape.

It will cost families another $1000 to put food on the table next year. The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois explains why!

Heather Exner-Pirot on the winners and whiners in the Canada-Alberta energy deal - Her optimistic take on No Nonsense.

Do we risk the wrath of the US and NATO partners by walking away from the F-35 in the name of sovereignty – costing us jobs and millions in the process? Our “really smart” panel has the inside story on No Nonsense.

The latest corruption scandal has weakened Ukraine's hand as it faces a new ultimatum from the US and Russia. Is the price of peace too high? Diane Francis explains.

Canada owns less than 1% of global intellectual property despite billions of dollars invested. Jim Balsillie on how to stop others from monetizing on what we invent.

If we don't learn from history, we'll keep making the same mistakes. Andrew Burtch, historian at the Canadian War Museum on remembering our sacrifices this Remembrance Day ...and paying tribute to his friend and colleague, the late Dr. Tim Cook.

Will Mark Carney's first budget actually "catalyze" investors cash or will his hands-on approach send those dollars south? Longtime cabinet minister and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joins us on No Nonsense.

What happens when climate ideology meets economic reality? Heather Exner-Pirot shares the findings on her her latest paper on the regulations Constraining Canada.

Governments need to chart a course and stick to it - Will we see evidence of that in the budget? Economic experts Sean Speer and Trevor Tombe weigh in.

According to Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson, Canada isn't a love story - it's a marriage of convenience. Their first interview to discuss their latest book, Breaking Point, on whether a divided country can find common ground.

How to respect indigenous rights without stopping development? Dwight Newman explores what happens when private property laws clash with native land claims.

Are Digital IDs and wallets a convenience for consumers or a sign of a surveillance state? Michael Geist on the pitfalls and the promise of life online.

Will Carney deploy troops to make peace in the Middle East and Ukraine? The political panel with Tasha Kheiriddin, Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, and Mark Norman reconvenes.

A political assassination rocked the US and here at home, Parliament is back in business. The Cross-border IPSOS team, Darrell Bricker and Clifford Young, offers their insights into what the public is thinking.

Is red tape disincentivizing investment in Canadian energy? Heather Exner-Pirot on the mega-projects Ottawa must build to stimulate economic growth.

How will Trump's foreign policy approach impact the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East? Walter Russell Mead on the state-of-play.

Mark Carney's approval ratings are still strong but new polls hint it's time for some action in Ottawa. How is a scarcity mindset influencing Canadian politics? Pollster David Coletto shares the numbers

The pursuit of peace in Ukraine: After a week of historic firsts, will there be a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting? Marcus Kolga weighs in.

Are there lessons to be learned from Europe's political battles? Andrew MacDougall on whether Canada is really the most European of non-European countries - and whether we want to be?

The latest on the trade and tariff front - Canada and the US are still struggling to come to a deal after the deadline has passed. Trevor Tombe shares his insight.

Does the Elon-Trump breakup change the future of space research? Space expert Elizabeth Howell returns to No Nonsense.

Everyone is re-thinking how they do business - is Canada ready to invest and diversify... and perhaps, get out of the way? Heather Exner-Pirot, Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, and Mark Norman on No Nonsense.

Despite the on-going tariff and trade battles, for many Canadians, affordability remains their biggest concern. There are countless families who struggle to put food on the table. So food and the future is on the menu today. The founder of the global company AGT Foods and Ingredients – is Murad Al-Katib (a.k.a. The Lentil King) and his mission is combatting food insecurity and making a sustainable future for agriculture possible… and he does it all from Regina, Saskatchewan!Canada is in fact the world's leading producer and exporter of lentils, 95% coming from Saskatchewan where there are over 5000 active lentil farmers. In 2023, Canada produced nearly 1.7 million tons of lentils (it was 2.3 million in 2022) and we exported nearly 2.0 million tons of lentils in 2023!But Murad and AGT don't have an easy road ahead with geopolitical and trade tensions on the rise. Even the PM is now downplaying the prospects for the trade negotiations! But Murad says this uncertainty may be a blessing in disguise… we need the incentive to reduce our dependence on the US while growing and building new markets. And get our own house in order, reduce regulations and put incentives in the right places… more carrots, fewer sticks.The tariff wars have hit agriculture hard and one of AGT's biggest customers, India, imposed huge tariffs on Canadian pulses in 2019 and so Murad had to move quickly to find and secure new markets… much as Canada must do today as we try to navigate Trump's turbulent waters. He's got some great insights into what Ottawa needs to do! Remember, as well as U.S. tariffs, China too, has imposed powerfully punitive 100% retaliatory tariffs on Canadian canola as well as peas and lobster. This has caused farmers to move to other non-tariffed pulses to survive as well as to ensure that soil rotation can be maintained so that crops can be grown, harvested and sold!For example, India consumes 40 pounds of pulses per person, so they buy a huge amount of lentils from Saskatchewan and plant protein like pulses have enormous benefits that can help battle food insecurity. They have excellent shelf life, they are much more efficient to produce than livestock – and more environmentally friendly. And they have tremendous health benefits such as decreased cholesterol and reduced cardiovascular risk. Key to Murad's vision is to use 100% of a plant with zero waste. Pulses already have extended shelf stability, a low food wastage footprint and require low-water input- and AGT has some innovative work going on to use biodegradable materials like starches and fibres to make fossil fuel alternatives!So this is not just some trendy product for vegetarians and health food enthusiasts. AGT Foods is a massive international company with more than 45 global facilities serving more than 120 customer countries… and more than 1400 food products! They are one of the biggest pulse processors in the world… and thereby they help feed the world! A stunning statistic Murad cites: the world will need to produce the same amount of food in the next 40 years as we have produced in the last 10,000 years! He thinks we can do it!Murad is a true leader in the ag sector… and the trade sector... and he advises governments everywhere and has received numerous awards and much deserved recognition for his work, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal which I had the pleasure of presenting to him (via his kids) this year! You will see why when you hear our conversation as Murad is our guest on this episode of No Nonsense. -

Are cuts to military procurement and training leaving soldiers in the field unprepared and unprotected? Tom Lawson on red tape and readiness.

Ottawa is expanding state access to subscriber data and giving political parties a free ride when it comes to protecting voter data. Is this a red flag for what is to come in the new Ottawa? We'll ask internet law expert Michael Geist.

Is the Iranian dictatorship a failing house of cards? Christian Leuprecht insightful analysis of the tactics and strategy at play.

Can the G7 survive a disinterested or distracted Donald Trump? Do the leaders need a new mission? We discuss with Gary Mar.

With chaos in the Middle East, Canada needs to step up its game and become a more predictable energy supplier. Sonya Savage and Heather Exner-Pirot on making the most of our natural resources.

Politics vs. economics. Ian Lee says PM Carney may be doomed to be a one-term prime minister if he doesn't make some risky and radical moves. Plus, Does Canada need its own DOGE?

Products labelled as "Made in Canada" in grocery stores may not be what they appear. Is buying and selling "Canadian" more of a marketing ploy than a mass movement? Sylvain Charlebois explains.

It's Prime Minister Carney's first Speech from the Throne. Heather Exner-Pirot, Mark Norman, and Margaret McCuaig-Johnston look into what's been promised – on No Nonsense with Pamela Wallin.

Putin pulled the plug on peace talks - what is the next move for Ukraine and her allies? Marcus Kolga looks at the options for all of us.

South of the border, the democrats are struggling to rebuild, and Trump's approval is falling. US Pollster Clifford Young looks at the politics at play for our powerful trading partner.

Will the new cabinet actually offer the change that Canadians want and that the Prime Minister promised? James Moore takes a look at who is at the table and why.

Will Mark Carney be the man to make a deal with Donald Trump? is it possible while navigating the growing fault lines dividing our country? Sean Speer explains.

Is Canada over-dependent on selling our oil to one customer - the US? We need more pipelines and fewer regulatory restrictions to make the most of our potential as an energy superpower says Heather Exner-Pirot.

Can this new parliament bring the change Canadians want? Our post-election panel with Darrell Bricker, Sean Speer, and Trevor Tombe explain.

Who said what to whom in the infamous Carney/Trump phone call? Our panel with Tasha Kheiriddin, Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, and Mark Norman have some thoughts!