
Bill C-5, NATO, and Alberta Separation: Is Canada Quietly Rewriting Itself?
We tackle the biggest questions shaping Canada’s future—starting with Bill C‑5, the new federal law aimed at breaking down labour barriers between provinces. Is it truly a win for workers, or just another Ottawa power move?We then dig into Canada’s bold promise to hit NATO’s 2% GDP target by the end of 2025—raising the question: where is all this money coming from, and can we afford it as the economy struggles? Finally, we take a hard look at Alberta’s growing independence movement: who’s driving it, how much support it really has, and what separation would actually mean. Should Alberta separate? Will Bill C‑5 help Canadians? And who’s really paying for this military pledge?
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.
In this episode, we unpack King Charles III's historic visit to Canada. Why did he really come? Was it just ceremony, or a bold political message? We're going to explore the king's unexpected role in shaping Canada's identity amid global pressure, what this moment says about Canada's independence—and where is Pierre Poilievre now after losing his seat in the 2025 election?
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.
Alberta wants out. But is separation just political theatre—or a legitimate path forward? We're joined by Jason Lavigne, host of The Lavigne Show and Regional Leader/Media Relations for the Alberta Prosperity project. He breaks down what the project stands for and the underlying frustrations fuelling Alberta's desire to separate from Canada.
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 produces some of the cleanest oil on the planet—so why is our government trying to shut it down? On today’s episode, Kevin Tucker (host of the Great Northern Discussion Podcast) joins us to unpack the facts about Canadian oil, our global leadership in clean energy innovation, and the political agenda that seems determined to cripple one of our greatest national advantages. Is this really about the environment—or something else entirely?
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.
On the heels of the federal election, we're discussing the latest developments in Canada: Mark Carney's meeting with Donald Trump, the true nature of their relationship, and Danielle Smith's comments on an independence referendum for Alberta. Are things about to change for good?
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.
Now that Prime Minister Mark Carney has won the election with a minority Liberal government, where does Canada go from here? Today, we're unpacking the results of the election that will shape our nation's future—discussing how Prime Minister Carney will govern, what's next for Pierre Poilievre, and whether Alberta's separatist movement might hit the boiling point in the near future.
Is Canada facing more "snakes" than "ladders" on the social mobility board? In this episode, we delve into the 2025 Policy Horizons Canada report that envisions a Canada in 2040 where upward social mobility is a rarity. We explore some of the contributing factors: diminishing returns of post-secondary education, the escalating housing crisis, and the entrenchment of intergenerational wealth. We also examine the costed platforms of both the Liberal and Conservative parties in light of next week's election. Join us as we look ahead to Canada's potential 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?
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Join real conversations between Jeremy Prest and David Craig on Canadian culture and current issues. You'll get the chance to explore both sides of the story, wrestle with the unfiltered facts, and find the best path forward. No topic is off the table.

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.
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