
Alberta's Exit : Closer than you think? | Jason Lavigne
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.
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?
Today we dive into the biggest questions shaping Canada’s future: Did Mark Carney really renounce his British and Irish citizenships—and why does it matter? Are the polls actually reflecting the will of the people, or just media spin? As the election race heats up, we look at what a head-to-head between Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney might look like. Plus, a chilling look at the growing restrictions on freedom of speech in Canada—are we still the free country we claim to be?
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.
The election countdown is on—are Canadians ready? In this episode, we unpack the key policies at play and what it all means in the face of today's unique economic challenges. As voters are divided by generation gaps, ideological differences, and increased polarization by the media... how do we each get out of our own echo chambers, engage in honest conversation, and find the best path forward?
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.
We sit down with Bruce Pardy, a legal scholar and outspoken advocate for individual rights and the rule of law, to explore one of the most contentious political questions in Canada today: Should Alberta pursue independence? This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Find out what's driving Alberta's growing separatist movement, what the trade-offs are, and what this would mean for Canada at large.
The election polls are rolling in, but how much should we actually trust them? In this episode, we take a deep dive into how these polls are conducted, who's really being surveyed, and whether they shape public opinion more than they reflect it. Are voters doing their own research or just sticking with their party out of habit? And do party track records even matter anymore? Find out in this discussion.
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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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