
No Way Up: Canada’s Social Ladder Is Broken
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.
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.
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?
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
John Carpay from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms exposes the shocking truth about Canada’s judicial system—are judges not defending your Charter rights? No matter what party you support, this should worry every Canadian. In his new book Corrupted by Fear, Carpay reveals how fear and corruption took hold of the country—including the courts. Are your rights at risk? And how can you fight back? Don’t miss this eye-opening episode!
Today we're breaking down the possibility of a snap election in Canada—what's behind the timing and who's really pulling the strings? With the Liberals leading in the polls and the Conservatives suddenly quiet, what's the strategy at play? Plus, we tackle Mark Carney's bold move to scrap the Consumer Carbon Tax (and whether he has authority to do so), Danielle Smith taking a stand for Alberta's resource production, and finally, the big question: where does your loyalty lie—with your family or your country?
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.
In this episode, we break down Mark Carney's rise to Liberal leadership and what it means for Canada's future—especially as he positions himself to become Prime Minister without Canadians having a direct say in the process. They discuss how our voting system allows this to happen and the growing frustration among voters. With Pierre Poilievre being painted as Canada’s version of Donald Trump, is this just political maneuvering, or is there truth behind the comparison? And with the NDP’s history of propping up the Liberals, will Jagmeet Singh once again back their leadership, or could we see a shift?
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.
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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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