Return to Reason

On Saturday, November 19th, Leon Fontaine passed away. His wife Sally and the rest of his family are taking this time to gather and mourn. Thank you so much for all of your love and support.

Please be praying for the Fontaine family during this time. Click here to read a statement from the Fontaine family.

Canada Has Become a Safe Haven for Criminals | Scott McGregor

Canada’s immigration policy is a train wreck, and it’s creating real security risks. Former RCMP intelligence analyst Scott McGregor explains how gaps in policy, weak enforcement, and slow deportation systems are being exploited by organized crime and foreign actors in Canada. This isn’t just about border control—it’s about policy failure. From ports to courts, the system is struggling to keep up, and criminals know it. The question is simple: what policy changes are needed before the gaps get worse?

Something is shifting in Alberta and almost nobody is explaining it properly. Is this really about separation… or something far more strategic? In this episode, host David Craig breaks down the growing referendum conversation, the political tension between Alberta and Ottawa, and why some argue this isn’t about leaving Canada but about forcing it to change. What if the real goal isn’t independence… but leverage?

Canada is not secure, and according to Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret.) David Redman, the risks and our "enemies" are already here. Redman, who served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 27 years, reveals just how weak Canada's border is, our failing immigration enforcement, and explains how the courts and policing systems are not keeping up with reality. He raises serious concerns about known threats operating freely in Canada, questions whether Canada is properly prioritizing its own military before sending billions to Ukraine, and warns that allies like the United States may act to protect their own interests regardless of Canada’s position. What does it take to get Canada back in control of its borders, its laws, and its national security?

Is Canada still a place where you can realistically build wealth, or are we watching a shift that most people haven’t fully felt yet? Senior portfolio manager with Wellington-Altus, Martin Pelletier breaks down what’s happening beneath the surface of Canada’s economy, from housing becoming increasingly out of reach in major cities, to inflation reshaping the value of money, and why the gap between asset owners and wage earners keeps growing. We also get into what the bond market is signalling about debt and government spending, and why some Canadians, especially entrepreneurs, are starting to look elsewhere for opportunity.

Is public land still truly public? Most Canadians don’t think twice about Crown land—it’s where people hunt, fish, camp, and get away from the city. But that access is becoming a real point of tension. David Leis is joined by Jesse Zeman of the BC Wildlife Federation and Chris Heald of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation to talk about what’s changing on Crown lands across Canada, and why more people are worried they’re slowly getting locked out. They break down new policy shifts, conservation rules, and land-use decisions that could affect everyday Canadians, not just hunters and anglers. If access keeps shrinking, it changes how families use the land, how communities connect with nature, and who gets to enjoy Canada’s outdoors at all.

Should Alberta keep trying to reform Canada from inside, or take control of its own future outside Canada? David Craig sits down with constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson for an in-depth discussion on the growing Alberta independence movement. Following Keith's recent public debate with Alberta Premier Jason Kenny, this episode explores some of the biggest questions Canadians are now asking.

Former BC Finance Minister Mike de Jong has spent years inside government making real budget decisions during economic stress and crisis periods in British Columbia. He reflects on what actually worked in office, balancing budgets, managing deficits, and dealing with the political pressure that comes with long-term planning. He also breaks down where policy is creating roadblocks today, especially around housing, LNG, investment, and uncertainty over land and regulation. But it’s not just criticism, he also explains what a realistic path forward looks like if governments focus again on growth, investment, and clear rules.

Canada's biggest problem isn't what you think. Brett Wilson joins David and Jeremy for a conversation on the state of Canada, Alberta frustration, economic decline, AI, energy policy, and the growing divide between citizens and institutions. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what Canada's future could look like if difficult questions are finally addressed.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra joins David Leis for a blunt conversation about trade, pipelines, critical minerals, China, and why the U.S. is growing frustrated with Canada’s direction. Hoekstra says America wants to partner with Canada, grow prosperity, protect freedoms, and build major projects together, but warns the relationship is being tested by harmful policies, trade barriers, and political decisions coming out of Ottawa. He says the U.S. is taking Canada’s words seriously and shares what closer ties with China could mean for Canada’s future.

Canada is one of the most resource-rich countries on Earth—so why does the economy feel stalled? In this episode, David sits down with Kirk Lubimov to break down why Canada struggles to build major infrastructure, whether diversification away from the U.S. is realistic, and the clash between restrictive policies and economic growth.

Is Alberta separation on the horizon? With over 300,000 verified signatures calling for a referendum—far exceeding the 178,000 threshold—the possibility of independence is taking shape. David Craig sits down with Western Standard senior columnist Cory Morgan to examine the real implications for policy, democracy, and governance. Cory breaks down the mechanics of Alberta's citizen initiative process, ongoing court challenges, and the practical hurdles ahead.

Life in Canada is getting more expensive, and a lot of people are asking why. David Leis talks with former trade minister Ed Fast about what’s happening with Canada’s economy right now—from trade with the U.S. to rising costs at home. They break down why Canada is struggling to keep up in a fast-changing world, and what it means for jobs, prices, and the future. You'll want to hear this.

Shuv Majumdar, Member of Parliament for Calgary Heritage, joins David and Jeremy for a conversation about the state of Canada today. Facing the pressures of rising costs, people's trust in political institutions is crumbling. Meanwhile, Canada is at a crossroads as its role in a rapidly changing global landscape is under question. Beyond the headlines, what could the future look like for Canadians across the country?

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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.

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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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Canada needs a source for responsible journalism, reliable facts, interesting interviews and common-sense analysis. Canada needs truth. Canada needs Return to Reason. More series and styles of content are in development and coming soon.

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