Leaders on the Frontier
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.
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.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies have reshaped universities, corporations, governments, and public institutions across Canada. But are these initiatives strengthening society or creating new divisions and unintended consequences?
Join David Leis live with lawyer Collin May, Professor David Haskell, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, for a long-overdue conversation about the real-world impacts of DEI.
Where has DEI succeeded? Where has it fallen short? Should institutions rethink or roll back these policies? And what practical policy reforms could move us forward in a way that promotes fairness, opportunity, prosperity?
7 days ago
7 days ago
Cartel violence in Mexico isn’t just Mexico’s problem anymore.
From vulnerable ports to immigration screening gaps, security experts warn that Canada is not insulated from the narco-state dynamics reshaping North America.
Intelligence analyst Scott McGregor says: cartels operate like sophisticated global businesses, tourism money fuels influence, and eliminating a single kingpin doesn’t dismantle the system, it may make it worse.
The question is no longer whether this affects Canada.
It’s how prepared we are and whether current policy enforcement is enough.
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Mexico’s Cartel Crackdown, What It Means for Canada?
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
After the death of a major cartel leader in Mexico, violence briefly flared but authorities moved quickly to restore order. What actually happened, and what does it signal about stability in the region?
More importantly, what does this mean for Canada? Are cartel networks operating here? Has Canada’s immigration and border policy kept pace with evolving security risks?
Security analyst Scott McGregor and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, join David Leis to break down the aftermath of the cartel leader’s death, how Mexico responded, and what policy lessons Canada should be considering now.
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
The Shocking Reason Your Grocery Bill Keeps Rising
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Canada’s grocery bills are out of control, hitting 6.2% inflation, the highest in the G7. But this isn’t just about rising prices, it’s about government policies and structural problems that are making it worse.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Canadian professor and researcher, exposes how trade barriers, weak competition, and financial programs are fuelling food inflation. Sylvain says Canada’s economy is drifting behind the U.S. and shares what policymakers are failing to tell you.
Your wallet is on the line, and the warning signs are clear: without real policy change, prices will keep climbing and Canada’s economy could face serious consequences.
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Is the Canadian Media Its Own Worst Enemy?
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Canadians have lost trust in the media but how did it happen?
Join David Leis live with Jasmin Laine, former radio DJ turned podcaster, Derek Fildebrandt, Publisher at Western Standard, and Gene Valaitis, Host at 610 AM Niagara, as they break down the state of media in Canada.
Where did the media go wrong? What role should journalism play in a free and democratic society? Are regulators helping or hurting? And what policy reforms could restore credibility and strengthen independent media?
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
“Unlawful. Illegal.” Why the Emergencies Act Decision Matters to Every Canadian
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
A court of Appeal deemed the Emergencies Act was used illegally in February 2022. If another crisis hits tomorrow, what standards would government have to meet? Did we learn any lessons, or will this happen again?
David Leis speaks with Josh DeHaas of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, the team behind the court action. Josh explains how vague emergency definitions, secrecy in governance, and unchecked executive power could shape future policy decisions.
With legislation like Bill C-8, Bill C-9, and Bill C-15 expanding government authority, the real question is no longer what happened, but what policy changes, if any, are being made to stop it from happening again.
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Can Canada Stay United Amid Rising Separatism?
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Separatist movements in Alberta and Quebec are rising but could they actually help Canada rethink its policies and unite the country?
Join David Leis live with political scientist Dr. Barry Cooper and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, as they break down why these movements have emerged, what concerns are driving them, and what policy responses could address grievances while keeping Canada together.
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Money is Leaving Canada Fast, Former Finance Minister Speaks Out
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Canada’s economy is quietly unraveling, and it could hit your wallet, your job, and your future. David Leis sits down with former Finance Minister Joe Oliver to reveal the hard truth: government overspending, ballooning deficits, and mismanaged trade are sending Canadian money overseas, leaving families struggling and businesses looking elsewhere. Productivity is falling, innovation is stalling, and our reliance on natural resources isn’t enough to secure our future. If Canada doesn’t act now, jobs will vanish, wages will stagnate, and the next generation will be stuck paying the price. This is about your family, your savings, and the Canada you thought you knew.
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Snap Election in 2026? Canada Faces Big Decisions
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Canada is at a crossroads. After the Conservative convention and with talk of a possible 2026 snap election, big questions loom over Parliament, policy, and Canada’s future.
What does this mean for Canadians? How will our challenging relationship with the U.S. shape trade, security, and the economy? And what major issues should Parliament tackle to keep Canada moving forward?
Join David Leis live with former Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at the Frontier Centre, as they unpack the political fallout, what’s at stake, and give Canadians an insider’s perspective on what’s next.
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Canada Is Taxing Itself Into Decline | Kim Moody Explains Why
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Canada is quietly taxing itself into decline. David Leis sits down with tax expert Kim Moody to explain why high taxes are driving jobs, investment, and talent out of the country—and how government spending is fuelling inflation while everyday Canadians fall behind. From CRA inefficiencies to the case for a flat tax, this conversation breaks down why a major tax reset may be the only way to save Canada’s economic future. If you work, save, or run a business in Canada, this affects you.







