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.
Podcast Description
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
Jun 11, 2026
Have Canada's courts become political?
Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
1hr 11 min
From the Emergencies Act to land claims and property rights, some of Canada's most important issues are being decided in the courts. But are judges simply applying the law or are they playing a bigger role in shaping public policy?
Former Manitoba judge Brian Giesbrecht says public trust in the courts is declining and that judges have become too involved in political and social issues.
Join David Leis live with Giesbrecht, Alberta lawyer Leighton Grey, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, as they share the growing power of the courts, controversial rulings, and what it all means for Canadians. Why does this matter? What policies need to change?
Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
1hr 11 min
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?
Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
1hr 10 min
Did a New Brunswick court just shift the land claims debate in Canada?
A new ruling is raising major questions about how Aboriginal title interacts with private property—and whether Canada’s courts are starting to draw clearer lines after dangerous uncertainty.
Join David Leis live with law professor Bruce Pardy, as he breaks down the New Brunswick decision, how it compares to B.C., and what it could mean for property owners across the country.
Is this a turning point for property rights or just the beginning of a bigger legal battle?
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
1hr 1 min
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.
May 28, 2026
Is Alberta’s Separation Movement Falling Apart?
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
1hr 11 min
Frustration with Ottawa is growing, emotions are running high, and the separation movement in Alberta appears more divided and chaotic than ever. Court decisions, political infighting, and questions about leadership and strategy are leaving many Albertans asking: what’s actually going on?
Is there a real plan behind the movement—or is this spiraling out of control? And instead of dismissing the anger, should Canada be addressing the policy issues driving people toward separation in the first place?
Join David Leis live with Cory Morgan, author and contributor with the Western Standard, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, as they unpack the growing tensions, the political fallout, and what could happen next.
May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
53 min
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.
May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
1hr 13 min
Another pipeline promise but will this one actually get built?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney say a new oil pipeline from Alberta through B.C. is moving ahead, with construction expected to begin in 2027. But after years of delays, political battles, and cancelled projects, many Canadians are asking: is this finally happening, or is it another empty promise?
How would a new pipeline impact Canada’s economy, energy security, jobs, and cost of living? And what obstacles still stand in the way?
Join David Leis live with Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy, and Chris Bloomer, former CEO of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, as they break down what this project could mean for Canada’s future and share policy solutions.
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
51 min
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.
May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
1hr 19 min
Is Canada’s immigration system out of control and why does it feel like no one is fixing it?
Housing costs are climbing, services are stretched, and more Canadians are asking the same question: what changed, and can this still be fixed?
Join David Leis live with Riley Donovan, researcher and journalist, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, as they break down what’s really going on, why it matters right now, and what policy changes could actually turn things around.
May 7, 2026
Can Land Claims Affect Your Property?
May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
1hr 10 min
There’s a lot happening right now with Aboriginal land claims and policies like DRIPA, but most Canadians aren’t sure what it actually means. Does it affect private property? Does it create uncertainty for homeowners or investors?
Join David Leis live with Tom Isaac, B.C. lawyer focused on Aboriginal law, and Bruce Hallsor, real estate lawyer, as they walk through what’s happening, what it means in plain language, and what Canadians should be watching for next.
If you own property, plan to, or care about where the country is headed, this one matters.







