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.

Communism Killed Millions. Why Are We Afraid to Acknowledge It?

David Leis sits down with Ludwik Klimkowski to reveal the powerful story behind Canada’s new memorial to the victims of communism. Why was it so controversial? What does it stand for? And why do some Canadians still downplay the horrors of communist regimes? They unpack personal stories of survival, the hidden costs of “the greater good,” and why remembering these tragedies is more urgent than ever. If you think communism is just a history lesson—this episode will change your mind.

Just how democratic is Canada—really? Martin Belanger, aka MartyUpNorth_2, is back on the show to discuss the Alberta separation movement. While mainstream media continues to downplay Alberta's political sentiments, this movement is growing. Is sovereignty even possible? What are the pitfalls of calling a referendum too soon? And at the end of the day, what do everyday Canadians really care about?

What really happened to Collin May, the former chair of the Alberta Human Rights Commission who was canceled just weeks into his appointment? Collin is now a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre of Public Policy. In this gripping conversation, Collin opens up to David Leis about the personal and professional fallout, the ideological machine behind his cancellation, and why cancel culture is one of the biggest threats to free society today.

We tackle the biggest questions shaping Canada’s future—starting with Bill C‑5, the new federal law aimed at breaking down labour barriers between provinces. Is it truly a win for workers, or just another Ottawa power move?We then dig into Canada’s bold promise to hit NATO’s 2% GDP target by the end of 2025—raising the question: where is all this money coming from, and can we afford it as the economy struggles? Finally, we take a hard look at Alberta’s growing independence movement: who’s driving it, how much support it really has, and what separation would actually mean. Should Alberta separate? Will Bill C‑5 help Canadians? And who’s really paying for this military pledge?

We pull back the curtain on two of the most important—and overlooked—power plays happening right now. First, we dive into the very public meltdown between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Then we shine a light on what's happening behind closed doors with PM Mark Carney, who has reportedly been in quiet talks with Trump's circle about future economic policy. This episode is packed with questions the mainstream won't ask—and insights Canada needs to hear.

Tanya and Ryan Davies never planned to launch a political podcast. But when Covid hit and the country changed, so did they. In this conversation, they share their powerful journey from quiet citizens to bold truth-tellers behind the hit podcast Northern Perspective. They talk about what pushed them to speak out, the backlash they’ve faced, and the surprising support that’s followed. With over 180,000 subscribers, they’re tapping into something millions of Canadians are feeling: frustration, confusion, and a deep hunger for honest conversation. They also share their vision for Canada and what needs to change. If you’ve ever felt like the media doesn’t speak for you anymore, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Is the Canadian dream dying before our eyes? David Leis and urban affairs writer Joel Kotkin expose how rising housing costs, shrinking home ownership, and bad energy policies are creating a new kind of serfdom—where the middle class is squeezed out, and the elites tighten their grip. Why are young Canadians locked out of homeownership? Is the government quietly killing economic freedom? And could global agendas be turning Canada into a testing ground for top-down control? This episode will change how you see Canada’s future—and why now is the time to fight back.

In this episode, we unpack King Charles III's historic visit to Canada. Why did he really come? Was it just ceremony, or a bold political message? We're going to explore the king's unexpected role in shaping Canada's identity amid global pressure, what this moment says about Canada's independence—and where is Pierre Poilievre now after losing his seat in the 2025 election?

Why are Canadians getting poorer while Americans surge ahead? David Leis and economic columnist Matthew Lau talk about the widening economic gap between Canada and the U.S.—and the numbers are alarming. Business investment is down, productivity is flat, and the middle class is feeling the squeeze. They break down the $48 billion deficit, rising government spending, and the case for privatization. Is Ottawa helping—or just getting in the way? Plus they talk about trade barriers between provinces, corporate welfare, and why Alberta’s frustration might be a warning for the rest of the country. If you’re worried about the cost of living, the shrinking middle class, or what kind of future we’re headed for—this is the episode you need to hear.

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.

Frustrated. Fed up. Ready for change. That’s how many Albertans feel after years of being sidelined by Ottawa. In this eye-opening episode, David Leis sits down with Dr. Dennis Modry and Lawyer Jeff Rath—two key voices behind the Alberta Prosperity Project—to talk about the growing push for sovereignty. Is Alberta better off on its own? Why are more people demanding a referendum? And what would independence really look like—for the economy, Indigenous communities, and Alberta’s place in the world? We get into everything: Trudeau’s policies, the recent election, the TMX pipeline, Western alienation, and why some say the current system is simply ungovernable. If you think the separation talk is just noise… you’ll want to hear this.

Canada produces some of the cleanest oil on the planet—so why is our government trying to shut it down? On today’s episode, Kevin Tucker (host of the Great Northern Discussion Podcast) joins us to unpack the facts about Canadian oil, our global leadership in clean energy innovation, and the political agenda that seems determined to cripple one of our greatest national advantages. Is this really about the environment—or something else entirely?

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.

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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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