#74 David Leis: Canada at a Crossroads an Urgent Call for Renewal episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 6, 2026 · 57 MIN

#74 David Leis: Canada at a Crossroads an Urgent Call for Renewal

from Concepts with Shawn Whatley · host Shawn Whatley

What's wrong with Canada, and what can we expect to happen next? David Leis has spent decades in Canadian politics, and he's worried. Canada is in decline. We need leadership to change course, not simply a change in government. He packages his concern in terms of data, comparisons with other countries, and political argument. As President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, he has a ton of evidence to draw upon. But his concern springs from a deep love for Canada. It generates an urgency that breaks through, as it did in this episode around the half-way mark. David gives me hope. He's one of many Canadians on the non-left who believe Canada could be so much better. Life doesn't need to be this hard. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode! And in case you missed it, I post this content early on my Patreon account (free).    AI summary:   In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley is joined by David Leis, President and CEO of the Frontier Center for Public Policy, to discuss the current socio-economic and cultural issues facing Canada. They explore how radical leftist ideologies have infiltrated Canadian institutions and the resulting decline in societal and economic stability. David Leis delves into the importance of empowering citizens through education reform, fostering market competition, and ensuring government accountability. The conversation stresses the urgency for renewed leadership and a return to foundational principles to avert further decline. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Canada and practical solutions for a national revival. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis in Canada 00:51 Meet David Leis: Background and Expertise 01:18 The Urgency of Canada's Situation 03:19 Defining Decline and Leadership 07:36 The Role of Government and Citizens 14:17 Cultural Foundations and Civic Education 17:54 Challenges and Solutions for Canada's Future 30:34 The Stakes of Institutional Capture 31:33 Challenges in Education Reform 32:30 Innovative Education Models 35:07 Economic Decline and Urgency for Change 37:03 The Canadian Wheat Board and Agricultural Renaissance 38:16 Crown Corporations and Productivity Issues 41:12 Balancing Free Enterprise and Culture 44:01 Call for Leadership and National Renewal

What's wrong with Canada, and what can we expect to happen next? David Leis has spent decades in Canadian politics, and he's worried. Canada is in decline. We need leadership to change course, not simply a change in government. He packages his concern in terms of data, comparisons with other countries, and political argument. As President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, he has a ton of evidence to draw upon. But his concern springs from a deep love for Canada. It generates an urgency that breaks through, as it did in this episode around the half-way mark. David gives me hope. He's one of many Canadians on the non-left who believe Canada could be so much better. Life doesn't need to be this hard. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode! And in case you missed it, I post this content early on my Patreon account (free).    AI summary:   In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley is joined by David Leis, President and CEO of the Frontier Center for Public Policy, to discuss the current socio-economic and cultural issues facing Canada. They explore how radical leftist ideologies have infiltrated Canadian institutions and the resulting decline in societal and economic stability. David Leis delves into the importance of empowering citizens through education reform, fostering market competition, and ensuring government accountability. The conversation stresses the urgency for renewed leadership and a return to foundational principles to avert further decline. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Canada and practical solutions for a national revival. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis in Canada 00:51 Meet David Leis: Background and Expertise 01:18 The Urgency of Canada's Situation 03:19 Defining Decline and Leadership 07:36 The Role of Government and Citizens 14:17 Cultural Foundations and Civic Education 17:54 Challenges and Solutions for Canada's Future 30:34 The Stakes of Institutional Capture 31:33 Challenges in Education Reform 32:30 Innovative Education Models 35:07 Economic Decline and Urgency for Change 37:03 The Canadian Wheat Board and Agricultural Renaissance 38:16 Crown Corporations and Productivity Issues 41:12 Balancing Free Enterprise and Culture 44:01 Call for Leadership and National Renewal

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#74 David Leis: Canada at a Crossroads an Urgent Call for Renewal

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This episode was published on January 6, 2026.

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What's wrong with Canada, and what can we expect to happen next? David Leis has spent decades in Canadian politics, and he's worried. Canada is in decline. We need leadership to change course, not simply a change in government. He packages his...

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