CTZN | David Craig | Jeremy Prest

Everything feels more expensive. Groceries. Housing. Gas. Interest rates. So why is the federal government announcing billions more in spending?  David Craig and Jeremy Prest break down Canada's latest housing bailout, Mark Carney's spending agenda, rising national debt, and what it could mean for your wallet. Is government fixing the economy—or making the problem worse?  They also discuss Canada's recession, the country's trade relationship with the United States, the upcoming CUSMA agreement, and why decisions being made today could shape Canada's future for years to come.

Something feels like it’s shifting in Canada right now—trade talks, new laws, and our relationship with the United States are all moving at the same time.  In this conversation, Josh Udall from The Elevate Report helps break down what’s actually going on with CUSMA, Canada–U.S. negotiations, and why so many people feel like things are changing faster than they can keep up.  Is this just normal politics and negotiation? Or are we watching a bigger shift unfold in real time without most people noticing?  Either way, it’s worth paying attention to. 

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?  Let us know where you stand in the comments. 

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. 

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. #Alberta #CanadaPolitics #CanadianPolitics #WesternCanada #PoliticalDiscussion

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. #BrettWilson #CanadianPolitics #CitizenPodcast #MarkCarney #Podcast

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.

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?

What is happening to rights and freedoms in Canada today? David and Jeremy sit down with Randy Crosson, executive director of Freedoms Advocate, to discuss your constitutional rights, Bill C-9's impact on free speech, the ethical debate surrounding MAID policy, how court decisions shape the future, and why every Canadian should understand the Charter.

Canada just entered a new political chapter. Jeremy and David break down what a Liberal majority could mean, whether Conservatives can recover, why affordability is still the biggest issue for Canadians, and why Alberta frustration keeps growing. What happens next?

Do you feel like something is "off" in Canada? Karla Joy Treadway—marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and host of The Sovereign Sphere—joins David and Jeremy to talk about what's happening: from political floor crossings to rising un-affordability, media narratives, and what happens when people stop trusting the system.

What’s actually going on in Canada right now? David and Jeremy sit down with Josh Udall from The Elevate Report to break down what’s changed in the country over the last few years, and why so many Canadians feel like something just isn’t right. This isn’t about left vs right. It’s about what’s actually happening, and whether Canada is heading in the right direction.

Alberta independence is no longer just a fringe idea, it’s becoming a serious conversation. In this episode, Jeremy and David sit down with Jeffrey Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project to break down what’s really happening behind the headlines. From federal policies and equalization payments to carbon taxes and energy restrictions, this discussion dives into why so many Albertans are questioning their place in Canada.

Jeremy and David dive into Pierre Poilievre's recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the biggest podcast platform on the planet. From Canada's massive untapped natural resources and the push to cut red tape, to tough questions on medical assistance in dying (MAiD), media balance, and what true patriotism looks like in a divided country—they break it all down. Where do we go from here, and what will it take to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada for everyone?

Jeremy Prest breaks down why Bill C9 has become one of the most controversial issues in the country right now. This conversation is not just for conservatives, Christians, or political insiders. It affects every Canadian who cares about freedom, open debate, and the future direction of the country.

Conrad Black joins Jeremy and David for a no-holds-barred conversation about the exploding Iran war, President Trump’s strategy, Prime Minister Mark Carney's dramatic flip-flop on the Iran conflict, whether Alberta is actually heading for independence—and what all this could mean for the years ahead.

Jeremy and David sit down with political insider Kirk Lubimov for a candid, long-form conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in Canadian politics. From controversial floor-crossing debates to party nomination battles, media tribalism, and the growing “outrage economy,” the discussion digs into why voters feel disconnected—and whether the political system is rewarding performance over real leadership. Kirk shares insider perspectives on party dynamics, campaign strategy, and why convincing the political centre may matter more than winning online arguments. This episode explores: • The real impact of MPs switching parties • Conservative movement strategy and missed opportunities • How social media algorithms shape political narratives • Tribalism, echo chambers, and the fight for independent thinking • Why values, persuasion, and local leadership still matter

Did Canada go too far during COVID-19? David sits down with Chris Weisdorf—legal researcher, activist, and co-founder/director of Concerned Constituents of Canada—to discuss the ongoing legal challenges connected to pandemic-era policies in Canada. Together they explore the Adamson Barbecue case, constitutional arguments surrounding emergency powers, and how court decisions today could shape future debates about rights and government authority.

Why do so many Canadians feel disengaged, pessimistic, and disconnected from the country's future? Elliot Daigneault from the Right Call Podcast joins us for a conversation about the real state of Canada, from Alberta and Quebec independence movements to media narratives, political fear tactics, and Canada’s growing identity crisis. Could it be that apathy, especially among younger generations, is the biggest threat we face?

Law professor Bruce Pardy returns to Citizen to ask the hard questions: What does Alberta stand to lose if it separates? Why does Canada operate like a "cartel-based economy"? How will Donald Trump's approach to global institutions reshape our country's relations with the US? And what does Mark Carney's WEF speech really signal for Canada's future?

We're diving headfirst into the craziness of Davos 2026, from Prime Minister Mark Carney's headline-grabbing speech full of bold calls against bullies and for stronger global ties, to President Trump's no-holds-barred approach that's shaking up NATO, Greenland deals, and trade wars. We break down the irony in Carney's words (gun buybacks and censorship, anyone?), why Alberta's independence movement is heating up, and how Canada getting cozy with China might hurt us more than help. Plus, we chat Trump's deportation stats, EV imports flooding the market, and even El Salvador's wild turnaround.

In this episode of Citizen, we sit down with builder and entrepreneur Shane Wenzel to break down what’s really driving frustration across Canada, from Alberta separation to the housing affordability crisis. Shane brings an on-the-ground perspective from the construction and development world, explaining how government regulation, permit delays, building codes, and net-zero housing policies are increasing costs and slowing housing supply. Our conversation digs into why housing has become one of the clearest examples of how policy decisions directly impact everyday Canadians. We also discuss the growing Alberta independence movement, unanswered questions around banking, investment, population movement, and economic uncertainty, and why rising cost-of-living pressures are changing how people view government and institutions.

In this explosive episode, we dive deep into Trump's lightning-fast Venezuela invasion—capturing Maduro in 14 minutes for $17 trillion in oil reserves, crushing narco-terrorism, and blocking China's black-market plays. But what does this mean for Canada? From Arctic control and Greenland threats to our oil crisis, weak borders, and potential US coercion, is Alberta separation the answer? We break down the geopolitical shift, US dollar dominance, and Canada's vulnerability in 2026. If you're worried about Canada's future amid Trump’s America First agenda, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE for more geopolitics insights, and comment: Is Canada ready for this? #TrumpVenezuela #CanadaCrisis #OilWar #Geopolitics2026 #ArcticControl #USChinaRivalry #AlbertaSeparation #CitizenPodcast

Canada changed dramatically in 2025, and most people haven’t connected all the dots. In this year-end Citizen Podcast episode, Jeremy and David break down the 10 biggest political, cultural, and economic moments that shaped Canada in 2025, from leadership upheaval and foreign interference to Alberta sovereignty and government control over speech.

How should government regulate the modern internet—and what trade-offs come with those decisions? John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, joins us to discuss. Canada's approach to online regulation is evolving. New legislation is affecting online streaming, news distribution, and harmful-content enforcement. But how do these policies quietly influence visibility and legal processes? What unintended consequences might there be if the government gets to decide what we see and hear online?

What political and economic shifts are reshaping Canada and the West—and how can we get back on track to growth and prosperity? From Bill C-9 and free speech concerns... to Canada's exploding bureaucracy, net-zero climate mandates, and the erosion of private sector innovation... David and Jeremy expose the deeper tensions driving these issues. They also tackle the problems of moral language, social policy, and the contradictions inside modern human rights debates.

How long will free speech remain free? In this conversation with Kirk Lubimov, Jeremy and David uncover the truth behind Bill C-9, the expansion of hate-speech laws, and the growing threat to free expression in Canada.

As Canadians, we think we live in a democracy that respects our rights. But do we really? Or are we coasting on myths about the Charter, the courts, and our own responsibilities as citizens? Eva Chipiuk, the lawyer who cross-examined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his use of the Emergencies Act, is here to ask the hard questions. What if the real crisis in Canada isn't Left vs. Right, but citizens vs. their own ignorance of the system that rules them?

Journalist and author Rupa Subramanya joins David and Jeremy for a deep, unapologetic conversation about the direction of Canada: from de-banking and emergency powers to immigration, economic stagnation, and the future we're building for our kids. Is any political leader willing to tell Canadians the truth about the hard path to recovery?

Alberta independence: is it a fantasy... or the only realistic path to prosperity? Mitch Sylvestre and Jeffrey Rath, two leaders from the Alberta Prosperity Project, join the show to argue that Ottawa is actively harming Albertans and that negotiated fixes are political theatre. In this episode, we dig into their plan, "day one" promises, economics—and the hard questions, like how to handle CPP, passports, borders, and Indigenous rights.

Former political leader Stockwell Day joins Jeremy and David for a powerful conversation about Canada’s future, from runaway government spending to the erosion of democratic dialogue. Stockwell shares insider insight from his time as Alberta’s finance minister and federal leader, revealing why debt isn’t just financial, it’s moral. They discuss: What the latest federal budget really means for everyday Canadians How bureaucracy and inefficiency hold governments hostage Whether Alberta’s independence talk is justified And why responsible leadership is about more than politics, it’s about truth and legacy. 👉 "If you’re only watching CBC or CNN, you’re missing half the story." - Stockwell Day 🎧 Tune in for a grounded, unfiltered, and surprisingly hopeful look at where Canada’s headed.   #StockwellDay #CitizenPodcast #CanadianPolitics #Economy #Leadership #Canada #GovernmentBudget

David and Jeremy sit down with David Leis, President of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, to unpack the Richmond, B.C. land-claim ruling that’s shaking the foundation of property rights across Canada. What does this mean for homeowners, investors, and the future of Canadian democracy? This growing divide over truth, reconciliation, and free speech could define our nation’s next decade. 

In this episode, David and Jeremy tackle the state of Canadian politics, identity, and leadership in 2025. From Calgary's election recount and Mark Carney's national address, to Danielle Smith's narrow win and the growing divide across Canada, this conversation asks the hard questions. Leave a comment and join the conversation.

In this episode of Citizen, we break down some of the biggest issues facing Canadians today: The Alberta teachers' strike: Why are teachers demanding massive pay increases during tough economic times? Government spending: Bad policy and weak leadership are driving businesses like Stellantis out of Canada.  The future of faith-based charities: Ottawa's proposed changes to charitable tax status could threaten churches, mosques, and community organizations that support families in need. AI bias: Does ChatGPT have a hidden political bias? How should Canadians stay informed without falling for misinformation or censorship? Let's think critically about where Canada is headed, and what it means to stand up for faith, freedom, and common sense in today's world.

In this episode of Citizen, we sit down with special guest Kirk Lubimov, political analyst, to unpack Calgary’s high-stakes municipal election. For the first time, party labels will appear on ballots, creating both excitement and confusion among voters. Kirk brings his expertise to break down the issues shaping the race: Blanket rezoning – the central flashpoint between faster housing growth and neighbourhood control. City finances – rising taxes versus massive reserves, and what that says about the council’s priorities. Public safety – how concerns on transit and downtown streets measure City Hall’s ability to deliver on basics. Governance – the bigger question: should Calgary be run by centralized party machines or by councillors accountable to communities? Together, we explore not just candidates and campaign strategies, but what’s really at stake: the future balance of power, priorities, and public trust in Calgary.

In this episode, David and Jeremy break down Bill C-8 (telecom/cybersecurity), Bill C-9 (Criminal Code changes on hate propaganda/hate crime), and the UK’s new digital ID push. They explore the risks of vague powers, potential overreach, and what citizens can do to keep the debate open.

We sit down with Professor Bruce Pardy to unpack his bold vision for a new constitution in the event of Alberta’s separation. Pardy argues that Canada’s system has produced a managerial state—one that prizes order over freedom. Could the Alberta Separation chart a different course by flipping the script and limiting government to just three roles: policing, courts, and military defense? In this episode, we dive into: • Why Canada restricts free speech more than the U.S. does • The failures of internal reform and judicial overreach • What Alberta's independence could look like under a minimal government model. • The real challenges of funding healthcare, schools, and public goods without taxation. • How freedom is redefined as the absence of state coercion. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation challenges the very foundation of how Canada governs.

Citizen Podcast with Jeremy & David dives into the stories Canada’s mainstream media won’t touch. In this episode: Why Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) jobs at Mary Brown’s & Tommy Gun’s are being posted with $63,000 salaries Canada’s two-tier justice system: Freedom Convoy leaders jailed while violent criminals get a pass Danielle Smith’s Alberta autonomy push: guns, policing, and standing up to Ottawa The housing crisis & cost of living explosion driving Canadians south of the border Global shakeups: Putin, Xi, & Kim Jong-Un’s alliance, plus the role of crypto in geopolitics 👉 If you care about Canadian politics, immigration, freedom, and the truth behind the headlines, hit subscribe and join the conversation.

We sit down with David Engelhardt, pastor, attorney, board member of Turning Point USA, and a personal friend of Charlie Kirk to reflect on the life, faith, and impact of Charlie Kirk following his tragic assassination. Engelhardt shares personal stories, insights on how Kirk’s faith underpinned his public mission, and what his legacy means for the future of faith, civic engagement, and freedom.

In this special episode of the Citizen, we reflect on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and what his life, courage, and faith mean for America today. Our guest Nathan Finochio, author, pastor, founder of TheosU, and a friend of Charlie Kirk, joins us to discuss the details of the shooting, the cultural sickness that celebrates violence, and why Kirk’s legacy must inspire a new generation of leaders. We unpack how Charlie embodied Aristotle’s truth that “courage is the ultimate virtue”, the danger of radical ideologies spreading through universities and media, and how people of faith should respond in love, truth, and conviction during this watershed moment in history.

Rising home invasions, shootings, and crime in Ontario are heating up the debate around self-defense and castle laws in Canada. Today, we're asking: should Canadians have stronger rights to protect their families and property, similar to the US? We also discuss the dropped retaliatory tariffs, our shrinking GDP, and whether Canada is prepared for long-term economic challenges.  

We speak directly with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham about why his city did not approve Sean Feucht’s Central Park event. We explore the difference between safety concerns and political bias, the role of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and what this case could mean for public gatherings across the country. Watch, think, and decide for yourself.

American worship leader Sean Feucht's 2025 Canadian tour has met with cancellations, backlash, and skewed media coverage. What's behind the controversy? Sean joins us today to share the inside story and call Canadians to defend their freedoms and turn opposition into opportunity.

In this episode, we sit down with John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), to discuss the state of civil liberties in Canada. We explore the JCCF’s work defending freedoms of conscience, religion, expression, and assembly through high-profile cases like campus free speech battles, foster parents’ rights, and the Trinity Western University law school fight. What’s the answer to government overreach? How can citizens get involved and take active roles in reversing cultural decline?

Churches fined, event permits revoked—U.S. worship leader Sean Feucht's Canadian tour stops have been embroiled in controversy. Is this religious discrimination or public safety enforcement? In this episode, we also discuss Canada's strained healthcare system, immigration surges, and collapsing infrastructure. From the culture identity debate to Alberta separatist talk, we explore whether Canada is losing its grip—and what citizens can do about it.

Let's explore the big questions about culture, values, and the future of our society. We dive into timely topics like tradition vs. progress, free speech, cultural assimilation, and the impact of language on public discourse. With honest conversation, historical context, and a passion for preserving what works while improving what doesn’t, We challenge listeners to think critically about where we’re headed — and what’s worth defending along the way.

In this follow-up episode, Professor Bruce Pardy returns to continue the conversation on Alberta's potential separation from Canada. Together we take a deeper look at the legal, political, and cultural questions surrounding independence. What's changed since our last discussion? Why does Alberta's vision for freedom matter? And could Alberta lead a broader transformation in Canada? We're challenging assumptions and exploring whether Alberta could chart a new path—not just for itself, but for the entire country.

Why is one of the richest, most resource-blessed countries in the world struggling to provide a decent living for its people? In this episode, we dive deep into Canada's rising cost of living and explore how bad governance and mismanagement are pushing families to the brink. We also shine a spotlight on Alberta's growing frustration with Ottawa and the need for common-sense, fact-based policies that actually improve lives—for families, workers, and future generations.

Should Alberta push for more autonomy within Canada... or pursue full independence? Bruce Pardy, professor of law and Executive Director of Rights Probe, returns to the show to dive into this question with us. Together we discuss the Alberta referendum, the need for deep internal reform in this country, and whether our constitution is truly rooted in liberty—or only serves to centralize control. We talked about: - Why Alberta might need to separate to survive? - The myth of Canadian freedom and rule of law. - The rise of the managerial state and institutional grift. - The failure of Canada’s constitution to protect liberty. - How public institutions grow for themselves — not the people. - What a truly free Alberta would have to give up?