Can Carney Actually Fix Canada's Economy? // Jivani Gunning for Poilievre?

Guest host Supriya Dwivedi and James McLeod of The Canadian Shield Institute dig into Canada’s digital sovereignty, examining who controls Canadians’ data, the influence of foreign tech companies and platforms, and why building data centres alone doesn’t necessarily give Canada control over its digital future.  The conversation then shifts as UBC Political Scientist Stewart Prest details Mark Carney’s increasingly conservative approach to governing, exploring what his policies and political positioning mean for traditional Conservatives and the broader direction of Canadian politics. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Mark Carney is making a massive pitch to global investors: Canada is open for business, rich in resources, talent and opportunity, and ready to attract a trillion dollars in investment. But is the prime minister actually solving the problems that have held Canadian investment and productivity back for years, or is he simply articulating Canada’s message better than anyone before him? We take a look at the first-ever Canada Investment Summit with Supriya Dwivedi (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Oh, and is Canada seriously trying to join the EU? Supriya reads into Carney's response to the Wall Street Journal's scoop (26:30). THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IF YOU LOVE CAESARS, YOU MUST CHECK OUT DISTILLED BY HER, BATCH TWO: TOMATO, DILL & HOT PEPPER GIN! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 46:45 | Polling shows 13% of Canadians who voted Conservative in 2025 would vote Liberal today. How concerned should Pierre Poilievre be? And, is MP Jamil Jivani soft-launching a hostile takeover (53:00)? Supriya tells us how former AI researcher Jacob Coxon's warning about the end of humanity is landing with her (1:01:00).   TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here, or email [email protected]  1:15:00 | Jespo and Johnny can't help themselves. We wrap with a bit of casual gloating after the Elks playoff-clinching win over Calgary. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists supporting Russia amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Alberta, and Les tells us what flag he'll be flying when he votes on October 19. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Hard to believe it's been 25 years since the September 11 attacks. We reflect on "the day that everything changed" with Senator Paula Simons (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Senator Simons takes us into her column for Alberta Views, where she calls out "The Noxious Nine" questions (41:40) in Alberta's "nasty" referendum.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected]  READ PAULA'S COLUMN: https://albertaviews.ca/the-noxious-nine/ REQUEST YOUR MAIL-IN REFERENDUM BALLOT: https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/ 1:01:45 | Real Talkers remember 9/11 and share their thoughts on Alberta's referendum questions. Jespo claps back at a Russian cheerleader in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:42:30 | Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists supporting Russia amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Alberta, and Les tells us what flag he'll be flying when he votes on October 19. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Curtis Wright was born in Edmonton, built a life in Texas, and just spent nine months in ICE detention before being deported to Canada over a decades-old conviction from when he was 17. He joins us (3:30) to talk about what happened inside detention, the devastating impact of being separated from his children, and what his experience says about the human cost of America’s immigration crackdown. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 41:30 | The iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge just landed on a very exclusive list. We celebrate the JPL's inclusion on National Geographic's Best 20 New Hotels in the World in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 45:20 | Ottawa's partnering with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) on a new National AI Literacy Initiative. Why does this matter to you? We find out from Amii CEO Cam Linke.  AMII: https://www.amii.ca/ 1:07:30 | A Calgary-based company is using knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise from the energy industry to produce battery-grade lithium from brines deep below. Real Talker Sarah shares the story of E3 Lithium in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:12:00 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on AI, good and bad, in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum isn’t just about separation. There are 10 questions on the ballot, including five that target immigrants and raise serious questions about access to health care, education and social supports. We're joined by former Alberta premier Rachel Notley, former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson, former St. Albert mayor Cathy Heron, lawyer Avnish Nanda (4:25), and former Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman (1:07:00) for Real Talk about what these questions are really about, and what they say about the politics shaping Alberta right now. Plus, Canada's Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne goes one-on-one with Ryan (43:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to recap last week's G20 summit in North Carolina, his ongoing conversations with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and what Canadians told him through recent pre-budget consultations. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ OUR ALBERTA ADVANTAGE: https://ouralbertaadvantage.ca/ REQUEST YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT BY SEPT. 25: https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Canada’s trade war with the United States just escalated, with Ottawa imposing billions in new retaliatory tariffs as Donald Trump spends the weekend firing off increasingly wild attacks against Prime Minister Carney and Canada. Supriya Dwivedi joins us (4:00) to break down what Canada’s strategy is, how much leverage we actually have, and where this increasingly ugly fight goes from here. Then, Marshall McAlister and Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel (58:15) get into the market and investment implications of the trade war and Alberta referendum. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 39:00 | Investigative journalist Rory White exposes an American network of fake websites promoting Alberta separation to AI chatbots. Supriya and Ryan dig into the National Observer's feature report. 58:15 | Is now the time to invest more in Canadian companies? Marshall and Cary from North Road Investment Counsel take Real Talkers' questions submitted to [email protected] and via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:37:00 | A tragic loss over the weekend, as legendary filmmaker Georgina Lightning is struck by a horse and killed at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds. We send much love and our deepest condolences to Georgina's family and many friends. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on something he's been stewing over since July. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Do unions still matter in 2026? Do they matter now more than ever? Against the backdrop of a tough August jobs report, rising youth unemployment, and growing anxiety about the future of work in Canada, we welcome labour leaders Chris Flett, Siobhan Vipond, and Patrick Campbell (4:00) to discuss the role of organized labour in a rapidly changing economy. We tackle union-busting governments, the impact of AI on "blue collar" jobs, and tackling stigma around the trades. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT IUOE LOCAL 955: https://joinustoday.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:24:20 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on unions and Labour Day in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo reads Real Talker Shannon's email about saving integrated firefighter-paramedic service in Spruce Grove, Alberta. WATCH OUR MAY 11 ROUND TABLE ON SAVING INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN ALBERTA: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 1:33:15 | Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on something he's been stewing over since July. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta’s population boom is putting pressure on just about every part of the province’s infrastructure, and schools are no exception. With more than 87,000 new students entering Alberta’s education system in just four years, we ask Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides (4:00) if the province is barely keeping up or actually getting ahead. Meantime, B.C.'s Conservative Party is crumbling, with nine MLAs leaving over the past month alone. Cheryl Oates gives us an insider's look (37:10) at the B.C. Legislature fresh off her contract as Premier David Eby's Chief of Staff. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT CHERYL'S SUBSTACK: https://cheryloates.substack.com/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:05:00 | Did you know cement is responsible for about 8% of global CO2 emissions? An innovation with ties to Alberta could reduce emissions from cement production and find a productive use for an agricultural byproduct. We feature CURA in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  LEARN MORE: https://albertainnovates.ca/news/from-grey-to-green-engineering-the-future-of-cement/ PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:08:30 | Real Talkers respond to the Nicolaides and Oates interviews in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo shares his thoughts on the future of the Progressive Tory Party of Alberta, and the fundraising discrepancies between Alberta separatists and federalists.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:16:30 | Congratulations to Angela Anderson, Ashley Dornan, Isabelle McCourt, and Max Rice - the 2026 recipients of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship! Ryan opens up about the Scholarship's roots, our Advisory Board's selection process, and a special commitment made to every applicant.  THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/scholarship DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP: https://ecf.ca/funds/the-real-talk-julie-rohr-scholarship-fund/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.