Bold Moves: The $427M Plan to Fix Downtown Edmonton

Let's be Real: many people don't feel safe in downtown Edmonton. Investment is stalled out, vacancy rates are unsustainable, and social issues dominate the narrative. Is downtown Edmonton dead, or is a revival on the horizon?  3:05 | Alex Hryciw, Heather Thomson, and Tim Shipton dig into the past, present, and potential future of Edmonton's downtown.  CHECK OUT THE PLAN: https://yegdowntown.ca/ WINTERVAL: https://exploreedmonton.com/event-calendar/winterval-2024 1:03:30 | Connor McDavid becomes the fourth-fastest player to 1000 points in NHL history. Jespo and Johnny recap a special performance against the Nashville Predators.  1:22:38 | "Tranquil Vibration," Travis, and Keith have hot takes on the U.S. election, Michael's fired up about the RCAF, and Dwayne says Danielle Smith doesn't deserve that 91.5% on her leadership review. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Westmount, Newcastle, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Former Invest Alberta CEO David Knight Legg says Canada's trade situation is a "disaster," and the federal government is ill-equipped to work effectively with U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump.  3:45 | DKL tells us where the Trump campaign got it right, the Harris campaign got it wrong, and what Trump's return to the White House means for Canada.  36:20 | What's the real reason Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fired AIMCo's CEO and board? What's the smartest move forward from here? Is Stephen Harper the right fit for AIMCo's next chair? How should Alberta's Heritage Savings Trust Fund be deployed? David shares his take.  54:45 | Real Talkers Alex and Brent tell us why they think Trump won the election.  59:10 | Real Talker Carmen is choked at Ryan's comments about Rotary on our November 13 episode. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  1:10:00 | Real Talker Marie responds to our November 7 conversation with Kevin Van Tighem about coal mining on the Eastern Slopes. WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/110724KVT PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

The rumour mill has former Prime Minister Stephen Harper taking over as the next chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). What does this say about Danielle Smith's goal of an Alberta Pension Plan, and what might it mean for your retirement income?  2:45 | Veteran political columnist Graham Thomson digs into the AIMCo story, including the Harper rumour. We get into the implications of Premier Smith's leadership review, and the likelihood of deficit budgets in Alberta's future.  READ GRAHAM'S COLUMN: https://rtrj.info/111324GTStar 34:00 | You've got a brand new opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring areas of Jasper, and witness the dramatic and transformational effects of the July wildfire. Get the details on Sundog's new, limited-time tour "Wildlife of Jasper and the Ecology of Fire" in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR TOUR - WILDLIFE OF JASPER and the ECOLOGY OF FIRE: https://www.sundogtours.com/package/wonders-of-jasper-and-the-ecology-of-fire 36:15 | How might a second Trump presidency impact Canada? Graham tells us what he's keeping an eye on. How about former Liberal finance minister (and future Liberal leader?) Bill Morneau calling out environment minister Stephen Gilbeault's emissions cap? We wrap with details on Alberta adding two seats in its Legislature, and some of the politicking going on behind the scenes.  55:55 | Have you heard about Mary McEachern's plight? The Rotary Foundation is refusing to respect Mary's husband Steve's dying wishes re: the allocation of their $40M estate. Ryan's all fired up.  SUPPORT MARY McEACHERN vs. ROTARY: https://www.steveandmarysgift.ca/ 1:02:45 | Registration for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic is now open! We'd love to see you in St. Albert on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

More than six million Canadians don't have a family doctor. Millions more are waitlisted to see specialists and surgeons. We've never spent so much on healthcare as a nation, yet access to care has never been worse. How do we begin to heal healthcare?  2:45 | Drs. Shazma Mithani and Sheila Wijayasinghe, hosts of The Doc Talk podcast, tell us how the average Canadian can better know their rights and advocate for themselves and their loved ones. We cover today's top healthcare-related stories, including the first case of H5 bird flu in Canada, and Alberta cutting off publicly-funded vaccines for community health centres. Plus, is that $2,000 full body scan you're considering actually worth it?  CHECK OUT THE DOC TALK PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809 1:06:00 | Real Talkers Ken and Mark share why our Remembrance Day episodes had such an impact on them, and Real Talker Don fact checks a comment Ryan made about former astronaut and federal cabinet minister Marc Garneau.  D-DAY VET MARTY JONES ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/111124MartyJones REMEMBRANCE DAY ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/110824NSLA 1:13:00 | Real Talker Keith from Leduc tells us why he was "aggravated" by our episode after the U.S. presidential election.  EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

At just 19 years old, Marty Jones stared down Nazi artillery the morning of June 6, 1944 as a gunner aboard the HMCS Prince Henry, one of the ships that led the assault at Juno Beach. Eighty years later, he tells us why he enlisted at 16, and how he navigated life after WWII. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] SUPPORT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE'S PROJECT CONCORDIA: https://www.junobeach.org/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

It's an all-Presidential Election version of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers share their hottest takes on Trump's return to the White House. The Flamethrower is presented weekly on Real Talk by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to let 'em know Real Talk sent you! UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Ten years from now, when nearly every WWII veteran is gone, who will tell their stories? Does the average Canadian understand the sacrifices of those who fought in the First World War? Or Afghanistan, for that matter? In this special edition of the Real Talk Round Table, we explore the true meaning of Remembrance Day, and the importance of educating the next generation of Canadians.  1:08 | Are you familiar with Project Concordia? The Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France is looking to create an outdoor interpretive space that honours Canadian veterans on the beaches where they fought. Project Concordia isn't just about preserving the past - it's about creating a lasting, living memory. If you were moved by the Save Juno Beach campaign, now is the time to pitch in to Project Concordia.  DETAILS: https://www.junobeach.org/ 3:50 | Lt. Col. (Ret'd) Laurie Hawn, Randall Purvis, and Jenn Roggeveen share their personal perspectives on Remembrance Day and highlight the remarkable work being done by No Stone Left Alone.  JOIN US AT A DANCE TO REMEMBER: https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/a-dance-to-remember LEARN MORE ABOUT NO STONE LEFT ALONE: https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/ 1:01:55 | It's an all-Presidential Election version of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers share their hottest takes on Trump's return to the White House. The Flamethrower is presented weekly on Real Talk by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to let 'em know Real Talk sent you!  UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Kevin Van Tighem was portrayed by his political opponents as an "enemy" of Alberta when he ran to become an MLA in 2023. Now-Minister Jason Nixon pulled quotes from his book "Wild Roses Are Worth It: Reimagining the Alberta Advantage," and accused him of portraying Albertans as angry rednecks and resource exploiters. We talk to the former Superintendent of Banff National Park (26:20) about that experience, and what "reimagining" the Alberta Advantage really means. But first... 3:38 | Ryan and Johnny highlight Kamala Harris' concession speech, take a look at who's getting rich off Donald Trump's win, and read emails from Real Talkers Lauren and Rebecca (who pitches a real heater).  EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC on FEB. 1: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

So much for "too close to call". Donald Trump soundly defeats Kamala Harris, and will serve as the 47th President of the United States. What does the election result say about America today? What does it mean for Canada and the rest of the world?  2:38 | Mount Royal University Political Science professor Dr. Duane Bratt tells us why he thinks the Trump campaign was so successful, and what the Trump win means for Canada. 15:30 | University of Calgary Political Science professor Dr. Melanee Thomas breaks down the election results, and explains exactly where the Harris campaign fell short.  29:00 | Political commentator, podcaster, and author Jared Yates Sexton tells us how he's feeling about the state of his country.  37:15 | Athabasca University Political Science professor Dr. Mark Crawford gets into the international implications of Trump's return to the White House.  CHECK OUT THE AU ADVANTAGE:   47:10 | Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman forecasts President Trump's approach to Russia's war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, the future of NATO, and the U.S.-Canada trade relationship.  1:00:40 | Congratulations to The Maligne Range, the first distillery in Jasper! We highlight their exceptional cuisine and diverse beverage menu in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  CHECK IT OUT: https://themalignerange.com/ 1:02:40 | Jespo and Johnny check out what Real Talkers have to say about Trump's win (and Harris' loss) in our YouTube live chat.  1:26:20 | Did you hear what Texas state representative James Talarico, a born-again Christian, had to say about Christian Nationalists and Project 2025? We take a look. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Feeling US Election anxiety? We recommend this candid, entertaining, insightful episode of Real Talk with one of Canada's most-watched YouTube commentators, Quick Dick McDick.  9:55 |  @QuickDickMcDick  talks tariffs and other US election impacts on Canadian producers. We get his take on Scott Moe's future as Premier of Saskatchewan, and the story of Orlan Peterson, a construction worker shot on the job by violent career criminals.  QDM MERCH & COMEDY TOUR DATES: https://quickdickmcdick.ca/ 1:13:00 | Registration is open for The Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, February 1, 2025! PLAY, VOLUNTEER, or SPONSOR: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 1:18:00 | Do you wash your mushrooms? Jespo, Johnny, and our YouTube live chat chime in. 1:19:45 | What might the US election mean for Alberta businesses? We revisit our chat with Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO Shauna Feth.  WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/103124ACC 1:24:30 | Speaking of mushrooms, did you catch our recent interview with Dana Larsen, whose mushroom dispensary was raided by Vancouver Police?  CHECK IT OUT: https://www.youtube.com/live/L4gVkoRnnvY?si=xl2SOcs1H0IQEjUK&t=127 1:26:30 | Justice Murray Sinclair leaves this life at 73. We recognize his remarkable legacy.  EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.