Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Winners and Losers: We Dig Into Federal Budget 2024

There's a lot to understand in Budget 2024, delivered April 16 by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Are you a renter hoping to buy your first home? An entrepreneur getting ready to sell the business you built? An average Canadian struggling to make your payments, including that cell phone bill? Whether you obsess over politics or pay no attention whatsoever, we all want to understand how the budget affects our own bottom line. We talk to three experts from three different angles in this post-Budget episode of Real Talk. 
2:25 | The Pembina Institute's Scott MacDougall and The Fraser Institute's Jake Fuss dig into the details of Budget 2024. 
38:00 | Spring is one of the most magnificent times to visit Jasper! We feature a new culinary and cultural celebration - Taste of Spring - in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/
40:10 | Does Budget 2024 go far enough for Canadians with disabilities? Don Slater from Disability Without Poverty gets real about the government's $6B Disability Benefit.
MORE: https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/
1:03:33 | Smokers and vapers will pay more in 2024. Ryan and Johnny talk about the impact of that specific tax increase. 
1:11:00 | Real Talker Garth says there will be electoral implications to this federal budget. Ryan reads his email to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
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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.

Bill 18: A Direct Attack on Academic Freedom?

You've seen the headlines: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says all federal funding to universities, school boards, health and housing authorities, and other entities needs to flow through her office...or she'll take PM Justin Trudeau's government to court. Bill 18 - dubbed the "Stay Out of My Backyard" Bill by Premier Smith - seeks to ensure projects have Alberta's blessing before proceeding. The implications of the legislation are far-reaching, to say the least. In this episode, we find out how it could impact Alberta's post-secondaries, including research, reputation, and beyond. 
3:18 | International Relations professor and researcher Dr. W. Andy Knight, PhD student Andrea Dekeseredy, and University of Alberta alum Andy Grabia dig into one of the top political stories in the country on a special edition of the Real Talk Round Table. 
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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.

Danielle Smith Tells Trudeau: "Get Out Of My Backyard!"

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says federal funding for things like housing, harm reduction, and research needs to flow through the province. Her government's introducing legislation that will force municipalities, housing and health authorities, and other entities to secure provincial approval before striking deals with Ottawa. Smith says the feds are operating outside their lane. Municipalities, for one, say dealing with Ottawa is the only way they're able to get anything done. 
3:40 | Charles Adler gives us his take on Bill 18 - the Provincial Priorities Act, before explaining why he thinks the UCP is dominating the NDP on fundraising (16:55). As jury selection begins in Donald Trump's criminal trial, we look at New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu's curious defence of his Trump endorsement (22:35). Is there room for another federal political party in Canada? Adler responds to our April 12 Real Talk Round Table with founders of the Canadian Future Party (31:30). We take a look at Iran's aerial attack on Israel (40:50), and what it means for the international community. Real Talker Marcello has a question about Adler's political leanings (44:20), and Chuck ties it to Bill Maher's monologue about The Left driving a bus off a cliff (47:00). 
55:00 | Real Talker Ron tells us why he thinks Danielle Smith's Bill 18 is the wrong move for Alberta.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
58:15 | We love Real Talker Lucinda's submission for Positive Reflections - some of the best Google Maps images we've ever seen! Positive Reflections is presented weekly by Kuby Renewable Energy.
CHECK OUT THE POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5bve6GoGun/?img_index=1
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

"I Don't Need Govt Protecting Me from Vodka Jugs!"

Mike has a message for the "F Trudeau" crowd, Michael and Bob the Builder think Danielle Smith's out of line with the Provincial Priorities Act, dog lover Fiona says we need to crack down on dangerous canines, and Adam demands the right to purchase 4L milk jugs full of vodka for $49.95. It's The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, AND BASELINE ROAD!

Does Canada Need A "Centrist" Political Party?

Are you a conservative turned off by the current tone of the Conservative Party of Canada? Are you a liberal who just can't support the Justin Trudeau-led government anymore? Or maybe you're somebody who hasn't voted in past, but you would if there was a party that felt like a fit? We look at the Canadian Future Party - a new "centrist" party - in this edition of the Real Talk Round Table.  
2:40 | Interim leader Dominic Cardy, co-founder Rick Peterson, and party member Dicky Dikamba tell us why they started the party, how it differs from existing legacy parties, and how they intend to grow the grassroots. 
CHECK IT OUT: https://www.ourcanadianfuture.ca/
1:02:20 | Mike has a message for the "F Trudeau" crowd, Michael and Bob the Builder think Danielle Smith's out of line with the Provincial Priorities Act, dog lover Fiona says we need to crack down on dangerous canines, and Adam demands the right to purchase 4L milk jugs full of vodka for $49.95. It's The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, AND BASELINE ROAD! 
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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 Future of Politics in Canada

How bad is foreign election interference in Canada? What are we learning from the inquiry underway in Ottawa? Do polls even matter 18 months out from an election? What does Anthony Housefather's decision to stay a Liberal MP say about the future of that party, if anything? And, is it possible Naheed Nenshi isn't the saviour many are saying he'll be for the Alberta NDP? 
5:15 | Political writer Evan Scrimshaw looks at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's testimony at the foreign interference inquiry, the latest federal polls (17:40), Housefather's decision to remain a Liberal following the Palestine statehood vote (26:00), Rachel Gilmore calling out Pierre Poilievre's communications team (34:45), and why Evan thinks Naheed Nenshi's Alberta NDP leadership campaign is "a sinking ship" (45:30). 
READ EVAN'S WORK: https://scrimshawunscripted.substack.com/
1:01:35 | Real Talker Wendy responds to Jen Gerson's April 9 appearance on the show, and tells us why she sold her car...for good.
NO MINIVAN? NO PROBLEM: https://youtu.be/4osV6Xy9Bys?si=5b94VXRPCPekxTdt
1:10:20 | Real Talker Jim from Vernon has a theory about why cancer rates are up around the world. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:14:20 | Real Talker AJ shares his powerful personal story about organ donation. 
EVENING OF HOPE - APRIL 20: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/evening-of-hope-tickets-797818335117?aff=efbevent
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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.

Death Threats Force BC Mayors To Push Back

"I'll literally find that grease ball and hook a chain around his ankle and drag him behind my pickup truck," reads a post from Liam Brennan on an Osoyoos community social media page, referencing the BC town's CAO Rod Risling in the context of a property tax increase. The threat - far from the only one - forced Mayor Sue McKortoff to take action. You'll find out how she and her colleagues are bringing the whole province on board to address harassment and threats aimed at public officials. 
Stick around as we look at Alberta's latest threat to sue the feds (59:15), and what it means for you.
8:40 | Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff tells us about the specific death threat forced her hand, as the town lobbies other municipalities and the province to toughen up laws around harassment and abuse. 
44:25 | Join Ryan on Saturday, April 20 in Fort Saskatchewan at An Evening of HOPE! Funds raised at this gala fundraiser will benefit organ donor families, thanks to the great work by the Andy Polanski Charitable Foundation. 
TICKETS/INFORMATION: https://www.apcf.ca/
47:40 | Prompted by talk about organ donation, Ryan reads a powerful story submitted by Real Talker Lesley in NWT. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
56:35 | The only gay ski week in the Canadian Rockies kicks off April 12 in Jasper! We find out how some Jasper businesses are among the first in Canada to become Rainbow Registered in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
JASPER PRIDE: https://jasperpride.ca/
59:15 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she'll take Ottawa to court if the feds continue to strike big deals directly with municipalities. Ryan explains who could win here, why it's happening when it is, and ultimately who will be stuck with the tab. 
1:09:50 | Real Talker Colin has no time for Charles Adler's take on the two Cane Corsos that killed the boy in Edmonton on April 1. 
JEREMY ALLEN "GRIEF" INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/091222Allen
1:15:25 | Real Talker Jared follows up on a dog-related email he sent us in December 2023 with "a story of redemption and ruination." 
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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 REAL Problem with the Carbon Tax

Justin Trudeau's said it a million times: eight out of ten Canadians receive more from the Canada Carbon Rebate than what they pay in carbon taxes. If that's true, why aren't more Canadians on board with the Liberal government's approach to climate action? Is it possible the rebate itself is actually the biggest problem with the carbon tax? Political columnist Jen Gerson makes that argument in this super-sized episode of Real Talk. 
5:00 | But first...should parents be charged when their children commit heinous crimes? Ryan and Johnny take a look at sentencing hearings for James and Jennifer Crumbley, whose son Ethan killed four schoolmates in Oxford, Michigan in November 2021. 
9:50 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say about the tragic death of 11-year-old Kache Grist, who was killed by two Cane Corsos owned by his dad's roommate. Ryan reads emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
GO FUND ME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-costs-for-kache
29:20 | Jen Gerson tells us what prompted her to co-found The Line, one of Canada's most-read sources of online conservative commentary. She explains why she thinks the carbon tax rebate is actually the biggest problem with the carbon tax (44:25), and gives us her take on Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek's biggest mistake (1:25:20).  
READ THE LINE: https://www.readtheline.ca/p/jen-gerson-the-problem-with-the-carbon
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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.

Should Dog Owners Be Charged in Fatal Attacks?

An 11-year-old boy is dead after two Cane Corsos owned by his dad's roommate attacked him during a Spring Break visit. The dogs, subjects of two other police complaints in 2024 alone, were seized and euthanized. How should society handle tragedies like this? Ultimately, whose fault is it? And what does "justice" look like? 
3:45 | Charles Adler talks it out with Ryan and Johnny (all three of them dog owners), along with Real Talkers in our YouTube live chat. Later, we get into Donald Trump's communication technique (45:24) and Pierre Poilievre's unsolicited endorsement from Alex Jones (59:17). 
RYAN'S POLL RE: DOG ATTACKS: https://x.com/ryanjespersen/status/1777344036413841662
1:14:52 | This week's Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Energy comes courtesy Real Talker Cara. Who doesn't love a good water rescue? Thanks Cara!  
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

"You Have the Liberals to Thank for That!"

Real Talker Clyde is ALL fired up about the carbon tax increase, and has a message for his customers and fellow Canadians. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com