Carney's Major Projects Balancing Act

0:00We've had October 1st circled on the calendar for quite a while because we were really thinking about what if the announcement doesn't happen? Yeah. And how devastating would that be to Alberta in terms of the situation we're in right now with the vote coming on on October 19th? And how would that swing? Because we're seeing the numbers declining in terms of where Albert and C this this referendum going in terms of separation. And I think if the announcement hadn't happened today, that would have been devastating. This is a relay project. Real Talk starts right now. Here's Ryan Jasperson. Well, Real Talkers, it's a big day. It's October 1st, happy October by the way. Happy fall. Notice more and more of you, more and more of us. Probably going to be wearing sweaters to work. Bustin out the fall of peril.

1:01Tis the season, the leaves are falling. October 1st has been circled on a lot of calendars across Canada for sure. But certainly in our neck of the woods in Western Canada, as October 1st marks the deadline for Ottawa to decide whether the proposed Alberta to be see, basically the West Coast pipeline gets designated as a project of national interest. More on what that means in just a moment. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister, Alberta's Premier Daniel Smith, slated to make an announcement. Basically a short time after we'll wrap this live stream out of Fort McMurray, out of Canada's energy capital, right? The designation of a major project would put this roughly 1200 kilometer, about 1,250 kilometer pipeline valued. And who knows, as we've seen with pipeline construction in past, but estimated to be, you know, between the 35 to 45 billion dollar project into Ottawa's accelerated major projects

2:01framework, but it would not amount to final approval. And there definitely won't be shovels in the ground today or tomorrow or later in October, right? The pipeline would be owned as we understand it by Trans Mountain, by the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and by Pembena. Pembena originally estimated to take about a 10% stake in this and an option to double that once the line is operating. The pipeline's future is tied to the expansion of the oil sense and this Pathways Carbon Capture Project. And obviously it makes sense to have the announcement out of Fort McMurray today. Designed to move more than a billion barrels of oil to tidewater, a billion barrels of oil more than are currently being sent out of Alberta. And giving way to export to international markets, an opportunity for Alberta and for Canada to expand its exports outside of the United States, beyond the United States. Now the project remains

3:05politically and environmentally contentious. Obviously some attitudes may have changed in British Columbia and in different episodes and maybe in this one we'll jump into our live chat. We'll see what real talkers have to say about this. Conversation is relevant now about attitudes in Eastern Canada as well, right? Daniel Smith's not done. Alberta's energy exporters are not done, not finished with conversation about a pipeline heading east either. We saw Ontario Premier Doug Ford talking about this a couple of days ago as well in a positive context. But BC is where eyes will be today. Of course many British Columbia residents, some First Nations communities, many environmentalists are keen to see what the federal government will do to protect those waters in particular on BC's North Coast. The Prime Minister has made comments on this in the past 24 hours or so. We'll bring you some of those comments as this episode continues. Ottawa promising that this proposed route would

4:07avoid those highly sensitive areas. And the Prime Minister saying that the tanker band's not going anywhere. So we're going to take a look at that today. Of course this on the heels of a big LNG announcement in BC as well. So it's been a big week for Ottawa. It's been a big week for Canadian energy. We want to know where your heads add on it. If you're watching our livestream presented by California closets, you can jump into our chat. You can also leave a comment on our YouTube episode or send us an email anytime to talk at Ryan Jasperson dot com more from the Prime Minister a recap of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Plus we're going to sit down. We have an awesome panel of Alberta business leaders that'll be joining us today on the heels of the Alberta business awards of distinction presented by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. I was proud to host it. We're going to introduce you to some forces of nature that coming up before this episode's out. Before we go any further, I'll let you know that this episode happens with support from our friends at RapidX Financial doing an amazing job. You know, the Bitcoin world, the crypto world moves fast and your trust in an exchange just can't be a gamble. And that's why we're so proud to partner with RapidX Financial.

5:12This is a made in Alberta solution by the same people behind those rapid cash ATMs you've seen across the country for 25 years or so. RapidX gives you three different ways to trade. So they've got their secure online platform. We're showing you that at RapidX Financial dot com. They've also got their crypto ATMs keeping eye out for the RapidX brand. And of course they do have an over the counter desk. I know some of us would rather talk to a human. Maybe a little guidance, maybe a more discretion. You know what I mean? A larger value trade. RapidX Financial dot com is secure. It's Fin Track registered. And most importantly, it's non-custodial meaning you always control your keys. If you're going to be trading on RapidX Financial dot com, make sure you've got that promo code Ryan 50 ready to go. That's Ryan 5 0 all one word. That'll take 50% off all fees for your online interact e-transfer trades. That's Ryan 50 Ryan 5 0 online when you're trading at RapidX Financial dot com. Appreciate this note from Van Nostran in our live chat powered by Park

6:14Power says it was an excellent show. Real talk on September 30th says a great panel super informative. And I feel the same way Van Nostran, I appreciate you checking that out. We'll bring you a highlight from our guests yesterday. We had our podcasters real talk roundtable for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The storytellers behind the unsettled podcast and the native Calgaryen podcast giving us lots to think about. And we've boiled that down nicely. I think into a short. We always want to say on it. If we're going to do an episode on a, you know, we'll say a stat holiday. I know that there's a lot of you. I'd be curious to know how many of you actually, you know, use that day to focus on what truth and reconciliation looks like in your life or in your orbit or maybe in your workplace in your family. I mean, how many of you that had kids out of school took your kids somewhere to learn something together to experience something together. Now to challenge one another in your own special way. Send us your report to talk at Ryan Jesperson.com. If we're going to do a show on September 30th, we want to do a show that moves the

7:15needle. And so we asked our three guests. That was Jessica Van den Berg, George Lee and Michelle Robinson, you know, for, for called action. So to speak, there's 94 of them that have been laid out. But what was it called action for this audience? And I really appreciate what they brought to the table. We'll get back to that. And we'll revisit that episode before this one's done. The Prime Minister has been busy, obviously with the announcement expected today in Fort McMurray. He's going to be up there with Alberta's premier Daniel Smith and also a big announcement. LNG Canada as well. This within the last 48 hours or so, moving ahead with phase two of its Kit-A-Mat export terminal. This is about a $33 billion private sector investment that'll double that facility's capacity to 28 million tons of LNG every year. It's expected to create a whole bunch of construction jobs out of the gates. I say about 4,000 jobs. And it also triggers a major expansion of the coastal gas link pipeline. It's all about pipelines right now when you're looking for the most part at Canada's list of those major projects that are being approved. And the Prime

8:18Minister is walking a bit of a tightrope. It's a bit of a balancing act. There's an impetus right now for Canada to work on its sovereignty. And we approach that from a number of different angles, including economic sovereignty, energy, sovereignty, these types of conversations. And then of course, Carney's got to, of course, be aware of the electoral, the political implications of appearing to be flexible. That's a generous word, flexible, on environmental policy. And for the liberals to move forward with projects like this and to keep folks in Alberta happy, to keep some folks in BC happy, they're taking risks. And the Prime Minister knows that. And he's taken to the podium several times in a couple of different provinces over the past couple of days, including most notably in British Columbia to a sure Canadians that, well, this country is moving forward with its plan to move away from the United States in some capacities, some things, including this government's commitment

9:21to the environment will not change. Here's Mark Carney just a short time ago. Let's recognize that today's investment has been made in a different environment, a more dangerous and divided world. A world where Canada fully values export diversification and the greater sovereignty that it confers. A world where speed, reliability and predictability are major competitive advantages. A world where Canadians are committed to building Canada strong for all. We have what the world wants. Canada is a reliable and trusted partner. We're delivering big again. We're building big, building fast and crucially as everyone is emphasized, building in the right way, working together, working for all Canadians. And we are just getting started. Thank you very much. That's a good thing. All right, so that's Carney talking about the plan to build and where the government's focused at. Where it's head's at if you could speak of it as a collective entity.

10:24Not everybody's on the same page with these projects, including the announcement that we're expecting in Alberta the day that we're doing this show. And we see it even in our live chat powered by Park Power. I know that some of you, Tracy for example says this is great news and says from a short term perspective says that the job creation on this is significant. It's a big deal. Of course, others of you, well, you're not so sure at all. I see Y-treme in our live chat right now that says we've got to stop conflating energy with oil and gas. Doesn't like the wording of this. Says it's a way to essentially greenwash big oil and gas projects to refer to them as energy projects. Says if it's oil and gas, say oil and gas Ryan. Stop trying to whitewash it. Stop trying to lump it in with other energy goals. There's some there's some cynicism there, which is okay. People come at this differently. I mean Marie is watching us right now. She's checking in from a member of the defenders of the Eastern slopes. Marie says they're protecting and successfully stopping

11:28the placement of a bridge across Allison Creek. She says by to come so to stop West Fraser logging. So we hear from different voices across the country and particularly across Western Canada on days like this around announcements like this that remind us that not everyone's heads are in the same place. Not everyone feels the same about Canada achieving its sorry, Y-treme energy goals. But we do understand that we need to expand. We do understand that our relationship with the White House is impacting Canada's economy, Canada's exports in a big way. I wonder what our business leaders on a round table are going to say about this in just a few minutes. So that's why this announcement is a big deal. This will send a very clear message, not just across Canada, but into United States as well, that Canada is spending investing in new infrastructure and moving forward with a plan to move away from the US. It's a message that

12:33will land whether he would acknowledge it or not with President Trump. You have to assume. But it's also going to land in pockets of British Columbia that are important to the liberals electorally and that quite likely that obviously have not changed how they feel about protecting the sensitive waters, about protecting that sensitive territory and about keeping oil and gas out. And that's why the route of this pipeline has been a source of not just consternation, but a source of conversation. If it's going to be approved, it has to go in a certain place. It cannot go in other places and there must not be changes to that tanker band. This tanker band, have we talked about more legislation, federal legislation in the context of Canadian industry than this tanker band in the past while. Well, the Prime Minister knows that he has to speak to it. And so he did. And this is what Mark Carney's put in front of Canadians. When something comes first,

13:34we should treat it accordingly. So first and foremost, we must protect our oceans. Long before Canada had an ocean's policy, Indigenous peoples protected these waters. Governments are now beginning to catch up. Governments now beginning to catch up with what Indigenous policy has been for many, many, many, many years. It's interesting timing for those comments. It's probably not an accident on behalf of the Prime Minister. But the Prime Minister has promised Canadians that the tanker band will not be lifted. So we're going to learn more about the route today. I know that some of you are indicating concerns about impacts on Jasper National Park as part of this pipeline construction. That's something that will seek to better understand and learn more about, but today's announcement will say something. That's for sure. Today's announcement will say something big about Ottawa and Alberta building together. Politicians will benefit from today's

14:43announcement and politicians in some capacities will take risks with today's announcement. This will be a big one for Alberta Premier Daniel Smith. This will be a win for Daniel Smith. Now that's not to say it's without controversy, but if you look back to early July, when we were coming to you from that Real Talk Road Trip National Music Center down in Calgary, everybody was talking about that $13 billion AI data center in Sturgeon County, that meta data center. And while not everyone's on board with data centers, including not all real talkers, that's a fact. And you're letting us know some of you in the live chat today talking about AI data centers. And I see you and I hear you, but the headline is a $13 billion investment in Alberta. And today's headline, the headline around this big oil and gas expansion, this new pipeline is good news for Alberta. It's good news for Alberta's energy sector. And it's good news for a Premier that has stated that

15:44one of her goals, that one of the things that she was determined to achieve was a new pipeline, standing side by side with the Liberal Prime Minister and making that announcement is a win for Daniel Smith. Now the question is, is it worth it for the feds? Obviously, it makes sense economically. Obviously, it aligns, I would say, if you disagree with me, great, I'd love to hear from you, but it aligns with Ottawa's plan right now in responding to the threat from the United States and acknowledging international markets. Not every guest on this show believes that this is a good idea. We had Mark him Histle from Energy Media on the show within the last week or so talking about how he believes that Asian demand for Canadian oil is actually dropping. Check out that episode if you missed it already. But for Ottawa as well, this is a play to work with Alberta. This is a play to prove that Canada can work with Alberta in it. And the Prime Minister is stepping

16:47up in a big way to make that happen. I mean, a Prime Minister that was raised in Edmonton, a Prime Minister that has for the majority of his career worked in industry and understands finance and markets and energy. So it seems to make sense. The question is, will the Liberals pay a political price on the West Coast? BC's premier, I mean, technically right now, will refer to him as NDP leader David E.B. on the campaign trail during this snap election. What a wild election call that is if you missed Moa Mir on our September 29th episode, you're looking for insights into how David E.B. could actually lose this election that he called early. Make sure you check that out. But David E.B. appears to be more open to this, but it's all going to depend on location, location, location. No matter which way you slice it, it's safe to say that this is a huge announcement and a very big day when it comes to Alberta Ottawa relations. Will it quiet the separatists? I hear this shows technical director Johnny, if Miss Laugh from off camera, because we've been

17:51instructed and taught from day one of talk show school. Never ask a question. You already know the answer to we both got amazing grace. You think the separatists are going to be so happy to say that they're all going to put their signs down and just get on board with Canada. No, but this has to be a point in the side of for the federal side for the staying in Canada side. I mean, you got Mark Carney coming to the oilers home opener. He's in Alberta. He's going out to Ford McMurray. He's standing in front. He's, you know, the boys are going to be behind him in those vests. The premieres there, they're shaking hands. Now he's saying when shovels are going to be in the ground, over a hundred thousand jobs supposedly, whatever's going to happen, 45,000 of them or whatever in Alberta about or what's that? What's that? What's that jobs? Yeah, once. Oh, I don't know exactly what I haven't seen about it. We'll learn more about it. We're estimating today, but I mean, this, this seems like a plan in the Canadian flag in the ground right here in Alberta. I

18:51think so, right? It's big. Like what is Alberta demand? Like if you look at it, you remember Daniel Smith had those nine demands that she sent to to the prime minister a while ago. You remember the nine, the list of nine, the love letter. These are like, this is like the biggest one. Like if you, the love language, although it didn't work for Justin Trudeau, but Alberta's love language has always been new pipelines, right? Or big new energy expansion. And this is her qualifies. JG needs an app in our live chat says the unfortunate realities, there will be opportunities. We'll have as a country to build, but they will come with real and in cases critical trade-offs. So stand by your values, I suppose says JJ. Yeah, the question is like, what are the values? I mean, I know that maybe that's a nod JJ to the title of Mark Carney's book. I don't know, well played if it is, but a lot of people have been wondering. You remember when the prime minister was here in studio last week in the historic Mercer warehouse joining us? We asked him about his environmental caucus, like a group of liberal MPs that feel very strongly. I mean, to be real and I always

19:59hate talking like this because who doesn't care about the environment? I mean, most people, most care about the environment. But when you talk about the environmental caucus, these are MPs in particular representing regions like these are MPs with a mandate from those that put them in office to respect and protect the environmental legislation that's in place and look to improve it. And in some cases, probably like when JJ talks about trade-offs to acknowledge that there may be trade-offs to industry in other words, things like an emissions cap or a tanker ban or whatever it is to make those trade-offs to protect the environment. And Carney takes a risk there. Now, is it a big enough risk that the liberals would lose their majority government next election? I would say that common sense right now would suggest no. I'm also very careful around making political predictions because we have been reminded several times here in the past couple of years that life comes that you fast and things can change quickly. But this government is enjoying a popularity

21:03that is I won't necessarily say unprecedented, but some are starting to compare Carney's political popularity to Prime Ministers from like a hundred years ago. So we're talking about what I could describe almost as an historic popularity right now for a government that can turn that into taking some risks because of the table that's been set in front of them. The way that Donald Trump and his minions have been treating Canada and are talking about Canada right now has essentially united Canadians from coast to coast to coast, not 100 percent, but in a significant way to feel differently in some cases than they may have felt in a long time about projects like new pipelines. And so you could put it in the sense that Mark Carney has essentially been given a mandate and by whom? Well, by Donald Trump, by Canadian voters,

22:03by the pollsters that have been putting in calls to 1500 Canadians at a time and getting a sense of where people are at on this across the country. And right now, it is safe to say that there is much less of a risk for Mark Carney announcing a project like this today than there would have been a year ago. Certainly more than there would have been two years ago, probably two years ago, something like this would not have even been considered. Ali B watching us live, courtesy of California Closet says, I'm still waiting for the private sector's business cases to why this is necessary. Says I haven't seen a single one step forward wanting to financially support this project says it's always on taxpayers. There's no private sector company that's that stepped up to say that they're prepared to fully finance this project and Ottawa and Alberta will be splitting a significant portion of the cost. Pemben is taking an initial 10 percent state, but I understand where you're coming from Ali B and it is a certainly a valid comment. Dareth Espresso is wondering how much

23:09of taxpayer money will will the premier use for today's announcement says it's been crickets for private investment for this supposed pipeline. Alberta girl says the more responsibility that companies like Enbridge take would say a lot says they should have responsibility in building this line. You know, they respect the environment, they respect landowners, but you know, Pemben says Alberta girl has a track record of destroying both. Always rolls us as it's cheaper to buy a politician than a pipeline. Tracy says the oil and gas lobbies had the power and will of a government promoting them for 40 plus years. I mean, here's the thing though. Tracy says Alberta and Quebec both have seen far more benefits from our federal government. It's both know how to bully the other jurisdictions. Why trim sticking on it fighting for wind and solar in here says how is a pipeline good for wind and solar? Those are energy too. Care to explain how you square that circle? Why trim wants to give me an corner. We're not talking about wind and solar today. And oil and gas is energy. I've already probably

24:12spent too much time on this than I should, but like it or not, oil and gas is energy. So is wind and solar. And if you think that this shows an enemy of wind and solar, you're not paying attention and your nuts. We've chastised this provincial government for its cap on renewables for that moratorium on renewables. It was ridiculous. It took billions of dollars of investment out of the province. We've talked about that a ton. But oil and gas is energy like it or not. And Alberta is Canada's energy capital, which is something that Alberta can be proud about. And today, I think is great news. And today, I think is if you're working in oil and gas, it's great. I think if you're working in any industry, even associated with or impacted by economic activity in Alberta, which is pretty much everybody, it's good news. And if you've been feeling tension around Alberta's relationship with Ottawa, this has to be seen as a positive. But not everybody will take it that way. And there will be spin. And speaking of risk, it's a bit of an interesting situation for Alberta's premier Daniel

25:16Smith as well. It's becoming more and more obvious that she needs to distance herself from the same folks that she has been serving of late. Do we all agree on that? I mean, it's it's it's been Daniel Smith's driving force over the past while in particular with this referendum to keep the right wing flank happy. And I'm not talking about normal conservatives. I'm talking about as they're described in the Edmonton Journal today by right wing commenter Lauren Gunter, check out my screen, the cranks and loons. Lauren Gunter, that left wing lunatic, has a call about today. Premier Smith saddled with outsized influence of UCP's cranks and loons. And the premier is in a position right now where polling shows that three out of four Albertans

26:19are going to fight to keep the province in Canada three out of four. And if it actually were to come to a binding referendum, that number would increase to more the number of Albertans that would actually literally vote in a binding referendum to leave Canada is falling. Doesn't announcement like a new pipeline prompt that number to fall even further. And if you're a politician walking a tight rope, just like Mark Carney, but Daniel Smith even more so I'd say hers is higher and maybe without a net at what point do you cut bait? Now Gunter's column, which is worth a read by the way it goes on to talk about what happens, you know, when the separatists cause fails. And what are these folks do next and history and common sense would suggest that they'll be out for blood. And they'll look to replace Daniel Smith is the leader of the UCP. And then you've got kind of an existential question on your hands of what is this party all about? Who's driving the bus? And if it swings too far to the

27:22right and is undeniably run by unabashed separatists, then what does that do to Albertus political landscape? And who benefits from there? It's way too simple to suggest that everybody would migrate over to not head nenshi in the NDP. And I think it's also way too simple to suggest that the progressive Tory party of Alberta led by Pete Guthrie would immediately see an accident as of MLA is looking to join let alone donors and volunteers and supporters and the like. So what does this all do? Daniel Smith by standing with Mark Carney at this pipeline announcement makes a very strong statement about her desire to continue to work with Ottawa and her ability to get a deal done. Of course there's going to be people that will suggest that this entire referendum process is what made this happen. The threat, the sending Ottawa message. Now keep in mind the referendum hasn't even happened yet. So if you do call Alberta home, if you're a member of our audience that lives in Alberta and you're planning on quote sending Ottawa a message by voting in this first referendum that Alberta should explore

28:31leaving Canada. How do you as Y-True Mastimee square that circle? How do you look at a new let's call it a $40 billion pipeline announcement admittedly not yet shovels in the ground. But how do you look at a story like that and choose to still send Ottawa a message? What more are you looking for from Ottawa? Now I know people will take us off onto tangents with the red herrings around appointing judges and collecting our own income tax, tighter control on immigration. But at the end of the day, this whole thing is about Alberta's relationship with Ottawa and Alberta's future inner outside of Canada. And that's why I think that October 1st will go down as a day that proves that Alberta and Canada can work. Curious to know your thoughts on it? Send us an email to talk at Ryan Jesperson.com anytime we'll leave more time for your comments as this episode continues and of course in episodes to come.

29:33By the way, a quick note our next episode of the show, the second of October, one on one, me and former Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel will he double down on his inflammatory comments about the state of Edmonton's downtown. Don't miss our next episode with Stephen Mandel and myself an exclusive one on one right here in the real talk studio. We've got Alberta business leaders set to join the round table set to join the conversation in just a moment that's coming up presented by our friends at the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. But first a message from our friends at North Road Investment Council. Obviously a day like today we're paying attention to Canada US relations. We're paying attention to the economy. We're paying attention to the future expansion of Canada and what that really actually looks like. But these aren't just political stories right? These are financial and economic stories as well. Canadians are noticing through trade disputes and tariffs and political friction that our interests aren't always being treated with the respect they deserve. If you're looking to

30:35find out really what a changing Canada US relationship means for your investments, your retirement, your family's future, you need to check in with North Road Investment Council. They're an independent Canadian firm based right here in Alberta providing objective advice focused on your interests. If you're thinking about changing advisors or maybe you just want a second opinion, a second set of eyes on your strategy, you owe it to yourself to check in with North Road Investment Council for Canadian advice and independent thinking. You can learn more about the four pillars. There are four different service business units that set them apart from everybody else by visiting their website online that's northroadic.com. I'm dressed my best today thanks to our friends at the helm. I always love popping in to say hi to Chad and his team. A luxury three story retail experience in downtown Edmonton and always online at the helm clothing.com. That's where you can check out their new lineup of Italian made

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33:40they're supporting Alberta's industries across the board, including renewables, including law enforcement, including hell. I mean, you name it. They kind of do it all and it's strength in numbers with IUOE local 955. My favorite part of their website. I go on a browse, even though I'm happy here. Just to see what's out there. Go to the job board at join us today dot CA. I have today 118 jobs available today. Look at this. You want to change a pace? You want a new opportunity? You want to go work for a union that has your back? Browse the job board today at join us today dot CA. Man, real talkers with a lot to say about this new announcement. This big announcement coming out of Fort McMurray today. Let's see where our panelists heads are at. I was able to hang out with these three just a couple of nights ago at the beautiful, beautifully executed Alberta business awards of distinction presented by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. And it's a real pleasure to welcome back to the show. She's always got her eye on Alberta business. The president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers. Sean a fat welcome back and congratulations on a wonderful award

34:43ceremony. Thanks. Thanks for having us. It was great. We recognized a bunch of Alberta businesses that are doing great things. And we said we've got to find two business owner operators that can really articulate their stories and the bigger picture of the Alberta business landscape. And I'm thrilled to welcome to the show. The president and CEO of 11 electronics based out of Edmonton, recipient of the business innovation award of distinction James Kiersted James welcome to the show. Good to see you. Yeah. Good to see you again. Right. Yeah. You as well. And and she's this this next guest boy. She had I think two standing ovation at the business awards had people happy in their current jobs. I'm sure quietly considering coming over to work for you Deborah Rice Solomon's you lead MVE. That's the Heritage Center in mountain view county. Just an incredible business. We'll talk about that a bit today. But you receive both the female entrepreneur award of distinction and the Alberta's best of business award of distinction. That's like when in the Stanley Cup, I think in your line, isn't it? Absolutely. Right. Thank you so much. It's so

35:46awesome to have you both here and and I'm grateful. And we're going to talk about the business awards and what you do. But I just want to pick your brains. It's a big day for business. And we're talking about that. Sean a you and I have talked about Alberta and Ottawa working together energy expansion and new pipelines. Where's your head out? I mean, will acknowledge it's we're we're talking ahead of the announcement. But but I know you've had your eye on October 1st for a while. Oh, absolutely. And you know, we're ahead of the announcement. But I think it's pretty good signal that they're up in Fort McMurray that there's going to be a positive announcement. We've had October 1st circled on the calendar for quite a while because we're really looking we were really thinking about what if the announcement doesn't happen. Yeah. And how devastating would that be to Alberta in terms of the situation we're in right now with the vote coming on on October 19th. And how would that swing because we're seeing the numbers declining in terms of where Albert and C this this referendum going in terms of separation. And I think if the announcement hadn't happened today, that would have been devastating. And so just incredibly positive. We were so happy. And I'm

36:47really happy that I don't have to use all that alternative communication material that we put together. You had a plan B. It comes plan B. Can you can you give us just just like just a hint of what that would have looked like in the position. I mean the Alberta chambers of commerce who representing thousands of members and just a whole ton of different Alberta businesses. Small medium-sized enterprises. I mean a lot of different interests at play. What was the plan B on comms if if this didn't make its way through the major projects office. And if the Prime Minister just said sorry no dice there's no appetite for it. So we were really focused in on the impact to the economy in Alberta. And all along when we've talked about separation in UNI have had this conversation. I don't know how many times when I'm on this show and off. But the reality of it is that I don't I don't think we have fully communicated very well. And we would have started getting much more aggressive in the communication of it. But even the the thought of separation is impacting businesses. Even the thought of the relationship with what's going on in the United

37:50States is impacting businesses. Terrorists are impacting businesses. All of these things need to be really flagged in terms of we need to make a decision collectively as Albertans that what we do how we look at this vote how we look at separation. It's it's not just about one thing or another. There's a lot of impacts on the province of Alberta and we need to be really cognizant of the fact this vote is really really important. So really it was about amping up our communications really making sure that we outlined the concerns businesses and the province we're having. And and how this is actually having impact on their businesses even as it stands today. But great news on the announcement. And I'm like I said happy I'm not going to have to do all that messaging. It's a little bit more difficult. When right now I think all of the signaling from Ottawa has been so positive. I think that's why we're seeing numbers drop. And I think with this announcement today that we are really going to hopefully see those numbers drop some more. And we can start thinking about Albert

38:51as part of Canada and that we do have a place. And we are being valued and they really recognize the economic impact that we have to to the to the country. Regular real talkers know you join us monthly with your eye on Alberta business. And I bet if we had a word cloud you know those exercises where the words get bigger the more they use them. I bet probably that your word cloud would have stability probably as the biggest. And you've talked to us how investors need stability and businesses need stability. And here's James the minute I invoke the word just nodding your head. James for people that aren't familiar they can check out leaven.com leween.com you develop your company does wireless electrical controls for homes and buildings right. And you've obviously been making a huge impact. Are you your exporting is it North America? Why does that right? You have a North American market right now. That's correct. So what is what have the last 18 months or so been like for for your company in the context of the Canada U.S. trade dispute and some of the other factors. It's been challenging. We've been navigating it as well as anyone could expect but let's face the facts. When you have tariffs going up between countries and trade which we really need starts to get

40:00hampered that impacts every business uncertainty that is created around it impacts every business business thrives in consistency war impacts businesses we're seeing things that we never expected outside of covid for example lead times on components all because you know natural gas because of bombings in Qatar got impacted which impacted the ability to create helium which impacts the ability to produce chips. And so stuff that we could buy with 12 week lead times are now 40 week lead times plus the cost to just get products to us so that we can manufacture them and then send them to our customers in the United States and across Canada all these things are impacted. I'm not a political person but I will say when you have things like the Alberta separatist separation

41:04movement that also impacts business absolutely because people don't invest when there's uncertainty. People it's and it's interesting where you say and I understand why you know as a business leader here and speaking on behalf of your business you were in your business golf shirt with the logo right there you're like you don't want to like get too political there's a lot of people kill me. But yeah especially when we clip it and take four seconds of you saying you're hot as take but but at the same time it's like it's not it's not been a luxury that businesses have had I'm not saying you go out there and you tell people how to vote or who to vote for but you have to understand politics and you have to understand what's happening right now if you're going to understand the impact on your business and what your business needs to do about it is that a fair statement? 100% I mean choices have consequence and oftentimes we make decisions as human beings without looking into the future at what the consequences will be everything works together.

42:08I just have to say Deborah that you're what you have built we can spend an hour just talking about what you have built at MVE the Heritage Center people can check out MVEtheheritage Center.com we'll link to it in the show notes for the audience you can also check out their Instagram it's amazing if I describe you as a central Alberta red barn wedding venue you're going to immediately say we're so much more than a wedding venue and we're so much more than a red barn but at the heart of it you have built just the most special event venue with blood sweat and tears reviving a what 100 year old barn I mean it's a remarkable story 1904 barns like 120 years old this barn and you've got people now recognizing not just the sort of the beauty of it but also the business case for it which is awesome I'm sure that the turmoil over the past couple of years may have impacted you a little bit but I want to talk about your COVID story as well your whole business is a story of survival isn't it? So I'm a very long term thinker and I planned this this venture for 30 years and so and I

43:16was lucky enough to make a decision two weeks after I turned 60 years old that I was going to make my dream come true we built the center during 2018 open folio 19 and when they shut me down in 20 I owed the bank a million dollars can you imagine and I'm an accountant from oil and gas and so I you know what was going to happen to my business I took that opportunity to really look at what this you know how could I pivot my business how could I make it through like all the people that all my clients you know we had you know people cancelling people crying their biggest day their life was was was impacted so how could we not only get through this but how could we come out on the other side bigger and better so we took that opportunity actually during COVID to actually you know improve our landscape like we weren't how it holds in wedding so we could do just about anything else so but today when I look back

44:20at it it was a huge stress but my community stepped up and they were always behind me we did everything from have farmers markets to selling ice cream cones to get through those days but it was you know but I'm an Albertan born in bread and and we have had tough times I went through the oil and gas in the 80s you know when that happened so to face you know times of trouble and come out on the other side stronger that is that's Albertans and and that's who I am that's who my center is and but it's it's you think that this political stuff may not impact say for example my wedding business yesterday I received a client questionnaire that I get from all my clients and she specifically stated I want all the alcohol served to be Canadian yeah just like who would have thought that she was worried that I was bringing in Jack Daniels it for her though but it's

45:21every if you don't think you're being impacted by the changes in oil and gas industry you know fuel surcharges were impacted with to the you know the the tariffs from from the US it's you that's not the case we are all impacted whether I'm I'm you know a electrical contractor or someone who hosts wedding events we were lucky enough to actually host Albertan beef this summer and they brought all these beef organizations up from the US and of course I say to them this is how all the barns in Alberta look yes so but anyways we're proud of being Albertans and Canadians I've got six Canadian flags flying at the front of my business and I'm it's going to be tough going through these next few weeks prior to the referendum because people are talking about this it's impacting jobs it's impacting our industry it's you know this pipeline announcement I'm a strong investor

46:24I worked in oil and gas for 40 years oil and gas built my facility and and so I'm really concerned about you know the pushback on on the pipelines because it impacts jobs in Alberta I spent 10 years in Fort McMurray and my my business is a reflection of luxury you know when when people have events this type of thing and so what gets first cut when we have times of trouble is luxury but on the other hand we're supporting small businesses just like we did during COVID where we people had farmers markets now we have craft markets the business startups that started you know the very first market was with us and today they're in 15 stores and they're exporting this kind of stuff so but that's that's a lot so I'll turn it back well first of all if I learned anything from you holding courts at the business swords and your acceptance speech I just let you speak as long

47:25as you want to speak because people reading out of the palm of your hand but it's you know what what what's reiterated to me here is that you know you've got someone like an electrical contractor and someone operating I'm going to keep calling it a wedding venue the way we will acknowledge and I know your eyes just drop you're about so much more than weddings but it's a stunning wedding venue is what it is people may say that they may not see a lot of similarities or a lot of similar challenges or or perspectives in businesses like that but but there they are clearly articulated right out of the gates and as president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers I would imagine that that's reiterated to you on a daily basis like it's a diverse members base but a lot of the priorities add a lot of the challenges are very very similar absolutely and I think it could also be noted okay so I haven't said this for a while but we're an organization that represents 106 Chambers yeah and 24 thousand businesses across the province and so we're talking to two here but you can imagine the diversity in terms of the challenges and the impacts that decisions are having on businesses

48:25and even certain sectors or certain geographies in the province and so I feel very fortunate to do the job I do to be actually in a position to listen to what's actually going on boots on the ground business in the province um you know I'll do something I don't often do but personally we own an apiary we have a honey farm in beautiful bittern like Alberta and when the tariff was announced on honey we were just like how is this going to impact like you know it's it's just bizarre how even the smallest tiny micro business has been impacted and all the way up to the big huge corporations in terms of you know to your point around supply chains and what's been how they've been impacted and how that's been you know an ongoing almost layering on effects since covid that's just continued to happen and then has been accelerated even more so by the tariffs and the ability to get the products and services that we need so I'm not really answering your question other than to say that every there's conversations yeah it's very it's very very diverse in terms of what's happening to

49:29businesses in the province and I think that is why the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction are so important this is my favorite event of the year hands down we do a lot of signature events in the year but for the ability to just for one night just one night alone just have a really fancy fancy event where we can celebrate what these businesses in the province are doing and how important their contributions are to their communities I think it's just like I said it's my favorite it's it's you know I don't know my comes people I don't think are happy when I say that but we have other big events coming out yeah well I mean it's I mean it's you know some of the other events that you do and you do a ton through the year and I'm proud to participate in them but but a lot of it is you know it's like politicians or business leaders people talking and but it's it's all about a lot of it which is important is like policy or direction or controversy and this is just celebrating and who doesn't love celebrating I'll let people know by the way you can check out abbusinessawards.com their shannist team's done a great job of of putting all the award winners

50:31up there so you can browse the list learn more about the companies you can see of course there you have it right at the top our guests here represented 11 electronics with business innovation then the double winner at MVE the Heritage Center there she is Deborah with Alberta's Best of Business and Female Entrepreneur I want to talk to you about what you're doing to lift up other female entrepreneurs as well before we wrap today but James you know every Alberta business and for that matter every Canadian business like Shana just said about their AP area and like there's a there's probably you know 10 million examples of folks that are working in business that have been told that you need to adjust you need to find new markets you need to find new customers you know to find new suppliers a lot of talk about supply chain as a matter of fact over the past while 11 started if I understand the company story correctly by addressing kind of a you know a very real challenge like on job sites right about practical challenge and construction and it's scaled up in in a huge way like am I reading these numbers correctly really 8,000 home installations 650,000 devices across North America yeah I mean this is this is a story of encountering a

51:37challenge overcoming the challenge and then scaling I'm sure people would be curious to hear your secret well I don't know if it's a secret well yet you're absolutely right we have been fortunate enough to scale the uncertainty that's happening right now has absolutely slowed that pace down which is always concerning but it's about finding the right value proposition you know when we got into this the whole idea was could we make every day homes smart the entire house and the problem wasn't a technology problem it was an economics problem and so we set about trying to figure out how do we pull cost out of a house to help offset the cost of the technology that took us a long time Ryan you and I talked gosh a long time ago we we've had massive challenges getting there code code across North America didn't even accept our product when we first started we built the first

52:43wireless switch in 2014 you know we're going to be the 15 year overnight success might even be 20 year overnight success right that people always say oh you that just happened no it's been a journey and this is what business people across our country are faced with all the time what we've had to do is double down on our great partnerships with our American customers because the truth is Americans are great people and they have for the most part let's forget about the political arena today they've embraced working with Canadians one of our shareholders is Pultigroup the third largest home builder in the United States you know thanks to them our products are getting it real traction in a market in the southern United States that we may never have gotten to um it also has forced us to really look inside our community inside Alberta inside Canada and we

53:47have absolutely said look take advantage this product's made right here you could be putting in world class technology manufactured designed everything right here in eminence in Alberta when do we hear that we don't it's and if I left one message with Canadians both this business and my previous life we can compete globally we absolutely can we have to believe that we can and get out there and go compete don't be afraid to give that a go so you do the majority of your business or all of your business in North America yeah right now yes and is it like ish evenly split between Canada and the US or is it much more in the in the United States I would say it's pretty evenly split okay so you know we hear a lot of businesses and in regard to this of industry people will say well you know I mean some businesses that we were told by a trade representative from the United States wasn't it just the other day to get the hell out of the United States it's been a bit of a hostile

54:49situation at least at the top end with the politicians right the people on the podiums but for a company like yours that doesn't sound like that's choice number one or maybe not even an option others have been said we'll go find other markets I mean you know you say you're going to be the 15 or 20 year overnight success just going to find other markets uh is a little easier said than done yeah so how where's your head been at over the last year or so knowing the importance of the American market to you um knowing the potential I'm sure they're building homes in other parts of the world as well but how have you navigated that yeah so the challenge with going and finding other markets is the way we do power in North America is not the same way we do power in Europe or Asia so that means we have to go back to the drawing board and we have to design a whole new line of devices that doesn't happen without massive investment and significant amount of time I made a choice early on to focus on the North American market to perfect our technology to make

55:53sure that our technology was really well healed and well proven before we started looking at other markets regardless of the uh political climate between the two countries one day we will see ourselves internationally um we can like I said compete there we've got world class technology and um now with the US yeah it's a little different but I'll tell you the people on the ground the businesses that we work with every day we don't talk about it at all it's not a discussion point nobody comes up to us and says we're not going to buy because you're Canadian in fact they're always saying the same thing it's amazing you guys make this stuff right here in North America we'd love to support North American business I love that uh I also love this comment from Morrell who's watching this now our livestream presented by California clauses she's checking

56:53a sub on YouTube she says I love the positive vibes and the great attitudes of the guests on this show how good is that for feedback from Morrell um Deborah one of the one of the one of the the distinctions you were honored with was the female entrepreneur award of distinction and I absolutely loved the spirit in which you accepted the award the women that you elevated in the room with you that night and then when you shared with those of us in the room uh your commitment to your fellow female entrepreneurs has it struck me has been a big part of what's driven you for a long time uh including some of your initiatives outside of your own business why do you care so much well first of all I'm um number three of four girls um so I've been surrounded by women my whole life uh grew up in an all-girl farm and uh and so um it it just became um second nature to always

57:53be looking at ways to uh celebrate the women the women in that are in my life and in in Alberta's business community um I used to hear you know uh international women's day is coming on March 8th and there was nothing happening in central Alberta that I knew about it so I went just a minute here we need to celebrate so in 2004 uh well probably 2003 the the plan started and uh you know the best way to have a plan get going is to have coffee with your girlfriends and talk about you know what we we can do to uh celebrate and we created the Mountain View and Neighbors Women in Business Awards so Mountain View and Neighbors is represents clear water Mountain View and Nehill counties uh women in business there and we created uh uh an awards banquet um to celebrate international women's day and so we now have six awards we uh celebrate uh women in business for profit not for profit agriculture uh energy and we have our women of influence and last year

58:58we had our first Rising Star Award which is uh young women under the age of 18 and you cannot believe the candidate the candidates at the nominees that we had and the quality of the businesses that we found in in this rural these rural communities um just amazing uh we've been sold out every year um of of course um the Alberta Chambers have been great supporters and uh no shortage of wonderful nominees and we're excited we're already kicking off the 2027 awards we'll kick it off through a small business week but um it is it is just when you celebrate others you lift yourself your heart is you know is just it just makes your heart happy um to see these these wonderful women in business you know put on their you know they're they're fancy outfits and they show up at we've had it in Oles up until now but to really celebrate what we can do in central Alberta as

1:00:00with women entrepreneurs I was lucky enough to be selected the female entrepreneur from the Alberta Chamber Awards of Distinction and um I'm just happy to share it with all the women that have helped me get to where I am today because I'm not an island I am surrounded by my friends my family when I phone you up on a to say Brian what are you doing on Saturday you can guarantee it isn't going to a spa it'll be some charity event or something like that um we're always looking to help others and that's how I live my personal life and that's how my business also um expands into community Dwayne in our live chat says there's something about people from farms so I brought this along because I wanted you to see that this is I don't know how I know yeah yeah yeah hold it right up that's you got it right right here right here oh right there yeah there you go so this is where it all started but you got to describe this most people will hear this on the podcast so okay this is a poster from 1946 from the Toshu Tribune and it says

1:01:05everyone's going to the barn dance it writes as barn two and a half miles east of torrenton gravel all the way yeah and this is this was my grandparents barn and they started having barn dances in 1924 but my roots are very rural and um this was my inspiration for my business um so music by howl and stardust cowboys uh and it cost 50 in 1946 it says two and a half miles east of torrenton gravel all the way because in 1946 all the roads in Alberta were dirt and this was a big deal to have gravel to go to this barn so I was I was I'm such an idiot I'm thinking it's the other way around they're warning you you got your new 46 studa baker and they're warning you there's gravels you don't want to chip your paint no they're saying gravel is a good thing yes got it and that was my inspiration but that farm girl work ethic you know um that uh you can't do it by you needed you I needed my sisters to help me pack water because two of us took two of us to haul a pail and that's that sort of was the impetus for my um you know supporting women on

1:02:11ordinances we need each other to be successful to tell us when times are really tough when you know something bad has happened you need your girlfriends are the other women on to be in order to say keep going it's going to get better they help you you know they hold you up and and that is a big part of who I am and who the Mountain View Neighbors women in business what we do there I love that we should also do so much better for the fact that we have so many women entrepreneurs in Alberta I don't know if your listeners know but a lot Alberta has parity amongst entrepreneurship women same number of women starting new businesses today as men that's huge that has a massive economic impact on our communities is that does that does that set Alberta apart from other jurisdictions in Canada like there are there more female entrepreneurs in Alberta do you think or as far as we know yeah for sure there is a much higher percentage than other jurisdictions and um the reason that sets

1:03:14us apart is because as we well know we all have different gifts and and we have different experiences we have different ways of viewing things like the future and strategy around how business is done and I think the the nice part about having that that diversity and having that parity in Alberta is that we've got a lot of really creative businesses that are evolving as a as a result of that and I don't say that because there's a lot of female entrepreneurs because a lot of female entrepreneurs are also being held up by the men and their lives as well supporting them but I do think that we just have a different lens in terms of it's not just about the dollars and cents it's about what is the impact my business is having and you heard that very clearly in Debs comments and I think that's what sets us apart and makes Alberta very unique and very special in that regard I wanted to just follow up on Debs comments and in particular talking about female entrepreneurs in the community and kind of that sense of the collective support and

1:04:17you know bigger picture it's kind of the whole premise of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce right I mean we're hearing about very different businesses here but a lot of those principles a lot of the realities regardless of the size of the business or that business's story that remains true oh absolutely and it it just speaks to the core of the values that we have as an organization at the chamber in terms of that trusted integrity just you know the value of being affiliated with the chamber and the trusted integrity that that gives businesses I take that very seriously and that's something that I continue to uphold in terms of you know there's real value when you can become part of a large network that's actually proactively thinking about what's around the corner what's going to happen on October 1st what are the policies that are really shaping the business community the business environment in the province and what are we doing to advocate on the half of businesses to make sure that Alberta is the best place I'd say in the country but I would

1:05:19love it to be in the world I tell my team all the time we're going to take over the world but but I would love Alberta to be that place where businesses just go you know there's there's such value in in being able to do business here and there's such a valuable network of just amazing business owners in the province doing as I already said great things in their communities that dovetail into why you would invest into our province I love that I love the optimism I love your stories thank you all for making time for us today congratulations on your success and I mean it's interesting you know James for example you talk about you know some of that growth or at least some of that scale being you know maybe stifle the tiny bit or interrupted a tiny bit but in closing I always love to ask our guests kind of what's next and we'll look past like Shana mentions October 1st the announcement today which is now official by the way you know October 19th that's one circle done a lot of calendars with the referendum you know we hope to see some certainty though we know these these sentiments will not go away and not everything will be solved we've still got to

1:06:19sort out our troubles as my friend calls it our troubles with the United States but generally and optimistically speaking James will go first with you what's what's next for Levin well Levin's going to continue to grow I think we're going to see significant growth happen in the eastern part of Canada and I know for a fact we're going to see some massive growth in the United States in the next coming years we're already doing business with the top three builders in the United States and I only see that growing so I'm super excited I think that will help us develop more technology that will make living in your home so much more desirable and I'm yeah I'm really excited for the future we just got into a new place and all the switches are old school we would have to get in touch with you I think we might have to get I might be your next customer I know you know I got yeah what's next for you I mean people go I recommend by the way that people check

1:07:20out your website you got a beautiful website if people are planning not just weddings of conferences gatherings family reunions I mean you're bound to find a fit there at mbe the heritage center.com what's next for you well we're really focusing on on our expansion of on our corporate events we've like I said we're we really we're the perfect place for ag events and trade shows this type of thing we're really starting to be recognized people used to walk into our venue and say wow this is so beautiful didn't know it was here and now what we're hearing is my friend got married here or I was at the women in ag event or ag days here and so we're really looking forward to the expansion of that side of our business and you know I'm always doing something different you never know it's just I don't I get up at four o'clock in the morning and I have nothing to do so I you know scroll and stuff like this and I'm always finding something fun to do and and so my carpenters my local contractors my dirt man they know something's coming down the pipe and we've got something

1:08:23planned for 2027 and you'll have to come and see oh damn like that the hook I will you don't have to convince me to come out there looks incredible absolutely right you will be you will be amazed you're going to come and say wow what did this farm girl from central Alberta do and you know this is an iconic red barn and you can't miss us yeah we're we're something to see sure is been by the way in our chat says I seriously missed driving on gravel roads we were just all visiting family and Saskatchewan a short time ago there's something about driving on gravel roads isn't it afro baroko appreciating this conversation says when people talk about economic diversification they so often forget to address small businesses angry thanks for your youtube channel membership and grid she says I'm a female entrepreneur in Alberta says there are many opportunities for support and community for women entrepreneurs across the province which is awesome keep the comments coming real talkers and if you want to learn more about what we've been talking about we'll link to all of these businesses in the show notes I mean the driving force behind all of this is the Alberta

1:09:28business awards of distinction of course and that's presented by our friends at the Alberta chambers of commerce you can learn more about the benefits of membership learn more about their priorities their advocacy and their upcoming news and events by checking out the website abchamber.ca that's where Sean a fat this president and CEO we've been joined by James Kiersted president and CEO of leaven electronics and of course Deborah rice solomans founder owner operator of MVE the heritage center in mountain view county and our feature interview presented by Mercedes Benz Edmonton was thanks for doing this it's great to see you guys yeah next time we get together it's going to be right after that though it's gonna be interesting I know we'll have some numbers to crunch we'll get into all of the implications and you of course as always we'll have your eye on Alberta business we'll look forward to it absolutely thanks so much all right thanks guys real talkers you bet it we appreciate it it is Thursday and of course that means that I mean this falls it feels like we've just heard a whole bunch of Alberta wins but presented by our friends at play Alberta we have a chance

1:10:29to focus on an Alberta win in particular and I love this one submitted to talk at Ryan jessperson.com by jillian jillian writes in and says jessbo the real talk team my school did a thing jillian says we went ahead and raised six digits that's right over 111 thousand dollars for the terry fox foundation jillian says we're a small junior high in Alberta's capital city and we are now the highest fundraising school in Canada what for the terry fox run jillian says we're an eminence in public school roughly 575 students 30 staff and though we are but a small junior high we have always always punched above our weight and encouraged our students to play big and aim high five years ago it says our school would do the usual toony for terry you know and we'd raise a few hundred bucks but then our amazing fizzed department decided to turn our terry fox run into a full event jillian says our students

1:11:34raised thousands of dollars from things like pledges and bake sales motivated by terry fox's message of hope motivated to always push harder because that's what terry did so students were also encouraged along the way by special teacher pledges for example like if we raised 30 grand a teacher would teach in a dragon costume if we hit 40 grand teacher would die their facial hair rainbow colored 60 grand a teacher would shave their head and says and now the school principal in about six teachers need to get inked they're getting tattooed because they promised the students they would get a night tattoo or the avalan nights if we raised over a hundred thousand dollars so you've got the principal teachers are getting inked how great is that jillian says it takes not just amazing staff and students to pull this sort of thing off but also the support of a fantastically generous community and local businesses she says I am so proud that our Alberta school is number one in the country in raising money in honor of the greatest Canadian we rocked it

1:12:37yeah you did so this is a big shout out to jillian and all the kids at avalan the top fundraising school in canada for the terry fox foundation through the terry fox run raising over one hundred eleven thousand dollars that is absolutely an Alberta win jillian we love it you can send us your Alberta win to talk at Ryan jesserson dot com it's proudly presented Thursdays here on the show by our friends at play Alberta Alberta wins every day with play Alberta because all revenue stays in the province that's the only app in the province that puts revenue directly back into supporting programs and services that all burdens rely on every day so whether you play bet or buy with casino sports or lottery only app offering all three know that your fund also makes a difference across the province you can learn more by checking out play Alberta dot c a slash real talk that's play Alberta dot c a slash real talk you've got to be 18 or over to play and if you gamble use your game sense 111 g's for the terry fox foundation i mean you tell elementary junior high high school kids

1:13:43i don't care what age you are that you can force your teacher to get a tattoo if you raise a certain amount of money or shave their head or dye their go t pink they're going to do it this was one of my favorite episodes of the office if there's any office fans out there there's there's one where Andy tries to incentivize the office and the best way does it where everyone gets jacked up is he says if we sell this much or if we raise this much money i'm going to put a tattoo on my rear end and everyone just goes crazy but yeah it is a good incentivizer great stat or a great i love that our guests brought that up about women owned businesses and Alberta i didn't know that so i looked it up it's hard to track exactly what it is but we have one of the highest rates of either wholly owned by women or equally owned by a man and a woman businesses in Canada and i just saw another set that released yesterday Alberta has the most indigenous owned businesses out of all businesses in Canada the most are in Alberta 22% right behind Ontario has about 20% of the total

1:14:46indigenous own businesses in Canada so that's a big thing for Alberta as well that's a huge deal how about i mean obviously all the panelists are are you know high achievers having been recognized with these business awards of distinction but like Deborah is just like it's unbelievable when she's talking about her farm and in this set and the other yeah they had this whole i love red barn red wedding yeah you look right i'm the guy you're like you can actually just set up a resident see i'm totally gonna just slip my card in your bag of the big red barn or maybe we'll just broadcast for i was looking it up as you guys were talking it's great like all you know halfway between red deer and Alberta yes or Calgary yeah absolutely and at the family history too the tradition of the barn dance did you see in the poster the one the one thing we didn't mention of that poster that she showed from the 1940s it said gravel road all the way which is the positive and then underneath it says the name of the band and then it says good floor yeah let never know you're gonna be dancing you have a good floor i mean this was something figured out

1:15:46through the ages but you need you need a hard flat and i would even say shiny i like a shiny dance floor i like it when it's been polished or clean right before because any kind of dust dirt rocks gravel whatever it just affects the uh when you're tripping the light fantastic as they used to say about it yes yes did you ever i don't think you ever we didn't know each other yet when i was hosting breakfast television right at the beginning and there there was uh it was in partnership i think it was with the Edmonton Arts Council and we threw two parties called trip the light and uh and they were held in the breakfast television studio uh catered we had like Arlo Maverick played one of the shows scenic route to Alaska played one of the shows we had bartenders in there they were just these runaway parties um and then Rogers our parent company that owned obviously you know the studio and where my employer i think Toronto finally got wind of these parties like we had got the green light from local management to throw these parties and then i think that Toronto saw photos

1:16:49of people just having the time of their lives and then these like quarter million dollar tv cameras on the floor and trip the light was stopped in its tracks it's just two but if you know you know if you were there you know trip the light fantastic like obviously as a DJ I know every word for for dancing boogie and getting down breaking down whatever but trip the light fantastic back from the 1600s and i only know this because i was like so i would hear people say it in like in like produce DJ I mean i'm like what does that mean there's a guy John Milton back in the 1600s there was this phrase trip it as you go on the light fantastic toe so people used to lead with their right foot and point their toe and so then it just got shortened to trip the light fantastic and it just meant let's hit the dance floor but but but that was a big point you brought up like it's funny like Alberta is all about that too where like weddings you know celebrations everything used to happen in like an outside kind of structure usually a barn or something like that and Alberta

1:17:50was big for that but now i love i mean i don't love it because they want a part 805 amp because they don't have like a cutoff or alcohol or noise but barn weddings barn celebrations it's the big thing it can't be beat it's the big thing it everyone's checking in right now like venostern says there's a great old fashioned barn dance all over glenwood Alberta east of lethbridge shout out to them less thanks for buying this a beer less we appreciate it in our super chat says if real talk gets a million subscribers Johnny and jess but will shave their heads dude i would do way more than shave my head for a million subscribers what do you want you tell me i mean let's not go too crazy but i would get what do you want i'll get a real talk tattoo easily i'm gonna probably get one anyway um yeah i'll absolutely shave my head for for a million subscribers that's weak yeah i mean lucky numbers man well let's see metamodern see this is more metamoderns says and thank you for buying us a beer metamodern says if real talk gets a million subscribers i want the release of jess post christian rap tape on Spotify um app i mean listen if i can find it who you need to

1:18:56pressure is ryan lotter mosa he's a he's a musician i'm using first and last name so he's easy to find he's a musy is a brilliant musician down in calgary he was the l and i was the j of r2 lj that was the name of our christian rap group and ryan lotter mosa was the i was the the lyrical you know i guess i was the you know i was the frontman but he was the whole band and so ryan lotter mosa would be the one with access to the recordings we should try to find them uh including johnny our first ever released god ain't nobody's fool uh which was our title track for all the junior high talent shows i would i i'm not holding nothing i love more i'm not holding this back from you guys to be clear metamodern if i had it i would absolutely although the lyrics these days might get me in trouble i don't know right early 1990s christian rap i don't know what i was saying in there i don't know what i was nothing i love more than ryan's christian rap face like i i would do a whole show on it i researched it i've got photos yeah we've heard early recordings we're trying to remaster them and re-release them yeah this i love it yeah it's incredible

1:19:58but but shavier had all she had my head you can only have my left pinky okay finger if we get a million subscribers i'll cut it off yeah i mean jill says a million subscribers should get us a live performance in student even of r2 lj 100 percent i'll do it i only remember uh yeah d'arth espresso says where we albert is dc talk i mean minus the whole like right what's the uh what's his name the one guy the dc talk guy that's proven to be problematic um you guys know the guy i mean uh michael tate remember this yeah the dc talk thing hasn't aged well uh it's turned out that he was like did you hear about did you or you do you even know who dc talk is yeah like a bad like a christian watching tandy they were like the they were like the beast they were like the christian beastie boys although that's like sorry to the beastie boys like that's a little bit disrespectful but yeah they were you know and they're and they just uh anyway we'll probably cut this part out of the podcast we would never cut any of this our podcast

1:21:01listeners are taking out right group talk from the part ever i will not allow it but let's get serious because uh i did want to get you up to speed on something i know that a lot of you had your own plans on september 30th and uh and we know that not as many of you checked out that episode because you were doing your own thing for national day for truth and reconciliation so i wanted to follow up on that and then bring you a couple of comments from the national broadcast which i thought were pretty important um and at least provided some focus right we we sort of hope that that on orange shirt day as people sort of casually call it right national day for truth and reconciliation that it that it's similar to a remembrance day in the sense that we want to take a moment to ask how does this apply to our own life and the answer may be different for every single one of us some of us may have a collective vision or an acknowledgement of here's where we need to go from here here's what we have done here's what we have not done here's what we must do uh but also personal reflections and that was a big part of what we hope that that episode would present so we got this real talk roundtable it was great it was podcasters from the unsettled

1:22:05podcast Jessica vandenberg and George Lee from the native calgaryen podcast a wonderful friend of the show michelle robinson and and here's a brief highlight of what they offered up on our september 30th episode reconciliation is the wrong word we can't reconcile what happens to indigenous people it's not something that we can sum up and then one day oh yeah we can call it even now you know we made up for all that oppression then all those children that died like we can just dismiss it all we weren't taught to be proud of who we were when we were growing up maybe it's a little different now and i definitely work really hard at changing that for my daughter there's still a massive oppression dynamic as a 60 scoop survivor there's this distance from identity and a struggle between where do you fit and how to deal with that and all the while still wanting to advocate and still wanting to bring awareness but it all is so personal and we hear all the other side to the conversation too about denialism and people who are working against it and saying that it's it's not valid the only thing that matters today are the residential school survivors the descendants and those who didn't

1:23:08make it home that should always be in our heart i just hope people act doing nothing is also harmful being stuck in the middle not using your voice in your positions of privilege says also perpetuate the harms that are existing if you find yourself saying well we've given them tons of chances we've given them all this money look there's still a problem a you don't understand the full scope and complexity the problem and b what you're saying is almost a textbook definition of racism if you're saying this group somehow has a flawed character within its group that is preventing it from succeeding then that is a type of racism and you need to challenge that it's not just the people with white masks over their faces it's in your heart somewhere too and you need to look at that on this day for truth and reconciliation so i was george lee uh before him michelle robin's ingestka vandenberg podcasters joining us on a special edition of the real talk round table sure appreciated it make sure you check it out in its entirety we had some people writing into us saying

1:24:11that that was the most meaningful episode that they've ever heard people telling us how they were applying that in their own lives i love this from patrician our live chat says it's on shirt day every day in our house less says yesterday's show is one of the best shows that we've had in a long time i appreciate that it's an important one bigger picture than the national conversation and and we touched on it in ours are around for example boil water advisories on reserve still an issue in 2026 and uh agent arsono on the cbc's broadcast on september 30th asked uh mandy gollmassy about this she's the minister of indigenous services specifically aster about the state of clean water uh or not and this is what the minister had to say we've been able to achieve 95% of the boil water advisories being lifted we have put forward a bill uh i'm very pleased to hear that in this region the kind of support that's going to be coming forward in terms of how they want to see that bill move forward over half of the boil water advisories are in this

1:25:14territories uh in this traditional territory and we are doing the work what's most important as we are doing the work with community and determining how they want to move things forward so we also heard on that broadcast from dr. nigan sing claire um a professor and author an activist sort of uh manitoba and he offered up a different perspective on water and a more of a challenging one which is an important perspective especially on a day like september 30th here it is if you missed it if they wanted to fix boil water advisories they would fix it tomorrow you're the minister speak about you know 90% 95% whatever it might be i mean why isn't it 100% and why did it take so long and the big issue of course is you know it's not just about boil water advisories it's about the chronic poverty the child welfare system the justice system and all those different things the calls to actions just simply speak about so the government has a very serious role to play but here's here's the uh i think the uh important thing to remember is that i think if we had a change

1:26:15in government that was let's say banning uh diversity equity programs uh uh uh rolling back indigenous rights which is now uh in now supposed to be uh coming into harm me with canadian law i think canadian's would stand up anyways i think we are at a point in which we are now seeing 20 million canadians have an orange shirt will do an event on today so that's a notion of reconciliation is bigger than it's this is now a part of the mainstream life of every single canadian in pockets not everywhere and certainly not in certain areas in which you have leadership uh you know canadian elected officials for example who are not working not committed uh in sometimes undermining but you know canadians particularly in areas in which we they work with each other live with each other marry each other become best friends um you know they're stepping up in ways that are remarkable so that's uh dr. negai and st. clare in conversation with adrian arsono that's courtesy of the cbc uh by the way that was the eagle river singers that you heard in the background that was uh broadcast

1:27:19from auto on september 30th so back to back perspectives different ones and the challenging one to rap which i appreciated uh from dr. sing clare on the national day for truth and reconciliation we heard from sharon in our email inbox that's talk at ryan jessperson.com anytime you want to send us a note open 24 hours a day we check it we respond to as many as we can uh sharon says i i'm sharing my story with you and with the real talk audience because i believe that stories matter especially in the face of those who choose to deny or dismiss the history and lived experience of indigenous uh she says i'm choosing to share our family story because i will not hide from our history i want our experiences to be heard remembered and understood and also believe that we must continue working together to address residential school to nihilism in canada sharon says my mother married at eighteen uh to a first nations man from bc who was an enlisted soldier served two terms in korea during their marriage they had five kids three boys two girls as we understand today the experiences of war can leave lasting impacts on individuals and families and unfortunately this was true for them and eventually my mom and her five kids had to leave

1:28:23the situation the kids were all very young between eight months and seven years old when she left no means to support herself uh my mom went to her parents and they insisted that she seek assistance from the church uh but instead of receiving the help that she needed her five children were taken from her the devastation of having your kids taken from you is difficult to imagine but my mom found the strength to carry on she went to work found a home bought a car so she could visit her kids every week with my grandpa at the lachome home and eventually the kids placed into foster care and the entire experience lasted for approximately six years only two of those five kids are still with us today as for me she says i was the first child that my mom was able to raise from birth through adulthood as a mom myself it breaks my heart to think about the pain that she experienced but also the joy she must have felt in finally being able to raise her child i was everybody's baby my siblings extended family the aunties and my mom's circle all helped raise me while my mom worked to provide for all of us my mother later had another child who

1:29:28became part of the sixties scoop we've since reconciled with her and she's now part of our family that reconciliation is something that i hold very close to my heart Sharon says my mom went on to accomplish great things became an activist for many causes and most importantly she never hit her face she used her voice she used her presence or community to stand up for people who were too often told that they did not deserve support or a hand up my mom's dedication and activism eventually took her all the way to the senate but her work was never limited to the may t community she helped people wherever she saw a need including immigrants who were struggling to remain in canada that's the example that she left for me speak up stand with people and never be afraid to use your voice Sharon says the discoveries that the former camelops indian residential school are one part of a much larger history across canada ground penetrating technology archival research survivor testimony and other methods have been used in communities across the country to investigate

1:30:32and document possible burial sites these histories deserve to be approached with respect for survivors families communities and the evidence that's been brought forward it is not for any of us to decide for another community whether they should investigate excavate or leave a site undisturbed those decisions belong to the communities and the families most directly connected to these places she signs off marcy high high canada skomitin Sharon i love that to talk at ryan jesserson dot com if that september 30th episode of ours stirred something in you and you're willing to share it we would love to keep that conversation going first hand testimony lived experience goes such a long way in helping us better understand the world around us and that's where i think that real talkers are tops in the country

1:31:33your participation your perspective really really is something that we're grateful for and something that i think benefits this audience so thank you to Sharon and thank you to everybody that takes a moment to send us a note to talk at ryan jesserson dot com or to leave a comment on one of our episodes i still do want to jump back into our live chat because i've seen an interesting trend develops a little bit there in just a second but before we do you know our live chat wouldn't run without the team at park power they're powering it every single day and this is my reminder to you that park powers your friendly local utilities provider if you're in charge of your household electricity natural gas and internet you owe it to yourself to check out parkpower dot c a today view their plans i can almost guarantee you're going to pay less with park power you're not going to get any less service i mean if anything your service levels will increase improve with more money in your pocket it's quality utility service no cancellation fees plus you get to choose a charity

1:32:3610% of park powers electricity profits go to non profits in Alberta and you choose one of their partner charities when you sign up we absolutely love that if you're going to bundle all three internet electricity and natural gas you could save up to a hundred and fifty dollars off your first bill by visiting park power dot c a slash real talk you'll find the link in the show notes the promo code to save a hundred and fifty dollars in savings off your first bill is real talk all one word that's when you bring electricity natural gas and internet to park power at park power dot c a slash real talk it's not too late to get another eighteen in at the ranch the course looks absolutely unbelievable right now this is the tradeoff for all that rain earlier this year the fairways are dialed in the greens are as close to perfect as you're going to see on october first and you won't have any more fun than you will at the ranch that's why we bring the real talk golf classic presented by kubi energy to the ranch every single year they're the best tournament course in the province for a reason you can book your eighteen today at the ranch golf

1:33:40dot com and a shout out to our charity of choice for twenty twenty six that's you can you services we're so proud to support you can you can find them online at you can dot c a you know we spend a lot of time talking about the cost of crime and homelessness and unemployment and addiction we should also be talking about the value of prevention you can use services works with young people at critical points in their lives connecting them with employment training trusted relationships and intensive support if you believe that prevention and opportunity matters you can learn more or step up and support you can today with the donation you find them online at you can dot c a Johnny I didn't see this coming but we've got a lot of people sharing their favorite Christian rock and rap bands from the eighties the nineties and beyond and it's taking me back to a very very interesting point in my life uh... stephams says i used to listen to christian rock in my teens she says

1:34:47that was forty years ago when i was indoctrinated that from stephams we've got a lot of other people talking about p o d a christian rock band uh... people are saying there are a lot like rage against the machine but christian which i think is hilarious because i don't know what a christian rage against the machine sounds like i remember p i d do people remember p i d this was a christian rap group called preachers in disguise and they were p i d and i will never forget my dad i was driving with my dad in our nineteen eighty oldsmobile regency this was the oldsmobile ninety eight regency this was a real classic land yacht johnny and i pulled out the preachers in disguise the p i d tape and i went to put it in and my dad a physician as you know is driving the car he looks over and he sees the cassette case and goes p i d and i go yeah and he goes pelvic inflammatory disease i'm like huh he goes there to be goes as the band really called p i d

1:35:53i'm like yeah there was no google you couldn't have googled your band name before but what an unfortunate scenario to be in when you've named your rap group after such an unfortunate physical affliction wouldn't you say i've got a lot of other people here saying uh... who was the real talker that said why i've never even heard of dc talk but said but i'll definitely remember striper striper at michael sweet uh... the frontman there for striper of course one of the the greatest i would say one of the greatest hair metal bands of all time christian or not or as we used to say christian or secular but a shout out to striper and uh... a lot of other you i appreciate this from chat who's taking initiative he's trying to track down it's not logger menu guys it's ryan water mosa ryan water mosa i don't even know what i'm inviting upon ryan water mosa right now but he would be the one who would have any jessbo christian rap recordings from the early early 1990s

1:36:54this feels like a cue to move on as we're now going deep into our favorite 90s christian rap artists i will say this mleg is wondering his collective soul christian rock i mean maybe silver chair i mean that was another one that people like to take credit of and jill says elvis's christian song is the closest that my family ever came to christian rock r ip elvis hey i love that you know as much as i love this topic i do think we should be hey look what i got in the mail oh stand up for stronger are you going to stand up for a stronger alberta i looked at this little pamphlet all last night or no such a bizarre first of all i don't know if i don't know who's the graphic designer here it's a little too simple for me it's lever it is the right i need a little more flash i need a little more pizzazz yeah i get it uh it's such a strange situation isn't it with the alberta government like i mean the position that they've taken it all this and we'll save some of this for tomorrow in the weeks to come obviously we got you covered all the way up to october 19th and beyond steven mandel tomorrow if you're just joining our livestream right now it should be a good one mandel is going to mandel doesn't g a f

1:37:58fellas ladies you know what you're going to get from this guy a straight shooter uh with lots to say about the state of ebenton of course he was for a time uh and through the 2019 election the leader of the alberta party he was Jim apprentices health minister for a time so i mean he's seen it we'll get some interesting insights from him but you know the government sending out these this propaganda basically uh leading up to the referendum stand up for a stronger alberta they want you to vote yes on the nine right the this government wants you to vote yes to the nine but then the premier who is leading the government is like yeah but like we're sort of being dragged into this referendum because seven hundred thousand alberta installed us by way of petition that they wanted this referendum and i know that you have strong feelings about that many of you and i know that tomasokazic doesn't want to count is four hundred and sixty thousand in that seven hundred thousand i get it all yeah but it's just a bizarre situation the referendum that we didn't want but we were dragged kicking and screaming but here's our government propaganda on how we vote for how we hope you vote yeah first page is non permanent residents numbers yeah right off the bat when you

1:39:01open it it's it's what you'd expect right it's great for the bird cage it's great for you mean like let your budgies sure yeah isn't shit all over it is what i'm saying sure uh vote no to the nine and vote to stay that's the position of this show it's okay if not everybody agrees if you feel like your perspective is being underrepresented you can send us an email maybe in the form of a flame thrower uh that'll be coming up tomorrow courtesy of our friends at the dequeues of northwest emerton and surewood park your hottest takes submitted to talk at ryan jesserson dot com if you want to call me to the carpet if you want to hold my feet to the fire this is your opportunity send an email to talk at ryan jesserson dot com as we wrap this episode i'm thrilled to let you know that we are re stock johnny we are fully restocked on our real talk hoodies and i have been assured by our general manager Katie cook chivers that if you order today you will receive your

1:40:03hoodies before october 19th go to ryan jesserson dot com click on the merch link that's where you can get your proudly albert and fiercely canadian hoodie price includes shipping we'll talk to you in 22 hours real talk is hosted by ryan jesserson executive producer josh dunford technical producer john hicks general manager Katie cook chivers account coordinator lorne sterlego human resources lena shepard website design mike johnston voice over by me kerry skelton member amerita july roar real talk is recorded in edmonton alberta on treaty six territory the traditional and ancestral territory of the crea den a blackfoot soto and the kota suit home to the matis settlements and the matis nation of alberta real talk is a relay project for more check out ryan jesserson dot com

1:41:12on you