Have Canada's courts become political?

About this episode

The episode discusses the increasing political role of Canada's courts and the implications for public trust and policy.

From the Emergencies Act to land claims and property rights, some of Canada's most important issues are being decided in the courts. But are judges simply applying the law or are they playing a bigger role in shaping public policy? Former Manitoba judge Brian Giesbrecht says public trust in the courts is declining and that judges have become too involved in political and social issues. Join David Leis live with Giesbrecht, Alberta lawyer Leighton Grey, and Marco Navarro-Genie, VP of Research at Frontier Centre, as they share the growing power of the courts, controversial rulings, and what it all means for Canadians. Why does this matter? What policies need to change?

People in this episode

Host: David Leis

Guests: Brian Giesbrecht, Leighton Grey, Marco Navarro-Genie

Topics covered

• Canada's courts
• political influence
• public trust
• judicial rulings
• Emergencies Act
• land claims
• property rights

Keywords

• Canada
• courts
• politics
• judges
• public policy
• Emergencies Act
• land claims
• property rights

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Frontier Centre

Places: Canada, Manitoba, Alberta

More episodes of Leaders on the Frontier

• Is Canada Still a Safe Country? | LCol. David Redman · June 9, 2026 · 1h 11m
• New Brunswick Court Pushes Back on Land Claims, or Not? | Bruce Pardy · June 4, 2026 · 1h 10m
• The Battle Over Hunting, Fishing, and Crown Land in Canada · June 2, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Is Alberta’s Separation Movement Falling Apart? · May 28, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Why Canada Feels Broken and What Could Change It | Mike de Jong · May 26, 2026 · 53 min
• Pipeline Deal Could Change Canada... If It Gets Built · May 21, 2026 · 1h 14m