Part 1: Saskatchewan vs. The City: Where is Canada’s Real Quality of Life?

Canada's most livable cities ranking just dropped. Montreal sits at 185. Saskatoon claims 15. You're supposed to care about walkability scores and economic metrics. But here's what the list misses: Montreal drivers are all equally crazy, giving high fives while breaking every traffic rule together. Saskatoon might rank higher, but can you get world-class beef with brown sauce at 2 AM? The ranking assumes livability means the same thing to everyone.

Why does Montreal rank 185 spots below Saskatoon when it has underground cities, festival seasons that transform entire neighborhoods, and coffee shops where former mayoral advisors hold court? Because jaywalking is a way of life and rights on red don't exist. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan offers something no algorithm measures: walk into your bank on a first-name basis, claim your favorite restaurant spot without a reservation, and when hard times hit, people show up in droves.

The ranking tells you where to live. The people living there tell you why rankings don't matter. One city gives you the Jazz Fest and old-meets-new architecture. The other gives you sunrises over endless skylines and a community that knows your children's names. Neither shows up in the methodology.

Topics: livable cities Canada, Montreal culture, Saskatchewan rural life, city rankings, urban planning, community versus metrics

PART 2: Poilievre: Good at Opposition. Can He Actually Govern?

Conservative leadership review delivered 87% for Pierre Poilievre. You're supposed to see that as resounding victory. Media spent weeks drafting replacement scenarios, floating Jason Kenney's name before votes were counted. The membership said otherwise. But confidence in opposition skills doesn't answer the governing question. You can hold the government accountable for every misstep while cameras roll. Running the country when international crises hit requires different capabilities entirely.

Why did every major Poilievre platform point become Liberal policy while he stayed in opposition? Housing, immigration costs, all the hot topics he championed. The Liberals adopted them, Mark Carney pivoted to prime ministerial in months, and Poilievre remained effective at holding feet to the fire but never showed he could be the one making calls. Jimmy Zoubris talked to National Council members before the vote. Everyone predicted mid-80s. The party supports him. The caucus now decides if he's the guy for the next election. Saskatchewan conservatives say he's not reading the room: too focused on divisiveness instead of being pro-Canada on things that matter.

This wasn't a close call. 87% is clear. What it doesn't clarify: can opposition skills translate to governing when you're the one answering the hard questions instead of asking them? The vote confirmed party loyalty. It didn't confirm readiness for what comes next.

Topics: Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party, leadership skills, political strategy, governing versus opposition

GUEST: Jimmy Zoubris | Entrepreneur & Political advisor, Montreal | Lesley Kelly | highheelsandcanolafields.com

Originally aired on 2026-02-02