The Frontier Centre for Public Policy cuts through the noise with short videos that explain what’s at stake
WINNIPEG, Man.—A Canadian think-tank is reaching new audiences by transforming its policy commentaries into video, helping everyday Canadians better understand issues that affect them, from health care and housing to energy and taxation.
Since January, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy has been producing short videos based on its commentaries. The initiative includes five-minute full-screen productions branded Policy in Five and one-minute vertical shorts for mobile audiences. The goal is to create short, clear videos that help Canadians make sense of the policy debates shaping their daily lives.
“Many people are more inclined to consume news and commentary through videos and podcasts than the written word,” said Frontier research fellow Lee Harding, who produces the videos. “Producing images and sounds accompanied by music and narration makes the expression of debate and ideas more accessible and interesting.”
The videos are produced through Invideo AI, a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform. They narrate existing Frontier commentaries, paired with stock video, photos, music and, in some cases, authentic narration by contributors. Frequent authors often use their own voice, while occasional writers are paired with AI-generated narration.
Frontier posts the videos on its YouTube channel, FCPP_Canada, and often pairs them with written articles on fcpp.org. Some productions incorporate news clips to give added context.
“News clips can add valuable context, whether it’s Jann Arden railing against Alberta separatists, or Premier Susan Holt telling New Brunswickers to stay out of the forest because the government is too busy to help them when they get hurt,” Harding said. Shorter vertical videos often receive more plays, though overall watch time is comparable to longer productions.
One of Frontier’s most popular videos, What a Forgotten Warship Says About the West’s Decline, is based on a commentary by Senior Fellow William Brooks about the HMS Bristol, decommissioned in 2020. Brooks recalls hosting members of the ship’s crew at an East Coast barbecue, later receiving a cherished white ensign flag as a token of appreciation. That memory became a springboard for a broader reflection on NATO, Western values and declining unity.
“The video struck a chord with hundreds and perhaps thousands of people who sailed on the Bristol,” Harding said. “Although the video was posted in April, it continues to be among our top-watched productions each month.”
Canadians can explore the Frontier Centre’s video library on YouTube at youtube.com/@FCPP_Canada and on the Centre’s website at fcpp.org.
Media contact:
Lee Harding
Research fellow, Frontier Centre for Public Policy
[email protected]
Marco Navarro-Genie, PhD
Vice-president of research and policy
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
[email protected]
About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent Canadian think-tank that conducts research and analysis on economic, social and public policy issues. Since 1999, it has published studies, commentaries and events promoting ideas for a freer and more prosperous society.
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