Frontier Centre for Public Policy


The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is a Canadian public policy think tank with offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that promotes climate change denial.

Political stance

The Frontier Centre describes itself as a non-partisan think tank, founded to undertake research and education projects in support of economic growth and social outcomes that enhance quality of life. Despite this, the group's views have been interpreted by some as neoliberal, right-libertarian, or conservative.

Publications and controversies

In September 2018, the Frontier Centre ran a radio ad which claimed to debunk myths about the lasting impact of the abuses of the Canadian Indian residential school system that resulted in the deaths of 6000 Indigenous children and was classified as form of cultural genocide by a six-year study undertaken by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. James Daschuk, a professor specializing in Indigenous health at the University of Regina, described the Frontier Centre's position as "egregiously wrong" and "knowingly turning its back on the facts." Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde also denounced the ad for downplaying the extensive research and evidence on the negative impact of the residential schools. The Frontier Centre released a statement saying that ad was aimed at "a wider non-traditional audience" and was based on the think tank's own publications.
In 2011 and 2012 the Frontier Centre put on its website and in letters allegations made by Timothy Ball against climate scientist Michael E. Mann, who issued a lawsuit. In June 2019 the Frontier Centre apologised for publishing "untrue and disparaging accusations which impugned the character of Dr. Mann." It said that Mann had "graciously accepted our apology and retraction".

Funding

The Frontier Centre maintains its independence through having no government funding, a funding base that is diversified across industries and charities, and a "Firewall" between its board of directors which forbids any direct board involvement or influence in the centre's education efforts. Funding comes from private charitable foundations such as the Aurea Foundation and the Heartland Institute, businesses, individuals, and by events.