The Line
The Line is a Canadian magazine podcast focused on local, national, and international politics, news, and current events. Hosted by Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson, it also explores occasional obscure stories. The show offers analysis and discussion of Canadian and global affairs.
Episodes
Is Separatism Treason?
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Patrick Lennox, author of On Treason, a new book examining the moral and political consequences of betraying one's own country. Their conversation focuses on Alberta's separatist movement, its reported efforts to secure American recognition for a future independent state, and why Lennox believes the movement represents something
Carney tours Alberta ... will the west vote out?
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, Jen Gerson is joined by Andrew Potter to discuss Alberta's looming separation referendum, Canada's increasingly complicated relationship with American politics, and whether Pierre Poilievre has any realistic plan to get the Conservatives back in the game.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We’ve been partnering with federally-funded Cana
Carney's crises — Quebec, Alberta, Trump ... which one will blow up in his lap?
In today’s episode of On The Line, Gregory Jack, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Ipsos Canada, joins Matt Gurney to discuss the growing list of challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney — and, for a change, almost none of them have anything to do with Donald Trump or the United States.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We've been partnering with federally-funded Canadia
Can Alberta Learn to Love the Liberals?
In this episode of On The Line, Jen Gerson speaks with Corey Hogan, Liberal MP for Calgary Confederation, about Alberta’s separatist referendum, the federal government’s changing approach to the province, and whether Ottawa’s newfound enthusiasm for getting major projects built represents a substantive shift or simply a change in political messaging.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We&a
Mark Carney, the new ... Stephen Harper?
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on October 2nd, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with the announcement of the new Pacific Link pipeline, unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Carney alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Your hosts are struck by just how much Carney increasingly sounds like a spiritual — and even political — successor to Stephen Harper or Jason Kenney, rathe
How (and what) Carney is doing, and what may wreck it for him
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by Stephanie Levitz of The Globe and Mail’s parliamentary bureau to tackle four big questions about life in Ottawa under prime minister Mark Carney.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We've been partnering with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new ways to beat
Elbows up! Carney stops U.S. invasion! (Relax, we're kidding)
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with some news close to home: The Line gets hacked! Well, almost. Luckily, our defences held. Unfortunately, the list of people who might want to hack us is longer than we'd like. We piss a lot of people off.This episode is brought to you by Cameco. Canada is entering a decisive decade for energy, and the nuclear reac
What is Carney doing in Europe?
In this episode of On The Line, Jen Gerson checks in with Greenland and Europe. Canadians seem increasingly open to closer ties with non-U.S. Western allies — but what do those allies think about us?This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We've been partnering with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new ways to beat cancer.
Jealous Trump hates Europe's Carney crush
In the latest episode of The Line Mega Productivity Podcast, recorded on September 18th, 2026, prospective associate EU members Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to the continent. The reception was remarkably warm, as Canada and Europe explore a much closer strategic relationship. This episode is brought to you by Cameco. Canada is entering a decisive decade f
Can Canada win the trade war? (Maybe!) PLUS: An announcement!
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by Kent Fellows, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, for a conversation about game theory, the trade war, and the challenge of getting Canada’s economy moving again. Plus, a very special guest with a special announcement. See more on that below.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx.
9/11 at 25, and Carney's excellent drone deal
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on September 11th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin by marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They reflect on how profoundly America changed after that morning, how the world changed with it, and how the media environment has transformed in the quarter-century since. They also consider how an attack on that scale would
No Experience Necessary
In this episode of On The Line, Jen Gerson speaks with Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master, the Canadian company behind some of the world’s most successful toys and entertainment franchises, including PAW Patrol.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. We've been partnering with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new way
American Chaos meets Canadian Pride
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, Jen Gerson speaks with Bloomberg senior White House correspondent Josh Wingrove about the collapse of the Canada–U.S. trade deal, the politics behind it, and why Canadians and Americans increasingly seem to be talking past each other.This episode is brought to you by Cameco. Canada is entering a decisive decade for energy, and the nuclear reactor we choos
B.C. goes bonkers. And Canada needs to grow up, fast
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about political chaos on the west coast and why Canada may need to start thinking very differently about its maritime security.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. Over the summer we partnered with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new
Trade war!
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on August 28th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with the rapidly escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, which somehow managed to get very stupid, very quickly. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told Donald Trump to kiss his ass; Trump responded by signing an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America.” Your hosts discuss just how weird this co
No Religion Allowed in the Canadian Military
In this episode of On The Line, Jen Gerson sits down with Brian Dijkema, president of Cardus Canada, to discuss a new Department of National Defence directive that would move military chaplaincy away from explicit religious language, symbols and prayer in favour of more generic forms of “spiritual reflection.”This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. Through our partnership with federally-funded
If the deal sucks, Carney is in trouble
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on August 21st, 2026, Matt Gurney joins remotely from Chicago as he makes his way home to Canada after a family event. Sorry, elbows uppers.This episode is brought to you by Cameco. In nuclear energy, timelines and costs matter. Incomplete designs carry real risk of delays and cost overruns. That’s why the AP1000 reactor is the right choice for C
It's time for Canada to abandon a cherished national myth
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about service, sacrifice, and Canada’s place in the world.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. Through our partnership with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx this summer, we’re talking about potential solutions for the problems that limit Canada’s ability to domestically develop new dr
Carney can fight now, or he should surrender
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on August 14th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with a lengthy discussion of the state of the Canada–U.S. trade war. This episode is brought to you by Cameco. In nuclear energy, timelines and costs matter. Incomplete designs carry real risk of delays and cost overruns. That’s why the AP1000 reactor is the right choice for Canada: it is alr
Is Alberta hurtling toward the edge?
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with Jared Wesley and Ken Boessenkool, two members of the Lead Not Leave initiative, for a conversation about the current state of Alberta separatism and the province’s uncertain political future.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit. This summer, BioCanRx and The Line have been talking about
How many times can Carney concede to Trump? (Probably lots)
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on August 7th, 2026, Matt Gurney is joined by guest host Scott Stinson, filling in for Jen Gerson. They begin with the latest twists in Canada-U.S. relations, asking just how much Prime Minister Mark Carney can concede to the Americans before the political costs become too high at home. Both hosts suspect the answer is probably more than many Can
How to fix the West's ammunition shortage
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about two of the West's most pressing security challenges: military readiness and cyber defence.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, a Canadian not-for-profit working to help Canadian researchers and companies develop new drugs, especially immunotherapies for cancer.A key challenge for Canada wil
Have Carney and the rest given up on Canada already?
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on July 31st, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin by asking whether Canada's governments are actually prepared to make the sacrifices required to defend the country's interests. Both come away disappointed. Matt points to the federal government's decision to block the expansion of an airport in the Toronto area because it was lo
Is NATO Doomed? (And Canada along with it?)
For decades, Canada has enjoyed the benefits of NATO while spending comparatively little on its own military. That era may be coming to an end.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network dedicated to cutting edge cancer immunotherapy research that they’re helping Canadian researchers bring from labs to patients in clinical trials –– all i
Overworked Carney needlessly burns a bridge (get it?)
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on July 24th, 2026, hosts Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson set out with the ambitious goal of keeping each segment to a specific, fixed time. They do not succeed.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, Ia federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network dedicated to cutting edge cancer immunotherapy research that they’re helping Canadian r
Our pollution attack on America has achieved total success
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on July 17th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson keep things refreshingly brief as both are juggling family matters. They begin with Jen's unsuccessful attempt to achieve cottage zen, as she unloads on the latest complaints from American politicians about wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. Both hosts independently arrive at the same to
Canada can build transportation gooder (and where we did build good)
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney sits down with Reece Martin, transit and transportation expert and new media entrepreneur, for a conversation about infrastructure, public policy, and how an online passion project turned into a career.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network focused on cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy
Carney is building a new post-America world
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on July 10, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with a discussion of a recent Wall Street Journal piece highlighting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s role in pulling Europe back toward a more realistic strategic footing and away from its longstanding dependence on the United States. Canada, and Carney in particular, appear to be taking an unexpect
Over the pump
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson is joined by Andrew Leach, noted energy and environmental economist and professor of economics and law at the University of Alberta, for a conversation about Canadian energy policy at a pivotal moment.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network bringing cutting edge cancer immunotherapy rese
Carney gets a pipeline deal. Now let's build the damn thing
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on July 3rd, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with the biggest political news of the week: a pipeline deal. Prime Minister Mark Carney has struck agreements with both Alberta and British Columbia to move another pipeline project forward. Your hosts discuss the proposed route, which closely follows the existing Trans Mountain corridor, the p
Frontlines of Canadian Emergency Care
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney sits down with Dr. Brian Goldman, veteran emergency physician at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and author of The Casino Shift: Stories from an ER on the Edge, for a candid conversation about the state of emergency medicine in Canada. (You can find it on Indigo's website, or, if you prefer, on Amazon.)This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx
Carney makes the easy call to fix our most symbolic national embarrassment
In today’s episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 26th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with a rare moment of joy. After decades of delay and political paralysis, there is finally a plan to deal with 24 Sussex Drive. Your hosts don’t love every aspect of it, but they’re so relieved that someone has finally decided to do something that they’re prepared to celebrate. Now comes the hard
Carney condo bailout? Not quite
In today’s episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about housing, politics, and why governments sometimes struggle to explain themselves.This episode is brought to you by BioCanRx. When your immune system recognizes that cancer is a problem, but can’t kill it, can science help? This summer we’re partnering with BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-fo
Why does America hate us, we're poor
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 19th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with a foreign affairs roundup. Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Ireland and France to strengthen ties with Europe while also trying to maintain a workable relationship with Donald Trump. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits NATO and delivers some pointed criticism of allies
America — but Bigger
In today’s On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Mark Kawar, an amateur historian and journalist whose book America But Bigger explores a surprisingly persistent feature of American history: attempts to expand the United States beyond its current borders.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by BioCanRx, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network helping Canadian resear
Canada and America, a (gross) love story
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 12th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with an update from Alberta. Jen reviews Pierre Poilievre’s recent speech on why Alberta belongs in Canada. She liked it, with some caveats. Matt was somewhat more encouraged. He also has a few sharp words for Liberals who seem determined to police the boundaries of acceptable federalism. His v
Angry Quebecers, rogue AIs (and maybe some overlap?)
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about politics, technology, and trust.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by BioCanRX, a federally funded, not-for-profit Canadian research network that specializes in bringing Canadian cancer immunotherapy research from the lab all the way to patients in clinical trials in Canada. Can science help
Canadians secretly love Mark "Mean" Carney BECAUSE he yells
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 5th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney has a tendency to raise his voice behind closed doors when dealing with his Liberal caucus. According to reporting in the Toronto Star, the PM may not always be the calm technocrat he appears to be in public. Your hosts cannot endorse a toxic workplac
What Canadian Digital Sovereignty?
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with James McLeod of the Canadian Shield Institute to discuss one of the most talked-about — and least understood — concepts in Canadian public policy: digital sovereignty.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by BioCanRX. Nearly half of all Canadians will get a cancer diagnosis in their lives. Canadian scientists are moving fast to
Carney is winning the vibes war
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 29, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with discussion of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to New York and the state of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations. Your hosts debate whether Canada has actually surrendered ground in the talks or merely put an opening offer on the table. They also discuss Carney’s popularity. Matt remains eager to
When Trump is gone, will we still want a military?
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about defence, geopolitics, and the changing nature of modern warfare.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynamics. Canada has never had true sovereign awareness of our North. Vast parts of our country are a blind spot. And when you can’t see your own territory, you can’t defend it, sec
Alberta chooses chaos for all Canadians
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson devote the first segment to a full catch-up on the increasingly wild situation unfolding in Alberta. Jen is furious, arguing that five million people — and indeed the entire country — are now being dragged through this largely because Danielle Smith is trying to save her political career. She’s equally angry at parts of the poli
Canada vs. America in the trade war
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, about the increasingly tense state of Canada-U.S. trade relations.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynamics. Canada has never had true sovereign awareness of our North. Vast parts of our country are a blind spot. And when you can’t see you
Pipe down, separatists! (Get it?)
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 15, 2026, your hosts Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson start with Alberta. The new energy agreement has been signed. They think it'll help, but only to an extent, because what's happening in Jen's province isn't primarily economic. It's cultural. And a pipeline can't fix that.This episode of The Line Podcast is broug
How much military can Canada actually afford?
Today on On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests for conversations about Canadian preparedness — both military and medical.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynamics. Canada has never had true sovereign awareness of our North. Vast parts of our country are a blind spot. And when you can’t see your own territory, you can’t defend it, secure it, or respond when
Canada must fix its problems, not just identify them
In today's episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 8, 2026, your hosts rush through the recording so they can hang up and go focus on what really matters — today's UFO document dump!Kidding. But it is a short episode, because Jen Gerson is travelling this week. She's in Ottawa, attending not one but two conferences. She reports back on the vibe from Ottawa, including her though
The Case for the Crown
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with author and longtime journalist John Fraser to discuss his latest book, The Governors General: An Intimate History of Canada’s Highest Office. The book is part history, part memoir, and part insider account, drawing on Fraser’s decades of experience in Canadian public life.This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynami
SCOOP: Jen blew the whistle to keep Albertans safe ... and was brushed off
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 1st, 2026, your hosts flip the usual format. This time, Matt Gurney takes the interviewer’s chair and speaks with Jen Gerson about how she unexpectedly found herself at the centre of a breaking news story — as a whistleblower.This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Electro-Federation Canada. Canada’s clean electricity grid gi
Are Canadians too smug to survive?
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on April 24th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson open with a plug for their ongoing fundraiser. Day three is off to a great start, but we haven't hit our target yet. If you can help us out, please go here. Every dollar counts. The Line accepts no bailouts and no subsidies, and competes against much larger outlets that have gladly (or even rel
Carney's majority — how he can use it, how he can lose it
Today on On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests to break down what comes next for Canada’s governing party.First up is Jamie Carroll of Carroll & Co., for a conversation about the Liberal Party of Canada now that Mark Carney has secured a majority government. What does he do with it? What are the immediate priorities, and what actually needs to happen to turn political momentum
Rookie Carney crushes pro Poilievre
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on April 17th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson start with a bit of housecleaning. Jen’s recent trip to Montreal for the Liberal convention, along with some of the coverage that followed, has prompted a few questions, and your hosts move quickly to address them before getting into the main discussion.From there, they turn to the big story: Mark C
Can Canada keep up with China?
In this week's On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, who was recently in the news after receiving hard treatment from newly converted Liberal MP Michael Ma at a parliamentary committee examining the potential security risks associated with importing Chinese EVs. They talk about McCuaig-Johnston's long history studying China and technology and her growing con
Liberals are the best politicians in our broken country
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on April 10th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with Jen reporting in from Montreal, where she’s attending the Liberal convention. The first segment focuses on the vibe in the room — confident, even a little triumphalist — and what that says about the party’s current position. A large part of the discussion centres on Marilyn Gladu’s decisi
America will be effin' back — but not for a while
In this episode of On The Line, Matt Gurney speaks with Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, former commander of U.S. Army Europe, and a longtime commentator on military affairs and leadership.The conversation begins with an unusual connection. Hertling had referenced one of Matt’s columns in a recent speech, which a Line reader flagged and sent along. That led to an invitation —
Take us with you, astronauts
In this episode of The Line Podcast, recorded a day early on April 2nd, 2026 ahead of the Easter long weekend, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson open by saluting the departure of Artemis II on its journey to the Moon. Jen finds herself unexpectedly emotional about it, and the hosts spend some time reflecting on why moments like this matter — and why it’s still important to hold on to a sense of hope. It
Jason Kenney talks Alberta separatism
Today on On The Line with your host Jen Gerson, we talk about the rise of Alberta separatism with former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynamics. Canada has never had true sovereign awareness of our North. Vast parts of our country are a blind spot. And when you can't see your own territory, you can't defend it, secure it, or respo
Carney's got a new China problem
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on March 26th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson open with what they’re calling Mark Carney’s new China problem. They both understand why the government is trying to maintain a workable relationship with China, but they’re struck by how one Liberal MP, Michael Ma, ended up sounding very much like someone echoing Beijing’s preferred talking points.
Are we building Canada?
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Lucy Hargreaves, CEO of Build Canada, a non-partisan organization devoted to helping Canada overcome its productivity challenges. This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Dominion Dynamics. Canada has never had true sovereign awareness of our North. Vast parts of our country are a blind spot. And when you can't see your own t
Politics in Canada, cyberwar in the U.S. and Iran
In this episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests to break down the latest in politics and geopolitics.First up is Gregory Jack, senior vice president of public affairs at Ipsos, for a full update on the federal polling landscape. The latest numbers show the Liberal Party of Canada opening up a significant lead, raising questions about what has gone wrong for the Conservativ
In stunning move, police will enforce the law
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on March 13th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with federal politics. Mark Carney appears to be on track to secure a majority government, and your hosts wonder whether he truly deserves it. Has the country actually improved much over the last year, or have the Conservatives simply squandered their opportunity not only to win, but even to h
Are we the digital baddies?
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with Michael Geist, a professor at the University of Ottawa and one of the country’s leading voices on digital policy.They begin with the latest United States Trade Priority Report, which singled out controversial Canadian legislation such as Online Streaming Act (Bill C‑11) as a major digital dispute complicating negotiations between Canad
We hate it when Carney sounds like Trudeau
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on March 6th, 2026, your hosts agree at the outset to avoid talking about Alberta for once, because Jen really needs a break. Fortunately, there was plenty else happening this week.Today's episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Engage, the new door-to-door canvassing app from Geppetto Technologies. Engage makes it effortless to go
Does the U.S. have a plan for Iran?
In today’s episode of On The Line, host Matt Gurney is joined by two guests to discuss the new war unfolding in the Middle East.First up is Bill Roggio, editor of The Long War Journal and a fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Roggio gives Matt the view from the United States: why Washington chose to strike now, the risks of an early withdrawal, and why he doesn’t see a coherent pl
Is it too late for a Poilievre anti-Trump pivot?
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on February 27th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with a close look at what Pierre Poilievre had to say at the Economic Club in downtown Toronto this week. Matt liked much of the speech, aside from one section he considers pure fantasyland. Jen is far less impressed overall. Both hosts agree the message might have landed better a year ago,
What is going on here? Anti-Semitism in Canada
In this episode of On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with Canadaland founder Jesse Brown to talk about his latest hit series, What's Going On Here. Brown's show delves into the rise of anti-Semitism in Canada in the wake of the war in Gaza; what constitutes normal protest, and what crosses the line into anti-Semitic harassment of Jews in Canada. Plus, Gerson asks -- Is Jesse just cr
Trump's aliens are watching Alberta burn
In today’s episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on February 20th, 2026, Jen Gerson regretfully informs Matt Gurney that the province of Alberta is, politically speaking, on fire. (Matt thinks she meant politically speaking.) Matt is suitably alarmed. Jen walks him through her concerns in detail, reading direct quotes from recent statements that do little to reassure either of them. Matt responds
Dispatch from Ukraine: Calgary's Paul Hughes in Kharkiv
In today's On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with longtime friend and Calgarian Paul Hughes, who left his comfortable home in Alberta to help in Ukraine at the outbreak of war four years ago. Hughes, who was joined by his son, Mac, has now been a witness to the extraordinary heartbreak and courage of the Ukrainian people. His son was seriously injured; Hughes has been kidnapped by Russia
Residual GOP courage won't save Canada
In today’s episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on February 13th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson open with a look at Donald Trump leaning hard into his Art of the Deal approach to pressure Canada over the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Neither host is impressed, and neither thinks the tactic is likely to succeed. They also discuss the threat to pull out of the CUSMA trade agreement and sugge
Was the separation movement good for Quebec?
Today on On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with noted federalist, former Liberal Party leader, academic and diplomat Stéphane Dion. As author of the Clarity Act, Dion speaks about what secession from Canada actually entails as the separatists gain steam in Alberta. Jen asks, why does Canada have a national suicide pill embedded in legislation? And what promise does the ideal of the country hold
Federalists, unite (like, now)!
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on February 6th, 2025, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with another close look at separatist pressures in Alberta and the political forces forming around them. Jen spends considerable time unpacking how the various players are organizing and aligning, and both hosts admit they’re surprised the federalist side isn’t better coordinated. That said,
On The Line with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
Today on On The Line, Matt Gurney is joined by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, for an extended, wide-ranging conversation recorded in the library of the Royal Canadian Military Institute in downtown Toronto. The discussion ranges across geopolitics, the state of the world, the state of Canada’s navy, what’s going right for the fleet, and what still needs to improv
Premier Smith needs to choose her side
In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on January 30, 2026, one of your hosts starts with a literal public safety announcement. Line editor Gurney was the victim of attempted identity theft this week (like he doesn't have enough going on) and some Line readers may have received bizarre messages claiming to be from me. They weren't! He promises! From there, Matt Gurney and Je
Does the West Want Out?
In this week's On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with Greg Jack, Senior Vice President of Ipsos Public Affairs. The firm has just put out an in depth survey of separatist sentiment in both Alberta and Quebec. In keeping with previous surveys, about 30 per cent of Albertans said they would vote to leave Canada, but is that sentiment as strong as it first appears? Jack's team did some
Canada's warning to Trump, and Carney's victory lap around Europe
In today’s episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on January 23rd, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson are finally reunited after a long absence. Matt briefly explains where he’s been (you can see his full statement here) and thanks The Line’s audience for their patience and support before the conversation turns to the biggest stories of the week. As Jen notes, it’s a perfect moment for Matt to be bac
Is an independent U.S. fed doomed? And is Canada's economy doomed with it?
Today on On The Line, host Jen Gerson sits down with economics professor and founding Director of McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy Chris Ragan. They talk about a story that has been absolutely buried under an avalanche of news -- the threatened indictment of U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome (Jay) Powell.Last week Powell put out a statement stating flatly that the Trum
Mr. Carney goes to China
Canada agrees to cut its tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products and Ontario premier Doug Ford is positively pissed. In this week's episode of The Line Podcast, host Jen Gerson sits down with The Line Alberta's Rob Breakenridge at the Saskatchewan Crops Forum. This is a live taping of the podcast that took place, and what a topical moment as
Is Venezuela bad news for Canadian oil?
Today on On The Line, host Jen Gerson speaks with Heather Exner-Pirot, the Director of Energy and National Resources and Environment at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute. Exner-Pirot does her damndest to check some of Gerson's rampant New Year's depression as they discuss the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. It may be bad news for the Venezuelans -- every hour seems
Trump Makes His Demands - Better Dairy
In this episode of The Line Podcast, hosts Jen Gerson and Andrew Potter discuss trade, immigration, and the attempts to "Globalize the Intifada." Firstly, on the trade file, US trade rep Jamieson Greer has issued a list of grievances. The Americans are villainously committed to giving Canadians more options for eggs, chicken, and dairy. StatsCan shows a dramatic drop in immigration as th
The Line's Emergency Christmas Gift Book Buying Guide
Today on On The Line, host Jen Gerson talks to Brandon Forsyth, long time book buyer at Indigo. They chat about the hottest books heading into the Christmas season which, if you're anything like us, you are absolutely not yet prepared for. He's a list of kids' books, fiction, and non-fiction for the readers in your life. (Note, no, we at The Line are not taking any cuts for any of t
Where did Canada's mojo go?
In Today's The Line Podcast, recorded Dec. 12, 2025, host Jen Gerson is joined by special guest Andrew Potter to discuss this country's culture of complacency. We were once a nation that put its engineering achievements -- such as the Syncrude oil sands on a stamp. Now, the very idea that we should strive to be a culture that builds things, grows, and prospers has been sublimated by a cu
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