The Line Podcast
On The Line: 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 Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new ways to beat cancer. This month we’re addressing common questions, like: are there better ways to manufacture therapie...
On The Line: 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’ve been partnering with federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx to learn how made-in-Canada immunotherapies offer new ways to beat cancer. This month we’re addressing common questions, like: can I get immunotherapy as a first line treat...
The Line Podcast: 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, rather than Justin Trudeau. That also fits with some of what The Line has been hearing about how these various gentlemen view each other.
This episode is brought to you by Fractional Execs Canada. Need help...
On The Line: What, and how, Carney is doing ... and what will get him into trouble
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 cancer. This September we’re focusing on the “made-in-Canada” part.
Unlike other G7 nations, Canada lacks an anchor company and patient capital with pockets deep enough to pay for the lengthy process of...
The Line Podcast: ELBOWS UP! Carney warns of U.S. attack! (No, he didn’t. Calm down, people.)
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 reactor we choose now matters. Incomplete designs carry real risk of delays and cost overruns, and we cannot afford to spend years designing a re...
On The Line: 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. This September we’re focusing on the “made-in-Canada” part. One way to leverage existing Canadian government investments in biomanufacturing would be to make it easier for Canadian innovators to develop their discoveries into therapies here in Ca...
The Line Podcast: 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 for energy, and the nuclear reactor we choose now matters. Incomplete designs carry real risk of delays and cost overruns, and we cannot afford to spend years designing a reactor before construction begins. That is...
On The Line: Can Canada win a trade war? (Maybe!)
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. 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. This September we’re focusing on the “made-in-Ca...
The Line Podcast: 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 be covered today. Their conclusion? Worse. Much worse.
This episode is brought to you by Cameco. Canada is entering a decisive decade for energy, and the nuclear reactor we choose now matters. Incomplete...
On The Line: Quit school. Start a business. Save Canada
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 ways to beat cancer. This September we’re focusing on the “made-in-Canada” part. Since 2015 BioCanRx has supported the Canadian-Led Immunotherapies Collaborative, or CLIC, in building a truly Canadian pipeline so Canadian patients don’t have to wait for cancer thera...
The Line Podcast: 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 choose now matters. Incomplete designs carry real risk of delays and cost overruns, and we cannot afford to spend years designing a reactor before construction begins. That is why Cameco be...
On The Line: B.C. goes bonkers, and Canada has 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 ways to beat cancer. This September, we want to better understand the “made-in-Canada” part.
Many drugs discovered in Canada leave to be developed and commercialized in the United States –– with the benefits accruing...
The Line/America Podcast: This trade war is already very stupid.
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.” God only knows what else will soon be called America, so your hosts are trying to get ahead of the curve a bit, as you can see. Your hosts discuss just how weird this confrontation could get—and whether what we’re watch...
On The Line: 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 Canadian not-for-profit BioCanRx this summer, we’re talking about potential solutions for the problems that are limiting Canada’s ability to domestically develop new drugs, especially immunotherapies for cancer. Today: new methods for biomanufacturing.
Immuno...
The Line Podcast: If this deal sucks, Carney is going to pay the price
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 Canada: it is already operating today and ready now to deliver the power we need, with 100 percent Canadian ownership and strong participation from Canadian suppliers. If we are se...
On The Line: It's time for Canada to abandon this cherished (and flattering) 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 drugs, especially immunotherapies for cancer.
Today: Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity. A biomanufacturing industry, like any other industry, does not appear at the swipe of a bureaucrat’s pen. Simply allocating money to a new econ...
The Line Podcast: Carney needs to make the call, now — fight or 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 already operating today and ready now to deliver the power we need, with 100 percent Canadian ownership and strong participation from Canadian suppliers. If we are serious abou...
On The Line: 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 potential solutions for the problems that are limiting Canada’s ability to domestically develop new drugs, especially immunotherapies for cancer.
We ask a lot of Canadian cancer researchers. The work requ...
The Line Podcast: 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 Canadians would expect. They also discuss how fortunate Carney is to be making these decisions while facing relatively weak opposition, with Pierre Poilievre enduring another difficult week. Matt explains why the...
On The Line: 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 will be familiar to anyone trying to grow a business here: we have some of the brightest people in the world, we just can’t keep enough of them. Canada is home to researchers making brea...
The Line Podcast: 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 locally controversial and could complicate an upcoming Liberal byelection. If a government isn’t willing to risk losing even a single seat to get important things done, Matt argues, then it’s never going to get import...
On The Line: Is NATO doomed, and Canada 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 in Canada.If a drug is discovered in a Canadian lab, and conducts successful clinical trials in Canada, there’s a chance it will be launched in Canada. So how do we get more drugs out of Can...
The Line Podcast: Carney, doing too many jobs, accidentally burns a bridge
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, 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 in Canada.If a drug is discovered in a Canadian lab, and conducts successful clinical trials in Canada, there’s a chance it wil...
The Line Podcast: Our smoke 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 tongue-in-cheek solution: if the Americans don’t stop griping, Canada should simply schedule its forest fires for days when the wind is blowing south. (They’re kidding. Mostly.) They also discuss Donald Trump’s latest bizarre speech and the...
On The Line: Canada can build transportation gooder (and sometimes, 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 research that they’re helping Canadian researchers bring from labs to patients in clinical trials –– all in Canada.
A new treatment for your cancer has been approved. Can you get it? Maybe, maybe not. Canada isn’t just o...
The Line Podcast: Carney is building a new post-America world
Programming note: The Line is taking a two-week summer holiday. The podcasts will continue, but barring major news events, our page will be quiet for a few weeks. Enjoy the break!
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 unexpectedly prominent le...
On The Line: Is Canada finally moving on from the pipeline wars?
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 research from Canadian labs to patients in clinical trials –– all in Canada.
A drug that can treat your cancer is being tested in a Canadian clinical trial, but can you access it? Depends — where do you...
The Line Podcast: 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 political wheeling and dealing that made the agreement possible, and what it could mean for Alberta’s upcoming referendum. Matt also can’t help asking an obvious question: since this was always the logical outcome, why did...
On The Line: On the frontlines of emergency health care in Canada
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, a federally-funded Canadian not-for-profit research network bringing cutting edge cancer immunotherapy research from Canadian labs to patients in clinical trials –– all in Canada.
Clinic...
The Line Podcast: Carney makes the easy call to fix our most symbolic national disgrace
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 part: not finding a way to mess it up.
This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Cameco. In nuclear energy, timeline...
On The Line: Carney condo bailout? No, 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-for-profit research network, to learn about cutting edge cancer immunotherapy research that they’re helping Canadian researchers bring from labs to patients in clinical trials –– all in Canada.One of the reasons cancers are...
The Line Podcast: Why does America hate us when 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 that, while not directed at Canada by name, certainly sounds familiar. Your hosts also discuss the aftermath of America’s confrontation with Iran. Matt argues that the United States has, in practical terms, suffered a de...
On The Line: A history of America wanting to annex people
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 researchers bring treatments from labs to patients in clinical trials –– all in Canada.
Cancer can hide from your immune system. So how can we target it? Every day, your immune system finds and destroys differ...
The Line Podcast: 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 view is simple: if people are defending Canada, let them defend Canada. Not every argument for national unity needs to come packaged with Liberal talking points. From Toronto, Matt also reflects on a...
On The Line: Beware angry Quebec voters, and, rogue AIs
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 your immune system detect and destroy cancer? Immunotherapy is about assisting your immune system in identifying unhealthy cells –– especially cancer –– that have found a way to evade detection. One way researchers are doing th...
The Line Podcast: Canadians secretly love Mark 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 workplace, of course, but they also suspect many Canadians won’t be especially upset by the news. After all, they argue, a lot of voters chose the Liberals out of ne...
On The Line: 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 come up with better treatments to help these people. But it’s not just about science, it’s about the logistics of implementing it.
BioCanRx is a federall...
The Line Podcast: 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 see more concrete accomplishments, but he concedes that, at least for now, the prime minister is decisively winning the vibes war.
This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to y...
On The Line: When Trump is gone, will we still want a bigger 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, secure it, or respond when threats emerge. Dominion Dynamics is changing that. Dominion is building a sovereign command and control capability that lets Canada and...
The Line Podcast: Alberta wakes up, chooses chaos, drags 35 million Canadians along
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 political right that, in her view, are repeating the mistakes the left made during the peak of woke politics: refusing to challenge allies and friends when things start getting out of control. Still...
