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 leadership role. Your hosts wonder what Washington’s response will be, and whether the White House will decide that Canada needs to be reminded who’s boss.

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Next, they turn to the proposed Canadian Shield pipeline. On strictly commercial grounds, the project may not make much sense. But Matt and Jen argue that economics may no longer be the primary point. The proposal sends a signal that Canada is prepared to build the infrastructure needed to stand more independently if circumstances require it. That message has value all on its own. As Matt puts it, borrowing from the movie Contact: “Why build one when you can build two at twice the price?”

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 live? Clinical trials taking place in Canada usually open sites in major centers with research hospitals. Smaller hospitals face many challenges including having enough know-how to deliver experimental therapies, and administrative, legal, and regulatory responsibilities that come with a trial. There are also data and interoperability issues at hospitals that don’t routinely participate in research.

So if you don’t live in a major centre, participating in the trial requires you to relocate there for the duration of treatment –– the cost of the treatment is covered, but the cost of being in the city where it happens is your responsibility. Patient advocacy groups might be able to help with some of those expenses, but this obviously can be a barrier for a lot of Canadians.

A therapy might only become available to everyone across Canada if a trial is successful and the drug is approved –– but not necessarily, and maybe not anytime soon. More on that next time. Visit BioCanRx.com to learn more.

Finally, the thoroughly hungover shell of Jen Gerson emerges from ten straight days of Calgary Stampede festivities with a political field report. Beneath the parties and pancake breakfasts, she says, the fractures within Canadian conservatism are becoming impossible to ignore. It’s increasingly obvious who is and isn’t willing to speak to whom. What should have been an outstanding month for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has instead been overshadowed by self-inflicted drama. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre continues to struggle against political newcomer Carney. It’s a remarkable — and, in many ways, surprising — dynamic to watch. Wasn't Poilievre supposed to be the political pro who'd mop the floor with the rookie Euro banker? Guess not!

All that and more in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Check out our main page at ReadTheLine.ca and, always and forever, like and subscribe.

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. We need a break!

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