Secure Line

In this Podmergency episode of Secure Line, Stephanie Carvin, Jessica Davis, and Leah West break down the latest Canada-U.S. border security deal, announced after the threat of sweeping tariffs from the Trump administration. They explore the $1.3 billion package aimed at securing the border, including the appointment of a fentanyl czar, the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations, and the creation of a Canada-U.S. strike force targeting organized crime and money laundering.The hosts question the effectiveness of these measures, discussing the murky concept of an "intelligence directive," the realities of financial crime enforcement in Canada, and whether listing cartels as terrorist organizations is a meaningful step or political theater. They also examine the broader implications of Trump-driven security demands and whether Canada is prioritizing the right solutions for its own fentanyl crisis.Is this a real policy shift, or just old announcements repackaged? And will any of these measures actually tackle organized crime and illicit finance? Tune in for a sharp, insightful discussion on this controversial deal's national security and economic implications. Stay to the end for a special guest appearance from Cricket.

In this episode of Secure Line, hosts Stephanie and Jessica reflect on the final report from  Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference. They explore the major revelations about foreign interference by China, Russia, and India in Canada’s political system, particularly in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

The conversation highlights key takeaways from the inquiry, including systemic failures in intelligence sharing, the role of misinformation and disinformation in shaping public discourse, and Canada's ongoing struggle to address foreign interference effectively. They critique intelligence culture in Canada, the government’s response to security threats, and the persistent challenges in intelligence writing, dissemination, and policymaking.

Jessica provides insights into the financial aspects of foreign interference, discussing gaps in financial intelligence and policy loopholes that enable illicit funding. Stephanie raises concerns about the RCMP’s capability to respond to national security threats, highlighting resource shortages and structural inefficiencies. The hosts also analyze the implications of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) report, including its unintended political fallout and the broader issue of public trust in democratic institutions.

They reflect on whether this inquiry truly brought new insights or simply confirmed what was already known about Canada’s security and intelligence weaknesses. They also discuss lessons from past commissions and whether political and institutional reforms will actually follow.

The episode ends with a discussion on foreign influence narratives surrounding the U.S., particularly how Russian-backed media has manipulated disinformation networks.

Tune in for a candid, insightful discussion about Canada’s evolving security landscape and the persistent gaps in addressing foreign interference.

The inaugural episode of Secure Line, a podcast hosted by Jessica Davis, Leah West, and Stephanie Carvin, explores the implications of Donald Trump’s return to office as the 47th President of the United States and its impact on Canadian security and intelligence. The discussion focuses on how Trump's policies, including proposed tariffs on Canadian goods and suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st state, might challenge Canada's national security and economic stability. With guests Thomas Juneau and Justin Ling, the hosts discuss challenges facing Canada, including potential emboldening of extremist groups, reduced intelligence cooperation, and shifting U.S. foreign policies. The hosts and guests discuss Canada's reliance on U.S. intelligence, the need for a coherent foreign policy, and the strain on domestic institutions like the RCMP and defense. They highlight the urgency for Canada to prioritize its security and defense strategy amidst increasing geopolitical instability and potential trade tensions with the U.S.

Welcome to Secure Line, launching in late January 2025.