In the latest episode of On The Line, Jen Gerson is joined by Dave Cournoyer — Alberta politics watcher, writer at daveberta.ca, and longtime chronicler of this province’s wilder turns — for a conversation that cuts through the noise and gets to the big question: what is actually going on in Alberta right now?

This episode is brought to you by the Metis Nation of Ontario. It's the Abitibi River, Northern Ontario, 1854. They called it “the Long Portage.”

From the banks of the Abitibi River, Métis voyageurs hauled heavy freight canoes and Hudson’s Bay Company trade goods across miles of forest and muskeg. Their hard work linked Fort Albany and Moose Factory along the James Bay coast with Lake Timiskaming. And, from there, the entire northwest.

As the HBC moved inland from Moose Factory to open and work at posts to the south and west, the Métis “Factory Boys” and their families cut the trail, built the storehouse, and ran the trade. They were guides, interpreters, diplomats, and entrepreneurs.

And they endured. The Métis remained in northern Ontario and in the story of how this country was built. Because Canada is not Canada without the Métis. Today, Métis rights are a settled fact of law in Ontario.

This Indigenous Peoples Month, visit OntarioMétisFacts.com to learn more.

The conversation opens with a serious look at the growing undercurrent of separatist sentiment inside the United Conservative Party. They unpack the emotional pull of independence, the logistical realities of separation, and why this movement — once fringe — is now creeping toward the mainstream. They also explore the federal government’s role in fuelling some of this rage, and how Alberta’s energy economy keeps acting as both asset and anchor.

And then, the inevitable question that must be asked in any progressive conversation in this province: where the hell is Naheed Nenshi? Jen presses Dave on why the Alberta NDP is missing in action while the UCP is rolling out wildly controversial ideas. The moment is ripe. The opportunity is obvious. And yet... nothing.

As always, like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca. You can also follow us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Share it with a friend, post about it online, or shout it across the parking lot outside the nearest community centre in Calgary. We’ll take it.

And don’t forget: On The Line drops Tuesday mornings on audio, with the video version rolling out Tuesday evening on YouTube and across our social channels. Prefer to watch? Stay tuned tonight — and follow us to catch the drop.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next week.

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded (at great risk) a day early on June 12, 2025, Matt and Jen admit they tempted fate. They had to record on Thursday evening due to travel — and even predicted that a war in the Middle East would probably break out while they were offline.

So ... yeah. That happened. And no, they don’t talk about it. But the streak of wild things happening whenever we record early gets extended once more.

What they do talk about is the state of federal politics, the upcoming G7 summit, and Jen’s somewhat surreal experience registering as media for it — an episode in Canadian bureaucratic dysfunction that somehow perfectly encapsulates why Canada no governing good.

This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Unsmoke Canada. Canada can be a global leader in reducing the harm caused by smoking, but it requires actionable steps, including giving adult smokers the information they need to choose potentially less harmful alternatives. Learn more at Unsmoke.ca.

Next, a defence update. There’s good news: they’re genuinely pleased Canada is (finally) hitting the 2% NATO target. But Matt recaps the key points from his On The Line interview with Christian Leuprecht — the 2% goal gets us back to where we promised to be over a decade ago. It doesn’t build the military we need for the world we now live in. Whether Carney has the political will to take the next step is the big question. Also: Jen and Matt invent a cursed, unpronounceable new military acronym. You’re welcome, DND.

Finally, they respond to Andrew Potter’s latest column on harm reduction. The conversation broadens into a deeper critique of how small-l liberals — not Liberal party partisans, but moderates writ large — lost the courage to say no to bad ideas, including widely unpopular ones. When the political centre abandons tough decisions, those decisions still get made — just not by the people you’d want making them. And those people get the credit, too.

All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the show, share it with a friend, post about it online, or shout your favourite bureaucratic acronym into the sea. We’ll hear you.

In this episode of On The Line, Matt Gurney speaks with Christian Leuprecht — professor at the Royal Military College and Queen’s University, editor of the Canadian Military Journal, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and visiting fellow at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels. His forthcoming book is The Military’s Response to Domestic Crises and Global Pandemics: Civil-Military Relations for Domestic Operations.

Their conversation follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s major announcement earlier this week: a historic, immediate increase in Canadian defence spending to hit the NATO target of 2% of GDP. Some of that figure is, yes, a little creative from an accounting perspective. But much of it is real new money — and the scope is massive. 

This episode of On The Line is brought to you by the Métis Nation of Ontario. June is Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on how Canada came to be.

When American forces marched north in the War of 1812, Métis in the Upper Great Lakes stood in defence of the lands and waters they called home. They fought at Fort Mackinac, at Sault Ste. Marie, and at St. Joseph Island alongside the British to protect what would become Canada. The Crown promised land and security in return. But when the war ended, those promises faded. Métis families who left Drummond Island to remain free from American rule reestablished themselves in Penetanguishene and Sault Ste. Marie. The British promised they’d be able to live free and undisturbed — only to have their land sold out from under them in the following decades. Still, they stayed, built homes, raised families, and held onto their rights.

In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed what they had always known: that one of the Upper Great Lakes Métis settlements — the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community — holds rights protected under the Constitution.

For over two hundred years, Métis in the Upper Great Lakes have fought for this country, contributed to its economy, and defended their place in it. To learn more, visit OntarioMetisFacts.com.

But this isn’t about expanding capabilities. It’s about finally repairing a military that’s been allowed to decay. The money won't go as far as you might think. 

Matt and Christian unpack the geopolitical pressures driving the decision — and the political complacency that’s defined Canada’s defence posture for nearly 75 years. They talk about the procurement bottlenecks that will make implementation painful, the civil-military dynamics that will determine who’s actually accountable, and whether allies in Washington and Europe will be impressed. And finally, they get into the hard questions: how do you sustain this level of spending when Canada is already running structural deficits and showing little economic growth? And for Carney — is this a bold strategic play, or a long-term political gamble? Will the Canadian public really want to spend the amount of money all of this is going to cost?

As always, like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca. You can also follow us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Share it with a friend, post about it online, or forward it to your favourite defence procurement officer. They could probably use the morale boost.

And don’t forget: On The Line drops Tuesday mornings on audio, with the video version rolling out Tuesday evening on YouTube and across our social channels. Prefer to watch? Stay tuned tonight — and follow us to catch the drop.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next week.

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 6, 2025, Matt and Jen open with a wide-ranging look at U.S.–Canada relations — and the increasingly difficult balancing act both countries are trying to manage. The Americans need to show they’re getting wins. Canada needs to show it’s not caving. That creates a dangerous mismatch in incentives, especially under an unpredictable U.S. administration. 

Matt and Jen also reflect on the passing of Marc Garneau — a Canadian hero and, for many, a symbol of what our politics used to feel like. But even that moment of mourning sparked backlash online, with public anger toward the Trudeau era spilling over into places it doesn’t belong. The rage isn’t fading. It’s just finding new targets.

This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Unsmoke Canada. Canada can be a global leader in reducing the harm caused by smoking, but it requires actionable steps, including giving adult smokers the information they need to choose potentially less harmful alternatives. Learn more at Unsmoke.ca.

In the second segment, your hosts ask: can only Carney "go to China”? Or rather, can he take on major national challenges — like internal trade barriers, resource development, and a strained relationship with India — precisely because they’re problems the Liberals helped cause? There’s some evidence of a pivot already. And in late-breaking news, Narendra Modi has been invited to the G7. Matt and Jen ask the obvious question: was ending (alleged!) state-sponsored assassinations in Canada a precondition for the invite?

Finally, in Segment 3: the big, beautiful breakup. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are at war. Yes, it’s hilarious. But it’s also dangerous. Their falling out could unleash chaos — not just between their egos, but among their armies of online followers, institutional proxies, and political hangers-on. It’s going to get ugly. And the U.S. might feel the damage for a long time.

All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, post about it online, tell a friend — or just mutter “only Carney can go to India” under your breath the next time you see a G7 headline. We’ll know what you mean.

In this engaging conversation, Jen Gerson and royal watcher Patricia Treble, author of WRITE ROYALTY on Substack, discuss the recent visit of King Charles III to Canada, focusing on the significance of his throne speech and its geopolitical implications. They explore the role of the monarchy in Canadian sovereignty, the authority of King Charles in delivering the speech, and the reactions from both Canadian and British perspectives. The discussion highlights the evolving relationship between Canada and the monarchy, emphasizing the importance of the crown in contemporary Canadian identity.

This episode of On The Line is brought to you by the  Métis Nation of Ontario. In Northern Ontario, a Métis harvester checks his snares as his ancestors have done for generations. Meanwhile back in town, Métis leaders gather with government officials. They’ve been doing this for decades. Not because they were asked politely. But because the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2003 that Métis communities in Ontario exist, their Indigenous rights are real, and they must be respected. Métis rights in Ontario are settled in law and governments have a duty to consult them before decisions impacting their way of life are made. Whether it’s a new mine, transmission line, or legislative changes meant to fast-track projects, consultation with Indigenous peoples, including the Métis, cannot be skipped. The Métis helped built this country. They must be included in its growth. 

Visit OntarioMétisFacts.com to learn more.

In the second segment, they talk Royal Tea! Particularly the latest with William and Catherine; Meghan Markle/Sussex's latest projects, and Prince Harry whining on the BBC about his security needs. 

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 30, 2025, Matt and Jen assess the early days of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government — and wonder if things are moving fast enough.

Parliament is back, the procedural stuff is over, and it’s go-time in Ottawa. Matt asks whether Carney is pushing hard enough out of the gate — how fast can this ship really go? Jen offers up a strange and oddly perfect anecdote from her family’s recent experience in Calgary that captures the challenge ahead. Matt warns her it’s 10 million times worse than she thinks. (You won't believe what the issue is. It's bonkers.)

In the second segment, Matt reports back from the CANSEC defence conference in Ottawa. He’s impressed by the technology on display — drones, sensors, weapon systems — but worried that our political and procurement systems are still operating at a glacial pace. The war in Ukraine has shown how fast warfare is changing. Canada isn’t keeping up. Jen suggests that urgency will arrive as soon as someone’s bombing our cities. Cool.

In the third and final segment, your Line editors dive into one of those long, winding, philosophy-meets-culture chats that you’ll either love or hate. If you just want the politics, you’re free to bail out now. But if you want some deep thoughts on the rise (and possible fall) of Jordan Peterson, and what it tells us about right-wing celebrity in the algorithm age… well, pour yourself a drink and settle in. It gets deep. In a good way.

All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the show, share it with a friend, post about it online, or shout it into the algorithm void. Maybe you'll end up being our next leading public intellectual on social media. 

This week on On The Line, we’ve got a packed episode with three sharp conversations on three very different fronts — monarchy, cybersecurity, and continental defence.

This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Innovative Medicines Canada. With a new government in place, one thing remains clear: Canada must continue to prioritize patients and healthcare innovation. Innovative Medicines Canada is focused on collaborating with all levels of government to improve access to life-saving medicines and develop a healthcare system that prioritizes patients, ignites innovation, and drives economic growth. Canada’s innovative medicines sector plays a critical role—not just in health outcomes, but in keeping us competitive on the global stage. That’s why, even during a moment of political change, Innovative Medicines Canada is staying focused on the issues that matter most to Canadians. And as Canada moves forward with national pharmacare, Innovative Medicines Canada believes it’s possible to expand access without limiting choice—by strengthening what works and fixing what doesn’t. Visit innovativemedicines.ca to learn more.

First up, Matt Gurney speaks with Philippe Lagassé — associate professor at Carleton University and one of Canada’s top experts on the Crown — about the visit by King Charles to Canada. But more than that, they talk about the subtle tension between Ottawa and London. Phil explains how royal visits actually work, why Canada has the right to ask for one, and what happens when the Brits don’t exactly approve. Matt wonders if this is one of those true “Asshole Canada” moments — and Phil says it might be. He also says he'll be adding this visit to his lecture slides.

Next, David Shipley of Beauceron Security joins the show to talk about a recent wave of cyberattacks that took down grocery chains in the U.K. While those attackers seem to be financially motivated criminals, the fragility of food distribution systems is becoming alarmingly clear. David warns that if a hostile actor ever wanted to cripple a food supply, it wouldn’t take much — and based on what he’s seeing, Canada is not remotely ready for that scenario.

Finally, Matt has an extended conversation with Scott Clancy, a retired RCAF major-general, former director of operations at NORAD, and now a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. They walk through the so-called “Golden Dome” — the massive new U.S. missile defence effort. What threats is it actually meant to counter? How does it work? And can Canada seriously partner with the U.S. on this kind of program while Washington is simultaneously taking a more aggressive posture toward us? It’s a tough geopolitical moment, and Scott doesn’t dodge any of it.

As always, like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca. You can also follow us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Share it with a friend, post about it online, or send it to your favourite monarchist or missile silo commander. We’re not picky.

And don’t forget: On The Line drops Tuesday mornings on audio, with the video version rolling out Tuesday evening on YouTube and across our social channels. If you’re more of a watcher than a listener, stay tuned tonight — and follow us to catch the drop.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next week.

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 23, 2025, Matt and Jen check in on the early turbulence of the Carney era.

First up: the new cabinet. There’s a new energy minister visiting Calgary, staffing delays across the board, and yes — god help us — Marco Mendicino is still around. That’s bad news for almost everyone, but possibly justice of a sort for Mendicino himself. They also start to sketch out what could prove to be Carney’s eventual undoing. Along the way, Matt makes a rare — and oddly impassioned — defence of Justin Trudeau: no, he says, Trudeau wasn’t great. But he wasn’t as bad as some Liberals now seem desperate to believe.

This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Unsmoke Canada. Canada can be a global leader in reducing the harm caused by smoking, but it requires actionable steps, including giving adult smokers the information they need to choose potentially less harmful alternatives. Learn more at Unsmoke.ca.

In the second segment, your hosts look ahead at the storm clouds gathering. A royal visit. A looming postal strike. And Jen has a message for the posties: doing this twice in one year might come back to bite you. Then Matt walks through Trump’s latest missile defence announcement — yes, the so-called “golden dome” — and raises a pointed question: is Canada about to join a multi-hundred-billion-dollar ballistic missile defence system? If so, is this an elbows-up or elbows-down moment? And more importantly: did anyone ask Mike Myers first?

This episode of On The Line is brought to you by Innovative Medicines Canada. With a new government in place, one thing remains clear: Canada must continue to prioritize patients and healthcare innovation. Innovative Medicines Canada is focused on collaborating with all levels of government to improve access to life-saving medicines and develop a healthcare system that prioritizes patients, ignites innovation, and drives economic growth. Canada’s innovative medicines sector plays a critical role—not just in health outcomes, but in keeping us competitive on the global stage. That’s why, even during a moment of political change, Innovative Medicines Canada is staying focused on the issues that matter most to Canadians. And as Canada moves forward with national pharmacare, Innovative Medicines Canada believes it’s possible to expand access without limiting choice—by strengthening what works and fixing what doesn’t. Visit innovativemedicines.ca to learn more.

Finally, Matt and Jen turn to a grim and serious story: the brutal murder of two young Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. They discuss the how it really shouldn’t be this hard to stake out a moral position on this issue, and yet, some people sure did find a way to screw it up. From there, Matt explains how a cascading failure of institutions — police, courts, politics — has created a dangerous void in Canada. And, tragically, the people being failed first and hardest are Canadian Jews.

All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the show, share it with a friend, post about it online, or yell it at the mail carrier before they go on strike. We’ll take it.

In this episode of On The Line, The Line's Jen Gerson interviews David Perlich, a CBC producer and Vatican analyst, about his experiences covering papal conclaves. They discuss the intricacies of the conclave process, the role of Cardinals, and the dynamics of voting for a new pope. Perlich shares insights from his time in Rome, the historical significance of the events, and the unique pressures faced by cardinals during the election. The conversation also touches on the cultural implications of having an American pope and the broader context of religion and politics.

In the second segment, they talk about how Perlich went from a gay southern Alberta farm boy, to almost-Jesuit, to a CBC producer and in-house Vatican analyst. They discuss the secular culture of newsrooms, and why journalists more inclined to view religion as a mental illness can't tear themselves away from the spectacle of a conclave. 

Lastly, they dig into the geopolitical implications of an American pope. Is he a Woke Pope? Or do Vatican politics transcend the earthly realm and the culture wars? 

As always, like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca. You can also follow us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Share it with a friend, post about it online, or just drop it into the group chat. You know the one.

And don’t forget: new On The Line episodes drop Tuesday mornings on audio, with the video version rolling out Tuesday evening on YouTube and across our social channels. Prefer to watch? Stay tuned tonight — and follow us to catch the drop.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next week.

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 16, 2025, Matt opens with what he claims is a harmless anthropological observation about Alberta. Jen hadn’t noticed it before — but to her surprise, she agrees. And no, it shouldn’t piss anyone off. (Probably.)

From there, they move on to the first days of Mark Carney’s duly elected government. Matt is... fine. Everything that’s happening is exactly what he expected, and he finds that oddly reassuring. Jen is not fine. Because it’s exactly what Matt expected — and that’s the problem.

In the second segment, a rare note of patriotic pride: Matt and Jen agree that the actual machinery of Canadian democracy — voting, counting, elections — has typically worked very well. But this time around, there were issues. Not dramatic ones, but real ones. And if we want to keep the system trustworthy, we’re going to need to fix them — even if that means triggering a by-election or two just to make sure the count is clean.

Finally, it’s time for a vibe check. The cancel culture era has, by Jen and Matt’s reckoning, died a fast and richly deserved death. But the pendulum is already swinging — hard — and it’s going to crash back into the exact same authoritarian instincts, just with a different aesthetic. So once again, The Line will find itself taking fire from both sides. If you like having a podcast that still tries to make sense of things from somewhere in the sane zone, well ... you’d better like and subscribe. It’s the only way we stay uncancellable.

All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, post about it, tell a friend, or shout it from whatever ideological trench you currently occupy. We’ll still be here, dodging the incoming.