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 crazy?

This episode is brought to you by the Forest Products Association of Canada. Government can’t control the global markets, but it can control the efficiency of our own regulatory system. It’s been over 150 days since the Red Tape Review, and Canada’s forest products sector is ready to move from intent to outcomes. We’re advocating for practical fixes — like reducing duplication and improving coordination — so we can get projects built at the speed of business. With greater regulatory efficiency, we can better compete with the Americans and Europeans, grow jobs, bring more of Canada to the world, and secure a stronger Canadian economy. Let’s get to work. Visit www.fpac.ca to learn more.

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 with what he considers sage advice from the deepest, darkest corner of Laurentian Canada — fully aware of how warmly that kind of guidance is usually received in Alberta.

From there, the hosts pivot south of the border. Donald Trump, following up on similar remarks once made by Barack Obama, is now talking about aliens. The Line, as longtime listeners know, enjoys a good alien discussion. But both hosts wonder whether this sudden extraterrestrial enthusiasm might be serving as a distraction from more terrestrial problems, including renewed attention on the Epstein files, signs of growing anti-Trump organization within the Republican Party, and a significant loss at the Supreme Court of the United States, where a six-to-three majority struck down the president’s tariffs.

Finally, a quick check-in on developments at home. Matt and Jen touch on floor crossing, Jamil Jivani’s trip to Washington, and Matt’s mixed feelings about Canada’s new defence industrial strategy — grateful that it exists, concerned about how it will unfold.

All this and more in the latest episode of The Line Podcast.

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 Russians; and he's even now regularly bombarded by sirens and bomb threats. He speaks to Gerson from a darkened apartment in Kharkiv, where the latest assault has left him without electricity or heat. They also talk about what his experience has taught him about the separatist threat brewing back home.

Note: The CBC did an article on Hughes' experience with the Russians, referenced in this podcast, here. 300 missions in, this Canadian volunteer says he'll stay in Ukraine until he's asked to leave | CBC Radio