Canada is technically in a recession and the prime minister won't say the word. Matt Gurney thinks the more important conversation is the one hiding underneath it.

For years, the answer to flat economic productivity was simple: put more people in the country. More people at Tim Hortons, more people at Canadian Tire, more dollars tallied in GDP. It worked as a number. It did not work as an economy. Canadian productivity per working hour has been declining relative to the United States for decades, and the gap keeps widening. Now the population is actually dipping, the tariff pressure is real, and the mask is off.

Gurney's read on Mark Carney: he knows what the big picture problems are and he's trying to put the country on a different economic track without touching the social policies that keep his party together. Whether you can draw a clean line between economic and social issues is another question. And it's been more than a year. The steering wheel might be broken, or the ship just takes this long to turn. Either way, Canadians aren't asking for a Hail Mary. They want a yard.

Topics: Canada recession 2025, Canadian productivity decline, GDP population growth, Mark Carney economic policy, immigration and GDP Canada

GUEST: Matt Gurney | http://readtheline.ca

Originally aired on 2026-06-02

Canada is technically in a recession and the prime minister won't say the word. Matt Gurney thinks the more important conversation is the one hiding underneath it.
For years, the answer to flat economic productivity was simple: put more people in the country. More people at Tim Hortons, more people at Canadian Tire, more dollars tallied in GDP. It worked as a number. It did not work as an economy. Canadian productivity per working hour has been declining relative to the United States for decades, and the gap keeps widening. Now the population is actually dipping, the tariff pressure is real, and the mask is off.
Gurney's read on Mark Carney: he knows what the big picture problems are and he's trying to put the country on a different economic track without touching the social policies that keep his party together. Whether you can draw a clean line between economic and social issues is another question. And it's been more than a year. The steering wheel might be broken, or the ship just takes this long to turn. Either way, Canadians aren't asking for a Hail Mary. They want a yard.
Topics: Canada recession 2025, Canadian productivity decline, GDP population growth, Mark Carney economic policy, immigration and GDP Canada
GUEST: Matt Gurney |<a href="http://readtheline.ca"> http://readtheline.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-02

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.