Canada defence spending has been a broken promise for decades, and a political journalist says the US pausing a joint defence board is just the beginning of what's coming.

Matt Gurney says the Permanent Joint Board of Defense, a Canada-US committee dating back to 1940, has been paused explicitly because of Canada's failure to meet defence commitments. The trade agreement renegotiates in six weeks, mushroom tariffs just hit Canadian farmers, and Gurney says it is all the same pressure campaign.

A classified American document leaked in recent years captured European and American officials confronting Canada's former prime minister over defence spending. Gurney says the former PM privately acknowledged Canada would never hit its NATO target because there was no domestic appetite for it. Polling now shows that appetite is growing.

Topics: Canada defence spending, Permanent Joint Board of Defense, trade renegotiation, mushroom tariffs, NATO

GUEST: Matt Gurney | The Line | Substack | @‌mattgurney

Originally aired on 2026-05-19

Canada defence spending has been a broken promise for decades, and a political journalist says the US pausing a joint defence board is just the beginning of what's coming.
Matt Gurney says the Permanent Joint Board of Defense, a Canada-US committee dating back to 1940, has been paused explicitly because of Canada's failure to meet defence commitments. The trade agreement renegotiates in six weeks, mushroom tariffs just hit Canadian farmers, and Gurney says it is all the same pressure campaign.
A classified American document leaked in recent years captured European and American officials confronting Canada's former prime minister over defence spending. Gurney says the former PM privately acknowledged Canada would never hit its NATO target because there was no domestic appetite for it. Polling now shows that appetite is growing.
Topics: Canada defence spending, Permanent Joint Board of Defense, trade renegotiation, mushroom tariffs, NATO
GUEST: Matt Gurney |<a href="http://readtheline.ca"> The Line | Substack</a> | @&zwnj;mattgurney
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-19

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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.