Canada has eight days before new US tariffs land, and the response so far raises hard questions. Columnist Matt Gurney breaks apart what a real climb down would look like, and why one Toronto by-election says more about Ottawa's nerve than any trade speech has.

He points to the federal government's decision to pull a planned island airport expansion rather than risk losing a single downtown Toronto seat in a by-election the Liberals were expected to win anyway. For Matt, that decision draws a clear line around how much this government will risk, in Toronto or in Washington.

Matt also lays out the more sympathetic read: that Mark Carney is playing a longer game, buying Canada time to rebuild strength lost over a generation. Both sides of that argument are on the table, along with a clear-eyed read on what happens if Ottawa runs out of room before the deadline hits.

Topics: US tariffs, Mark Carney, Beaches-East York by-election, Liberal Party, Toronto island airport

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

Originally aired on 2026-08-11

Canada has eight days before new US tariffs land, and the response so far raises hard questions. Columnist Matt Gurney breaks apart what a real climb down would look like, and why one Toronto by-election says more about Ottawa's nerve than any trade speech has.
He points to the federal government's decision to pull a planned island airport expansion rather than risk losing a single downtown Toronto seat in a by-election the Liberals were expected to win anyway. For Matt, that decision draws a clear line around how much this government will risk, in Toronto or in Washington.
Matt also lays out the more sympathetic read: that Mark Carney is playing a longer game, buying Canada time to rebuild strength lost over a generation. Both sides of that argument are on the table, along with a clear-eyed read on what happens if Ottawa runs out of room before the deadline hits.
Topics: US tariffs, Mark Carney, Beaches-East York by-election, Liberal Party, Toronto island airport
GUEST: Matt Gurney | ​<a href="http://readtheline.ca">The Line | Substack</a> | @&zwnj;mattgurney
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-11

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.