Journalist and political commentator
In 2020, she co-founded The Line, an independent Canadian media outlet focused on politics, public policy, foreign affairs, economics, and culture. Under her editorial leadership, the publication has built a large and highly engaged national readership and has become an influential voice in debates around Canada’s institutional performance, democratic culture, media trust, and national cohesion.
In addition to her written work, Gerson is a frequent television, radio, and podcast commentator. She regularly appears on political panels and current affairs programs and co-hosts The Line Podcast, where she interviews leading politicians, academics, business leaders, journalists, and policy experts.
A dynamic and provocative speaker, Gerson is known for bringing intellectual honesty, humour, and a willingness to engage difficult questions without resorting to partisan talking points. Her speaking topics include Canadian politics and elections, Western alienation and federalism, media trust and polarization, populism, institutional decline, gender and culture, the future of journalism, and the shifting social and economic forces reshaping Canada.
Gerson lives in Calgary with her family.
View All Speakers8:45 AM-9:45 AM
The state of the federation
Political commentators Jen Gerson and Chantal Hebert will offer a timely look at the state of the Canadian federation and what recent political developments in the East and West mean for the country’s future. Moderated by Paul Wells, the discussion will unpack the results of the Alberta referendum vote and the Quebec election, exploring what they reveal about regional priorities, national unity and the evolving political landscape.
