Matt speaks with Jason Crawford (Roots of Progress Institute) about “technohumanism”—the view that science, technology, and industry are good insofar as they advance human flourishing. They dig into agency vs. accelerationism, why progress creates new problems to solve, and where the next big gains may come from (AI, biotech, nuclear, housing, etc.). References Announcing “The Techno-Humanist Manifesto” — Jason Crawford (Roots of Progress)https://blog.rootsofprogress.org/announcing-the-techno-humanist-manifesto Technohumanism — Overview & Chapters (official project site)https://technohumanist.org/ Roots of Progress (main site / institute)https://rootsofprogress.org/ --- Thanks to our supporters—including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode, Matt speaks with Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiatives at the Bill of Rights Institute, about how rituals like Halloween can strengthen democracy by building trust and social capital in communities. References “Halloween Treats for Democracy” — Rachel Davison Humphries (Wall Street Journal)https://www.wsj.com/opinion/halloween-treats-for-democracy-c8e861ba  Rachel Davison Humphries — Profile (Bill of Rights Institute)https://oll.libertyfund.org/people/rachel-d-humphries Rachel Davison Humphries on the Bill of Rights Institute and the Importance of Civics Projects — Getting Smart Podcast episodehttps://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/rachel-davison-humphries-on-the-bill-of-rights-institute-and-the-importance-of-civics-projects/ Democracy in America — Alexis de Tocquevillehttps://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/815 Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode, Alex speaks with political researcher Sam Routley about how conservatism is changing in Canada. Drawing on his article “Decoding Canada’s Conservative Coalition” published in The Hub, Routley explains why Canada’s conservative movement has remained more stable than those in other Western democracies, where right-wing politics have undergone dramatic upheavals. They discuss the historical roots of Canada’s “fusionist” conservatism, the economic and cultural shifts driving new tensions between working-class and knowledge-economy voters, and how Pierre Poilievre’s brand of populism fits within Canada’s longstanding political traditions. References: DeepDive: Decoding Canada’s Conservative coalition — Sam Routley (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2025/09/27/deepdive-decoding-canadas-conservative-coalition/ The Hub Sam Routley — Author Page (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/author/samroutley/ The Hub Stephen Harper embraced pragmatic, incremental change. Does Pierre Poilievre have grander ambitions? — Sam Routley (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2024/10/11/sam-routley-stephen-harper-embraced-pragmatic-incremental-change-does-pierre-poilievre-have-grander-ambitions/ The Hub Canada’s hard-fought immigration consensus is crumbling before our eyes — Sam Routley (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2024/04/10/sam-routley-canadas-hard-fought-immigration-consensus-is-crumbling/ The Hub Canada needs new political experts — Sam Routley (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2023/11/09/sam-routley-canada-needs-new-political-experts/ The Hub How Canada’s Conservatives Should Solve Their Free Trade Confusion — Sam Routley (C2C Journal)https://c2cjournal.ca/2023/07/how-canadas-conservatives-should-solve-their-free-trade-confusion/ C2C Journal Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption — Stephen J. Harper (Indigo)https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/right-here-right-now-politics-and-leadership-in-the-age-of-disruption/9780771038624.html Indigo ---  Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode, Alex speaks with journalist and author Andrew Coyne about why Canadian democracy is in crisis. Drawing from his book The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, Coyne explains how the concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s Office, the erosion of cabinet and caucus independence, and the iron grip of party discipline have hollowed out Parliament. They explore electoral reform, regional alienation, and voter disengagement, and discuss why Canada’s institutions now fail to hold leaders accountable. Coyne argues that the issue is systemic: a slow but steady weakening of democratic norms that requires serious institutional repair if Canadian democracy is to endure. References The Crisis of Canadian Democracy — Andrew Coynehttps://a.co/d/49B2UrX Andrew Coyne — Columns (The Globe and Mail)https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/andrew-coyne/ Canada’s Democracy Is in Crisis: Andrew Coyne on GCD #3 — Macdonald-Laurier Institutehttps://macdonaldlaurier.ca/canadas-democracy-is-in-crisis-andrew-coyne-on-gcd-3-in-the-post/ Q&A: MPs ‘Utterly Subservient’ to Leaders — Coyne on Reforming Canada’s Democratic System — The Hill Timeshttps://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/06/26/qa-mps-utterly-subservient-to-leaders-says-andrew-coyne-who-proposes-a-path-away-from-that-anti-democratic-system/465123/ Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode, Alex speaks with transportation policy expert Robert Poole about his book Rethinking America’s Highways. Poole makes the case for replacing the current tax-funded, politically managed highway system with a customer-focused, market-based model. He outlines how tolling, public-private partnerships, and long-term concessions can improve infrastructure, reduce congestion, and provide sustainable funding. The discussion examines lessons from international examples, the political and technical barriers to reform, and why a shift in mindset is essential for meeting America’s future mobility needs. References Rethinking America’s Highways — Robert Poolehttps://a.co/d/1gu8lWE Robert Poole — Reason Foundation Profilehttps://reason.org/author/robert-poole/ Modernizing the Interstate Highway System via Toll Finance — Robert Poole (Reason Foundation)https://reason.org/policy-study/modernizing-the-interstate-highway/ Funding & Finance — Eno Center for Transportationhttps://enotrans.org/topics/funding-finance/ The Big Roads — Earl Swifthttps://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-big-roads Infrastructure Economics and Policy: International Perspectives — José A. Gómez-Ibáñez & Zhi Liu (eds.)https://www.booktopia.com.au/infrastructure-economics-and-policy-jose-a-gomez-ibanez/book/9781558444188.html Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode, Matt speaks with Brian Dijkema of Cardus, about the moral limits of modern liberalism. Dijkema argues that while classical liberalism emerged from a tradition concerned with virtue and the common good, today’s liberalism often treats neutrality and technocratic governance as ends in themselves. They discuss the work of classical liberal theorists, Rawls' liberal vision, the legacy of Christian social thought, and how institutional renewal requires more than procedural fairness but rather a shared vision of the good. References: Brian Dijkema — Profile (Cardus)https://www.cardus.ca/personnel/brian-dijkema/ “Liberty, Equality, … Disintegration?” — Patrick Deneen in conversation with Brian Dijkemahttps://comment.org/liberty-equality-disintegration/ “Labor’s Conservative Heart” — Brian Dijkema (American Compass)https://americancompass.org/labors-conservative-heart/ Why Liberalism Failed — Patrick Deneenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Why_Liberalism_Failed “The Ethics of Attention in an Age of Distraction” — Brian Dijkemahttps://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1146&context=icctej Brian Dijkema — Contributor Archive (Convivium)https://www.convivium.ca/writers/bio/bdijkema/page/2/ Brian Dijkema — Articles at Comment Magazinehttps://comment.org/contributors/brian-dijkema/ “The Classical Liberal Diaspora” — Michael C. Mungerhttps://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/items/513d2184-ca95-4508-b4ef-f137a03b32f0   Thanks to Our PatronsIncluding Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald.To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask  

In this episode, Matt speaks with legal scholar Bruce Pardy about the deep tension between freedom and virtue. Pardy argues that “freedom people” - classical liberals and libertarians - see virtue as something that can only emerge when individuals are free to choose, while “virtue people” believe virtue must come first, even if enforced by the state. They explore the limits of state neutrality, city planning, drug policy, and the rise of authoritarian instincts across both the right and the left. Pardy explains why a truly free society is risky - and why that risk is necessary for genuine virtue and responsibility. References: “Freedom and Virtue: Friends or Enemies?” — Bruce Pardy (Brownstone Institute)https://brownstone.org/articles/freedom-and-virtue-friends-or-enemies/ Bruce Pardy — Profile (Fraser Institute)https://www.fraserinstitute.org/profile/bruce-pardy Bruce Pardy — Author Page (The Epoch Times)https://www.theepochtimes.com/author/bruce-pardy The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayekhttps://a.co/d/cp4rlD5 The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popperhttps://a.co/d/iVwmVvs Thanks to Our Patrons including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support The Curious Task, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask  

In this episode, Alex speaks with political theorist Ben Woodfinden about the meaning and complexity of Canadian conservatism. Drawing on his essay “A Tory Impulse and Anti-Laurentian Ideas Drive Canadian Conservatism”, Woodfinden explains why conservatism in Canada is not a single rigid doctrine but a pluralistic network of regionally rooted traditions — from prairie populism and Western anti-elitism to Ontario’s old Toryism and Quebec’s nationalist strands. They unpack Canada’s unique confederation story, the idea of the Laurentian elite, and how any coherent conservatism must remain a coalition rooted in local distinctiveness and historical context. References “A Tory Impulse and Anti-Laurentian Ideas Drive Canadian Conservatism” – Ben Woodfinden (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2022/08/17/ben-woodfinden-a-tory-impulse-and-anti-laurentian-ideas-drive-canadian-conservatism/ “Canada’s aspiring populists aren’t actually all that radical” – Ben Woodfinden (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2022/05/27/canadas-aspiring-populists-arent-actually-all-that-radical/  “King Charles III and the glorious weirdness of Canada's monarchy” – Ben Woodfinden https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ben-woodfinden-king-charles-iii-and-the-glorious-weirdness-of-canadas-monarchy  Ben's contributions to The Hubhttps://thehub.ca/author/benwoodfinden/  “Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism” by George Granthttps://a.co/d/d0NQs95  “The Crooked Timber of Humanity” by Isaiah Berlinhttps://a.co/d/6l1wq3d  Thanks to Our PatronsIncluding Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

Episode Summary: Matt Bufton is joined by Bill Wirtz of the Consumer Choice Centre to explore why governments often crack down on fun—from drinking and smoking to gambling and vaping. They dive into the cultural and political roots of paternalistic policies, how public health rhetoric masks deeper control impulses, and why Canada offers a revealing case study in state-imposed virtue. Wirtz also highlights how prohibitionist instincts persist even when evidence contradicts their effectiveness. References “Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrodhttps://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/ That Which is Seen and That Which is Not Seen by Frédéric Bastiathttps://oll.libertyfund.org/title/bastiat-selected-essays-on-political-economy#lf0181_head_009 The Fun Police – Podcast Series by Bill Wirtzhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fun-police/id1714265675 World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Controlhttps://fctc.who.int/ Milton Friedman’s “Free to Choose” (PBS Series)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngqR9gcDDw&list=PLt27lKoC5LS4wbD28Jkv95UUm9H7wbVO4 Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Mike Munger about the state of classical liberalism in an era in which conservatism seems intent on wielding the tools of central planning and the left prefers the term "progressive" to "liberal". Episode Notes: The Classical Liberal Diaspora by Mike Munger: https://t.co/xoRnPIUXXi  The Articles of Confederation: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Articles-of-Confederation  Preamble to the United States constitution: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/us  Fusionism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusionism  Albert Jay Nock and The Remnant: https://mises.org/library/isaiahs-job  Chile rewriting its constitution: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chilean-congressional-council-finalizes-new-draft-constitution-again-2023-10-30/ 

In a special episode of the Curious Task, Matt sits down with James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy at Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre to discuss the benefits of private education, outdoor education programs including forest schools and the history of approaches around the globe that strive to offer students a more well-rounded alternative to government schools.  References: James’ profile at the University of Buckingham: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/directory/professor-james-tooley/  Robyn’s bio on re-cognition: https://re-cognition.ca/portfolio-item/educators/  Blueberry Creek Nature Centre: https://re-cognition.ca/home-page/blueberry-creek-forest-and-nature-centre/  James’ Book “The Beautiful Tree”: https://a.co/d/9SbGCMp    Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask 

Janet speaks with Alan Elrod to explore how classical liberalism understands the role of children in a free society. They discuss the liberal view of children as future autonomous individuals, the responsibilities of both parents and the state in their development, and how education sits at the center of ongoing ideological battles. Elrod unpacks the liberal commitment to individual flourishing and critiques contemporary efforts to politicize childhood through authoritarian or illiberal frameworks.  References “Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrodhttps://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/ “Parents, Government and Children: Authority over Education in the Liberal Pluralist State” by William A. Galston (Chapter in Liberal Pluralism)https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/liberal-pluralism/parents-government-and-children-authority-over-education-in-the-liberal-pluralist-state/4FEF2172B5BD8B088A4D0558C11E1A1B The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popperhttps://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/O/bo3619943.html Democratic Education by Amy Gutmannhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7sdfv On Liberty by John Stuart Millhttps://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34901 Taking Responsibility for Children edited by Samantha Brennan and Robert Nogglehttps://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Books/T/Taking-Responsibility-for-Children Thanks to Our PatronsIncluding Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about Canada's evolving role on the global stage, from Confederation through to the post-Cold War era and into the geopolitical uncertainties of today. They explore Canada’s historical balancing act between major powers, its close alignment with the United Kingdom and later the United States, and its present-day challenges in maintaining global relevance amid military underinvestment and economic stagnation. Thompson argues that Canada must become more serious about geopolitics if it wants to protect its sovereignty and remain influential internationally. References “Canadians no longer take geopolitics seriously – and our neglect is going to cost us” by Graeme Thompson (The Hub)https://thehub.ca/2024-04-03/graeme-thompson-canadians-no-longer-take-geopolitics-seriously-and-our-neglect-is-going-to-cost-us/ Biography Collection: Ogdensburg Agreement and Canadian Wartime Diplomacy (Dictionary of Canadian Biography)https://www.biographi.ca/en/topics/topic-match-list.php?id=1504 Statute of Westminster (1931) – Recognized Canada’s legislative independence from Britainhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/statute-of-westminster NATO Archives: Canada's Role and Early Involvementhttps://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm Canada–U.S. Automotive Products Agreement (Auto Pact)https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada-us-automotive-products-agreement Lament for a Nation by George Granthttps://a.co/d/bnRI7Rb Canada’s Military Expenditure and NATO’s 2% Spending Target (Parliamentary Budget Officer)https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/publications/RP-2223-010-S--canada-military-expenditure-nato-2-spending-target--depenses-militaires-canada-objectif-depenses-2-otan Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode from 2023, Matt speaks with Iain Murray about the estrangement of conservative liberalism from identitarian forms of conservative nationalism and the intriguing alliances that may arise in the future between freedom-loving libertarians and some unlikely allies.  Episode Notes: Iain's book "The Socialist Temptation" https://a.co/d/5AUQHQp  One of Iain's articles on the subject https://cei.org/blog/european-populism-is-nationalist-conservatism/  "Do Libertarians Have a Political Home Anymore?" by Iain Murray https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/volume-35-number-1-2/do-libertarians-have-political-home-anymore  Summary of Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillbilly_Elegy  Ezra Klein's comment on "Everything Bagel Liberalism" https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/02/opinion/democrats-liberalism.html 

Matt speaks with Franco Terrazzano about the carbon tax within the broader context of government spending, taxation, and fiscal responsibility in Canada. They discuss the impact of high government debt, the role of the federal budget, and the long-term consequences of deficit spending. Terrazzano critiques the federal carbon tax, arguing that it places an unnecessary burden on Canadians while failing to achieve its intended environmental goals, and points to some glaring instances of hypocrisy on the part of its supporters. References Axing the Tax: 100 Simple and Painless Ways to Save Money on Your Taxes by Franco Terrazzano https://a.co/d/azlHzK6  "Carbon tax costs average Ontario family $627 this year" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/carbon-tax-costs-average-ontario-family-627-this-year "PBO confirms carbon tax costs more than rebates" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/pbo-confirms-carbon-tax-costs-more-than-rebates "Carbon tax bureaucracy costs taxpayers $800 million" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/carbon-tax-bureaucracy-costs-taxpayers-800-million   "Cut taxes and government spending to combat inflation" by Franco Terrazzano (EnergyNow) https://energynow.ca/2022/02/news-release-cut-taxes-and-government-spending-to-combat-inflation Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like. References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available from Amazon here. Macdonald Laurier and the Election of 1891 by Christopher Pennington can be found from Penguin House here. Graeme Thompson’s piece “Whatever Happened to Laurier” can be found in the National Post here. Graeme mentions positive and negative liberty by Isaiah Berlin, which is discussed on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy here. The works of Adam Smith, Edmund Burke, and J.S. Mill can be read for free through the Online Library of Liberty.  

Matt Bufton speaks with Matt McManus about the philosophical foundations of liberalism and socialism, exploring how these two traditions intersect and diverge. They discuss McManus’ work on the political theory of liberal socialism, the historical tensions between the two ideologies, and the ways in which contemporary political movements reflect aspects of both. The conversation also touches on critiques of classical liberal thought, the role of the state in economic justice, and the potential for a synthesis between liberal and socialist principles. References The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234?srsltid=AfmBOorDPxbjpTmpCJ2dgOznjWaxh8s53bHfYJ9odk360mjLFnf77MK_  A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61025-8  Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79537-5 Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview withMatt McManus (Jacobin Magazine) https://jacobin.com/2024/08/socialism-liberalism-mill-marx-moyn  Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu  https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus  Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask

Alex Aragona speaks with James Harrigan about U.S.-Canada relations, with a focus on tariffs, trade policy, and economic misunderstandings that shape political discourse. James critiques the expansion of tariffs under Trump and challenges the idea that protectionism helps domestic industries. The conversation highlights the historical benefits of free trade, the consequences of government intervention in markets, and the flawed assumptions underlying modern trade restrictions. References James on X: https://x.com/jamesrharrigan  The Centre for American Culture and Ideas: https://thecaci.org/  James on AIER: https://aier.org/people/james-r-harrigan/  The Words And Numbers Podcast: https://wordsandnumbers.libsyn.com/  Centre for The Philosophy of Freedom at ASU: https://freedomcenter.arizona.edu/  "Fair Trade Encourages Free Trade" by James Harrigan and Antony Davies: https://archive.triblive.com/opinion/featured-commentary/antony-davies-james-r-harrigan-fair-trade-encourages-free-trade/  Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and Canada, how politicians exploit economic misconceptions, and why a policy of unilateral free trade would be the best path forward. References Globalization by Don Boudreaux Paperback: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/globalization-9780313342134/   The Essential Hayek by Don Boudreaux Free PDF: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/essential-hayek_0.pdf   "The Case for Free Trade" by Don Boudreaux (Mercatus Center) https://www.mercatus.org/system/files/boudreaux-benefits-free-trade-ep-v2.pdf  "Don't Get Played By Protectionists" (Cafe Hayek) https://cafehayek.com/2025/03/dont-get-played-by-protectionists.html  "On America's Trade Deficit With China" by Don Boudreaux https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/on-americas-trade-deficit-with-china/  "Adam Smith Doesn't Like U.S. Trade Policy" by Stuart Anderson https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2018/07/18/adam-smith-doesnt-like-u-s-trade-policy/  Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade landscape. The conversation explores key legal cases, the role of the Supreme Court, and potential reforms that could enhance economic cooperation across the country. References Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade by Ryan Manucha https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0228014417 Gold Seal Ltd. v. Alberta (Attorney-General) (1921) – Key legal case on interprovincial trade barriers https://www.canlii.org/t/2f2ng R. v. Comeau (2018) – Supreme Court decision on cross-border alcohol sales https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/17059/index.do Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada: Options for Moving Forward by Alvarez et al. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383376202_Interprovincial_Trade_Barriers_in_Canada_Options_for_Moving_Forward Provincial Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/research-economic-analysis/provincial-red-tape-report-card Internal Trade in Canada: Case for Liberalization by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/WP/2019/WPIEA2019158.ashx Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.