34 Comments
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Nobina Robinson's avatar

Yes, a long year, Paul, but your posts bring a lot of insight, engagement and reminder of things that matter, for this subscriber. And yes, I agree that we should drop the "excuses to fight one another." Happy 2026, and may there be peace for us all.

Edward Peter McKinney's avatar

Arrggh

"the best"

Lizzie's avatar

Thanks for reminding us about the Briefing Note ™️ dialect. Sent around many a screenshot of “He flipped a big mental sheet of paper over to the back of his inner easel and started on a fresh sheet.” That was funny. You can count on my clicks in 2026 😉

W. John Woodcock's avatar

Thanks Paul. I enjoy your thoughtful commentary and I do share with friends. 😎

Rod Mickleburgh's avatar

All the best for 2026, Paul! Shannon Proudfoot…yes!

Andrew Griffith's avatar

Great fan of your commentary and breadth of interests. Always interesting and relevant.

Carol bessert's avatar

Dear Mr Wells… I love every word of every one of your articles on Substack. When I read somewhere ( way back) that you had read Stoner by John Williams and thought it was a good book ( I had read it too) you had me hooked. Your writing always enriches me….

Liseanne's avatar

I read Stoner last year for the first time. How had I missed it for all those years??

Mary O'Keefe's avatar

Thanks Paul. You are one of the very best substackers. Grateful for all the insights and bon mots. Best of the season to you and Lisa.

Mike's avatar

Thanks Paul for the vast amount of work you did in 2025. I appreciate your thoughtful approach, and how you portray characters in a way that challenges the popular narrative. I appreciate the non political pieces more than I thought I would. Looking forward to reading in 2026, wherever that leads us.

Louise Teasdale's avatar

Thank you and Happy New Year. 2026 will keep you even busier, always enjoy reading a real journalist. Vous aurez du pain sur la planche, Merci .

Jordan Furlong's avatar

Thanks and appreciation for your incisive and insightful work all year long.

Laurent Beaulieu's avatar

Mr. Wells, thank you for the last year. I enjoy reading you and I often will mention to friends your posts and what you said. I often will re-read twice to make sure I fully understand what you are saying and what you intend. You do have a gift. Yes 2025 was very long and exhausting not only in Canada but also in the USA and like many I grow worried about the future under Trump. I also hope that Canadians are ditching their naïveté. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Judy Millar's avatar

Thanks for a year of great reads (and listens) to you, Paul, and to your commenters. I greatly enjoy the "conversations" triggered by your takes on things. Happy New Year!

Victor's avatar

Thanks for all your great work this year. You always leave me wanting more, but I understand there's only so much you can do every week. Hope to see some fresh posts on the NAC, and the plans of the new music director.

Gerald Pelchat's avatar

Someone stuffed a Maclean's in my Christmas stocking this year, a mag I had never read: you are in a better place now. Happy New Year.

Brian's avatar

Thanks for the memories.. good and bad.. Happy New Year Paul