If you're just tuning in
What to read if you need more Wells
As we head into the weekend, I thought I’d remind readers that this newsletter’s archive is turning into a useful storehouse of reporting and analysis.
I’ve now published almost 250 posts here, covering Canadian politics, the world, arts and culture. That’s about 30 times as many words as there are in my bestselling latest book. (HAVE I MENTIONED I HAVE A BOOK OUT? Order your copy here, here or here. More below.)
You can browse the archive any time at paulwells.substack.com/archive. Paid subscribers can read every word of it. (Everyone else can read roughly half of it.)
Here are highlights from the 51 articles I’ve posted since the New Year (and one from just before), arranged by theme.
Justin Trudeau
Topics include the wreckage of the Trudeau government’s media subsidy strategy; the temptation to give up on a high-wage economy for a low-skill economy; and what the PM says in public and thinks in private about his future.
Pierre Poilievre
Topics include why the Conservative leader keeps calling other politicians “incompetent;” how he builds his critique of the Trudeau record; and how he’s working to get cozy with union members.
Guest writers
I write way more than 90% of the content here, but I sometimes toss the keys to writers with particular expertise or a certain perspective. When Brian Mulroney died, Ian Brodie reflected on Mulroney’s foreign-policy legacy. Fen Hampson wrote about seizing frozen Russian assets.
Road stories
You probably noticed my series from Edmonton that just wrapped. But you may have missed my story about Finland’s fascinating record of civil defense and its plans for NATO membership.
The arts pages
Feature stories on a boot camp for young orchestra musicians; the astonishing jazz pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill; and a raucous new oral history of the Village Voice newspaper.
The sound of civility
My podcast archive now includes 55 episodes of conversation with people who are trying to make the world better. The word is getting out that The Paul Wells Show is a refreshing break from the avalanche of recrimination that too often passes for modern discourse.
Thanks for reading and listening. Paid subscribers can read every word, enjoy the best show notes in podcasting, and get advance notice of live events with special guests.
Finally…
Back in print for a second pressing, my surprise best-selling book (well, I was surprised) Justin Trudeau on the Ropes: Governing in Troubled Times is available in all of the bookstores where you couldn’t find it last week. Or you can order it here, here or here.
A five-star review on Amazon said: “I told a friend about this book, and they said they haven't heard me this excited about a book ever. OK, I normally read some really deep stuff. This book flows like a great novel.”
A five-star review on Goodreads said: “Paul Wells in his usual (finest, astute, witty, thorough) form.”
I’ve ordered your book and am very interested in reading it. Truthfully I am a Trudeau fan for sure. Loved his Dad and have been a Liberal who has leaned left for many many years. However I definitely find myself going back toward the middle as I either am getting older or the leftist part of the party is even too far for me. I could blame you and probably Scott Reid for this , just joking-I think but sometimes I think I’m just getting too old to handle any fluff! Truth is much more important to me now than ever. I must acknowledge your role (and others like you who are fair journalists and pundits) helping me to be a better critical thinker than I was before. If only we could teach that in school.
Thanks again and I look forward to reading your latest book.
This is why you should subscribe to Paul Wells on Substack.