Mark Norman believes an attack from the U.S. in not hypothetical. It’s already happening. And Canada’s lacking a strategy to respond.    He first laid out his argument in an opinion piece for the National Post titled  “Canada’s relationship with the U.S. can’t be saved.”   He joins Paul to explain why he thinks we need to change our national mindset towards the U.S.    Mark Norman is the former Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and Vice Chief of the Defense Staff of Canada.   Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

The Conservative leader is planning a big rally in Ottawa this weekend. It follows a sustained slide in the polls. Can he change his message for a world of Donald Trump and Mark Carney? Does he even want to? Our Panel — Garry Keller, Allison Gifford, Marci Surkes — discusses all of this and more.

Jonathan Wilkinson has a lot going on. As the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, he holds a critical position in trade disputes with the U.S. He talks to Paul about dealing with the Trump administration, adapting Canada's energy strategy to a new reality, and the difficult decision not to run for Liberal leadership.  Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Canada often seems "unready and out of step” with the world’s current challenges, according to the editors of a new book on foreign policy. With the rise of authoritarianism around the world and increasing hostility from the U.S., are we taking our place on the world stage seriously enough? Or does our foreign policy need an overhaul?   Philippe Lagassé and Vincent Rigby are two of the editors of the latest edition in the Canada Among Nations series. They join Paul to talk about what’s lacking and what can be done about it.   Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

This week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discusses the potential fallout of Donald Trump's return to power, stressing her opposition to energy export cut-offs to the U.S. Amidst concerns of tariffs, she emphasizes a diplomatic approach. Historian Amy Greenberg sheds light on Manifest Destiny, exploring its historical significance and its lingering impact on U.S.-Canada relations. The conversation reveals the complexities of energy trade and the moral implications of American expansionism, sparking reflections on national identity.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has won Grammys, played with artists including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Sting, and was the leader of Jay Leno's house band. In recent years, he has also been scoring movies and playing more classical music.    He dropped by Paul’s office while was in Ottawa to perform with the National Art Centre Orchestra. He talks about life on the road, his recent homecoming to New Orleans, teaching, American politics, and of course, music.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen gives a long and wide-ranging interview as his time in the role comes to an end. As Biden’s man in Ottawa, he was an important figure in trying to usher in a new era of Canada-U.S. cooperation. As he gets ready to head home to Philadelphia, Paul asks him about Biden’s mental acuity, Trump’s comeback, a potential trade war, Canada’s military spending, and more.    Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

On Monday, Justin Trudeau announced he'll resign as Liberal leader and Prime Minister once the party picks a successor, bringing an end to almost a decade in power. Marci Surkes gives us an inside view of the Liberal party before and during the Trudeau years.    Marci Surkes was executive director for policy and cabinet in Justin Trudeau’s Prime Minister’s Office. She ran the caretaker government during the 2021 election. She is now the Chief Strategy Officer for Compass Rose.    Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Live from Ottawa! Paul reluctantly makes a New Year's resolution. Writer Ian Williams reads from his upcoming novel You’ve Changed. Strategists Garry Keller, Marci Surkes and Allison Gifford (“The Panel”) talk about the political year to come. Ada Lea performs her songs “Damn” and “Baby Blue Frigidaire Mini Fridge.” Jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould performs the Paul Wells Show theme music.   Thank you to our friends at the National Arts Centre for hosting this live event, and to WestJet and Meta for their support.   Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Jen Gerson, a prominent Canadian journalist at The Line, and Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, dive into the evolving world of journalism. They explore how Substack is reshaping media dynamics, emphasizing the struggles and successes of independent writers. The conversation touches on the platform's confrontation with Twitter and Elon Musk's unexpected role in boosting its visibility. They also provide practical advice for aspiring journalists, stressing the importance of foundational skills over platform-centric focus, and discuss the essential nature of free speech in today’s landscape.