The Paul Wells Show

This week, we’re replaying one of our favourite interviews. What can history tell us about the world we live in? Paul is joined by acclaimed historian Margaret MacMillan, author of books including Paris: 1919, Nixon in China and History’s People. They discuss some of the major events shaping the world today, including the war in Ukraine, the fallout of Brexit, Xi Jinping’s regime in China, and where Canada fits in to it all.   This episode was recorded live at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. It was first broadcast on February 1st, 2023.   Season 3 of the Paul Wells Show is supported by McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy

Former Defence Minister and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been horrified by what he’s been seeing from the new Trump administration. He got so mad that he ended a lengthy Twitter hiatus to sound off about it. He joins Paul to share his views on Trump’s takeover of America conservatism, Trump’s relationship with Ukraine, and what Canada should do about U.S. aggression.

Paul breaks down some of the major challenges facing higher education in Canada, including a lack of political will to invest in the sector.    He is then joined by a panel of insiders for their takes on what to do about it. How are they handling this moment? What does the future look like? And how can universities make the case for their relevance in a changing world?   The panelists are: Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University Maud Cohen, President of Polytechnique Montréal Christopher Manfredi, Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) at McGill University Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Writer, professor and cousin-of-Paul Ira Wells was concerned about the rise of censorship coming from both sides of the political spectrum. So he wrote a book about it, diving into the history of people trying to control what you read. That book is called On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy. He talks to Paul about the personal incident that sent him down this path, how the censors justify their actions, new threats to books in the digital age, and much more.  Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

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.