Paul Wells

Maclean's Political editor

Maclean’s senior writer Paul Wells writes about politics across Canada and abroad. Except sometimes he ignores politics and writes about music or something else.

In Trudeauland, who makes all the decisions?

Paul Wells: The Liberals enjoy many advantages going into the next election. They also have a fundamental problem.

December 13th, 2018

Trudeau and the premiers, moving forward together

Paul Wells: In Montreal, a glimpse of Trudeau federalism—everyone gets to ‘agree to disagree’ and it’s enough to hold ‘real substantive discussions.’ Easy.

December 7th, 2018

Farewell, for now, to Parliament’s Centre Block

As the building closes for renovations, Paul Wells looks back at what there is to love about the place and the events that left their mark on it

December 4th, 2018

Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance on what China is doing to Canada

Paul Wells: There’s ‘extreme concern’ among allies about what China is up to, says Canada’s top soldier. ‘Is it painful for this country? Yes.’

December 3rd, 2018

Rachel Notley on an economy that’s ‘being held hostage’, dealing with Trudeau and the next election

In a live interview with Paul Wells, the Alberta premier discussed the danger in fighting pipelines, the need to buy trains and the crisis facing the economy

November 29th, 2018

At Halifax, the armies of freedom wonder what next

Paul Wells: At the annual security gathering, China and Russia were mentioned by just about everybody. Donald Trump, believe it or not, wasn’t.

November 19th, 2018

A carbon tax? Just try them.

Powerful conservative leaders from across the country are suddenly united against Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax plan. And they’re spoiling for a fight.

November 7th, 2018

Hey, who wants a carbon-tax rebate! Trudeau’s Liberals prepare to find out.

Paul Wells: Conservatives are calling the carbon tax rebate scheme a ‘rip off’. Liberals say Canadians will come out ahead. Over to you, voters.

October 23rd, 2018

Stephen Harper says the world needs more Stephen Harper

Paul Wells: In his new book, the former PM offers a prescription to the conservative movement in the age of Trump—a little of this, a little of that

October 13th, 2018

Justin Trudeau vs. the anti-carbon tax Avengers

Paul Wells: At the end of 2016, the feds and every province but Saskatchewan agreed to a national carbon plan. Then things started happening.

October 6th, 2018

Quebec election: The end of an era, the beginning of—something

Paul Wells: There were parallel routs of the old-line parties, as the Liberals and PQ suffered historic drubbings. The CAQ is just what’s left over.

October 1st, 2018

The battle over the new NAFTA moves to the Hill

Paul Wells: The first-day Conservative reaction to the new NAFTA—or USMCA, as we’re apparently calling it—had a few layers

October 1st, 2018

Quebec’s seriously odd, strangely important election

Paul Wells: Even the most staunchly federalist or sovereignist observers have, over the years, yearned for a normal Quebec election. And then they almost got one.

September 27th, 2018

New Brunswick: Over to you, Lieutenant Governor [checks notes] Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau!

Paul Wells: Brian Gallant still gets to be premier, for now. But what happens next is all about which party leader has more confidence.

September 25th, 2018

Adventures in better government with Doug Ford

Paul Wells: Thanks to a politician who’s in no mood for fine print, the notwithstanding clause is now in the toolkit of any impatient government

September 11th, 2018

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