Confessions of a Columnist

by Jaime Watt

with Breen Wilkinson

Jaime Watt shares his most eye-opening and thought-provoking Toronto Star columns and responds with what he wishes he’d said. A candid and humorous look at recent times, in this unique collection, Watt presents fresh political insight and pulls no punches in critiquing his previous opinions and beliefs. Read more.

ORDER NOW
About the authors

Jaime Watt

Jaime Watt is the Executive Chairman of Navigator and Founder of the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation. He specializes in complex public strategy issues, serving both domestic and international clients in the corporate, professional services, not-for-profit, and political leaders at all three levels of government across Canada. Jaime currently serves on several boards, including the University Health Network and the Shaw Festival. As chancellor of OCAD University and an adjunct faculty member of the Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto, Jaime is committed to developing Canada’s next generation of leaders. Passionate about promoting human rights and equality, Jaime has received numerous accolades, including the Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award and the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. A sought-after public affairs commentator and weekly columnist for the Toronto Star, Jaime regularly shares his expertise and insights with audiences across Canada.

JAIME’S LATEST COLUMN

Breen Wilkinson

Breen Wilkinson is a Consultant at Navigator with over six years of experience at Queen’s Park in strategic communications and engagement. Breen holds a master’s degree in English literature from McGill University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English literature from the University of Toronto.

Praise for

What I Wish I Said

“All it takes is one column to pull you in. Rich in humour, overflowing in ideas. This is Jaime Watt at his candid best.”

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, PC, CC, GOQ —18th prime minister of Canada 

“I have watched with interest as Jaime has grown from partisan political warrior, to trusted advisor, to senior Canadian statesman/commentator.  This is Jaime at his deep, kind and honest best!” 

The Honourable David Peterson, PC, KC, OOnt —20th premier of Ontario

"I’m told I only have 35 words to comment on Jaime’s book: heartening and heartbreaking, thought-provoking, thoughtful, funny, on-target, elucidating, progressive, compassionate, and purposeful. A retrospect that looks forward – and is well worth looking into.”

Jordan Bitove —Publisher, Toronto Star Owner, Torstar Corporation & CEO, NordStar Capital 

“More than most, a Jaime Watt column requires you to read between the lines. He’s in the know on so much that never gets published, so I look for the hints and clues to what lies beneath.” 

Phillip Crawley, CM, CBE —Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail 

“Very infrequently in life do we get the chance to ‘do over’ something from our past. Jaime Watt has created this opportunity and all of us benefit. I love that we can hear Jaime thinking about what he got right and what he didn’t. Maybe he will set a precedent for other columnists and the whole world of political opinion would be the better for that!” 

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne —25th premier of Ontario 

“Rich in humour, overflowing in ideas.”

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, PC, CC, GOQ, —18th prime minister of Canada

“Astute analysis. Profound empathy. Uncompromising honesty.”

Lisa LaFlamme, OC, OOnt, Canadian journalist

“…elucidating, progressive, compassionate, and purposeful.”

Jordan Bitove, publisher of the Toronto Star and owner of the Torstar Corporation

“His writing is always insightful and, of course, entertaining.”

Rick Mercer, OC, comedian, television personality, political satirist, and author

“A fun, revealing, and smart read.”

Peter Mansbridge, OC, award- winning journalist

“…a Jaime Watt column requires you to read between the lines.”

Phillip Crawley, CM, CBE, publisher and CEO of the Globe and Mail

“… a timely, purposeful retrospective.”

Kyle Wyatt, editor- in- chief, Literary Review of Canada

“Political commentary, delivered with depth, insight, and empathy.”

The Honourable Mike Harris, OOnt, 22nd premier of Ontario

“This is Jaime at his deep, kind, and honest best!”

The Honourable David Peterson, PC, KC, OOnt, 20th premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt has created this opportunity, and all of us benefit.”

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, 25th premier of Ontario

“In our time of information overload, Jaime offers thoughtful consideration.”

The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, OOnt, 24th premier of Ontario

“An illuminating and highly engaging book.”

The Honourable Ernie Eves, OOnt, KC, 23rd premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt’s book is a tour de force of political commentary.”

The Honourable Alison Redford, ECA, KC, 14th premier of Alberta

“His ability to cut through to the heart of the matter is truly remarkable.”

The Honourable Jean Charest, PC, 29th premier of Quebec

“… his thoughts always stimulate one’s thinking.”

The Honourable Margaret McCain, CC, ONB, 27th lieutenant- governor of New Brunswick

“Thoughtful, nuanced, and always compelling.”

Sally Armstrong, OC, Canadian journalist and human rights activist

“This book and Jaime’s columns are essential reads.”

Bob Dhillon, OC, founder, president & CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp.

“It’s well worth the time and the thoughts it provokes.”

Gordon Campbell, OC, OBC, 35th mayor of Vancouver and the 34th premier of British Columbia

“…a man of great humanity and good humour.”‍

The Honourable Bob Rae, PC, CC, OOnt, KC, Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, 21st premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt has earned his reputation as one of Canada’s sharpest communicators.”

The Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, ECA, 18th premier of Alberta

“Jaime Watt’s writing is a refreshing blend of wit and wisdom.”

The Honourable John Baird, PC, former Canadian minister of foreign affairs

“Rich in humour, overflowing in ideas.”

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, PC, CC, GOQ, —18th prime minister of Canada

“Astute analysis. Profound empathy. Uncompromising honesty.”

Lisa LaFlamme, OC, OOnt, Canadian journalist

“…elucidating, progressive, compassionate, and purposeful.”

Jordan Bitove, publisher of the Toronto Star and owner of the Torstar Corporation

“His writing is always insightful and, of course, entertaining.”

Rick Mercer, OC, comedian, television personality, political satirist, and author

“A fun, revealing, and smart read.”

Peter Mansbridge, OC, award- winning journalist

“…a Jaime Watt column requires you to read between the lines.”

Phillip Crawley, CM, CBE, publisher and CEO of the Globe and Mail

“… a timely, purposeful retrospective.”

Kyle Wyatt, editor- in- chief, Literary Review of Canada

“Political commentary, delivered with depth, insight, and empathy.”

The Honourable Mike Harris, OOnt, 22nd premier of Ontario

“This is Jaime at his deep, kind, and honest best!”

The Honourable David Peterson, PC, KC, OOnt, 20th premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt has created this opportunity, and all of us benefit.”

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, 25th premier of Ontario

“In our time of information overload, Jaime offers thoughtful consideration.”

The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, OOnt, 24th premier of Ontario

“An illuminating and highly engaging book.”

The Honourable Ernie Eves, OOnt, KC, 23rd premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt’s book is a tour de force of political commentary.”

The Honourable Alison Redford, ECA, KC, 14th premier of Alberta

“His ability to cut through to the heart  of the matter is truly remarkable.”

The Honourable Jean Charest, PC, 29th premier of Quebec

“… his thoughts always stimulate one’s thinking.”

The Honourable Margaret McCain, CC, ONB, 27th lieutenant- governor of New Brunswick

“Thoughtful, nuanced, and always compelling.”

Sally Armstrong, OC, Canadian journalist and human rights activist

“This book and Jaime’s columns are essential reads.”

Bob Dhillon, OC, founder, president & CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp.

“It’s well worth the time and the thoughts it provokes.”

Gordon Campbell, OC, OBC, 35th mayor of Vancouver and the 34th premier of British Columbia

“Jaime Watt and I are not always on the same political page, but I have learned to admire his humility and wisdom.”

The Honourable Bob Rae, PC, CC, OOnt, KC, Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, 21st premier of Ontario

“Jaime Watt has earned his reputation as one of Canada’s sharpest communicators.”

The Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, ECA, 18th premier of Alberta

“Jaime Watt’s writing is a refreshing blend of wit and wisdom.”

The Honourable John Baird, PC, former Canadian minister of foreign affairs

More about

What I Wish I Said

If only I’d known more.
‍If only I had more time.
‍If only I’d kept my mouth shut.
If only I’d spoken out.


We’ve all been there before. We’ve all experienced those feelings of regret accompanied by that same unrelenting thought: what you wish you’d said.

Unable to ignore the urge any longer, in What I Wish I Said: Confessions of a Columnist, author Jaime Watt has collected 48 of his most eye-opening, illuminating, and provocative Toronto Star columns and with humour, candour, and wit, he’s responded to each with new perspectives and ideas. Watt pulls no punches when it comes to critiquing his past work, inviting readers to consider how their views may have changed over time.

With contributions from former senator and columnist André Pratte and former editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star Michael Cooke, this collection delves into some of the most pressing issues in Canadian political and cultural life across six topical subject areas: civil liberties and human rights, leadership, the perils of governing, the agonies of opposition, the Donald Trump presidency, and the COVID-19 crisis.

Whether you are a longtime follower of Watt's work or a newcomer to his writing, What I Wish I Said is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian politics, journalism, or the art of opinion writing.

All author proceeds from this book will be donated to The Centre for Living Organ Donation at University Health Network—created to improve access to living organ donation for people in need of a life-saving transplant and those who want to give the extraordinary gift of life.

ORDER NOW