David Baxter

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from David Baxter.

Some NDP leadership candidates report struggling to meet conditions to remain in race

Some NDP leadership candidates report struggling to meet conditions to remain in race

OTTAWA -- The first of three fundraising deadlines for the NDP leadership race landed Friday, with some candidates coming close to not meeting the requirements for remaining in the race.

Some NDP leadership candidates report struggling to meet conditions to remain in race

Some NDP leadership candidates report struggling to meet conditions to remain in race

OTTAWA -- The first of three fundraising deadlines for the NDP leadership race landed Friday, with some candidates coming close to not meeting the requirements for remaining in the race.

Former immigration minister says Canada's reputation on welcoming refugees is at risk

Former immigration minister says Canada's reputation on welcoming refugees is at risk

OTTAWA -- Former immigration minister Lloyd Axworthy, a prominent global champion for refugees, said he believes Canada is putting its reputation as a welcoming place for refugees at risk through recent federal policy shifts.

Montreal activist Yves Engler officially looking to enter NDP leadership race

Montreal activist Yves Engler officially looking to enter NDP leadership race

OTTAWA -- Montreal-based activist Yves Engler is applying to enter the NDP leadership race months after announcing his intention to make a bid.

Pathways to humanitarian permanent residency tighten as Ottawa focuses on economy

Pathways to humanitarian permanent residency tighten as Ottawa focuses on economy

OTTAWA -- The federal government is cutting the number of spots available in its refugee permanent residency streams for next year.

Liberals confirm they courted MP for years before he quit the Conservatives

Liberals confirm they courted MP for years before he quit the Conservatives

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney and his fellow Liberal MPs said Wednesday the party is open to talking to any opposition MPs interested in joining their team — a day after Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont quit the Conservatives to join the government caucus.

Liberals welcome former Tory d'Entremont into caucus, roll out welcome mat for more

Liberals welcome former Tory d'Entremont into caucus, roll out welcome mat for more

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney and his fellow Liberal MPs said the party is open to talking to any other opposition MPs interested in joining their team, a day after Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont quit the Conservatives to join the government caucus.

Prime Minister Carney thanks Nova Scotia MP d'Entremont for joining Liberal caucus

Prime Minister Carney thanks Nova Scotia MP d'Entremont for joining Liberal caucus

OTTAWA -- One day after Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont quit the Conservatives to join the government caucus, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he'll talk to any opposition MP about joining his team.

Government needs opposition support on budget vote to avoid a winter election

Government needs opposition support on budget vote to avoid a winter election

OTTAWA -- Federal politicians of all stripes say they don't want the coming budget vote to trigger a Christmas election -- but nobody's ruling it out, meaning voters might soon have to resist the temptation to drop a lump of coal in a ballot box.

Finance minister says budget will offer no surprises, make 'generational investments'

Finance minister says budget will offer no surprises, make 'generational investments'

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says there will be "no surprises" when he tables a federal budget Tuesday that he promises will offer "generational investments."

Finance minister says budget will have no surprises, make 'generational investments'

Finance minister says budget will have no surprises, make 'generational investments'

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says there will be "no surprises" when he tables a federal budget Tuesday that he promises will offer "generational investments."

Finance minister says budget will have no surprises, make 'generational investments'

Finance minister says budget will have no surprises, make 'generational investments'

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says there will be "no surprises" when he tables a federal budget Tuesday that he promises will offer "generational investments."

Former refugee believes she wouldn't have been able to stay with proposed border bill

Former refugee believes she wouldn't have been able to stay with proposed border bill

OTTAWA -- A trans woman does not believe she would have been able to stay in Canada if the refugee rules outlined in the government's new border bill were in effect.

Trigger for new immigration powers 'intentionally not defined' in border bill: Diab

Trigger for new immigration powers 'intentionally not defined' in border bill: Diab

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab says the definition of a "public interest" event that would allow her department to pause or revoke immigration applications is "intentionally not defined" in new legislation.

Federal officials are not sure when immigration levels plan is coming

Federal officials are not sure when immigration levels plan is coming

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said "Canada's new immigration plan" will be in the federal budget next week, but immigration department officials don't know if that includes the annual levels plan outlining how many newcomers Canada intends to admit for the next year.

Federal officials not sure when immigration levels plan is coming

Federal officials not sure when immigration levels plan is coming

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said in his pre-budget speech last week that the upcoming federal budget will include "Canada's new immigration plan," but immigration department officials don't know if that includes the annual levels plan.

NDP leadership contenders have first face-to-face meeting ahead of French debate

NDP leadership contenders have first face-to-face meeting ahead of French debate

OTTAWA -- Three of the five NDP leadership candidates had their first face-to-face encounter, which serves as a preview for next month's French debate.

NDP leadership candidates working on French ahead of first debate in Montreal

NDP leadership candidates working on French ahead of first debate in Montreal

OTTAWA -- The NDP leadership contenders are working on their French language skills as they prepare to meet for their first debate on Nov. 27 in Montreal, expected to be held primarily in French.

NDP leadership contenders pitch their vision to party membership at first forum

NDP leadership contenders pitch their vision to party membership at first forum

OTTAWA -- The five official candidates for the federal NDP leadership met for the first time Wednesday night in Ottawa at a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress.

NDP leadership contenders to make their pitches to voters in first forum

NDP leadership contenders to make their pitches to voters in first forum

OTTAWA -- The five official candidates for the federal NDP leadership will get their first chance to sell themselves to party members at a forum in Ottawa on Wednesday evening.

Diab says new border bill powers would have been useful during COVID-19 pandemic

Diab says new border bill powers would have been useful during COVID-19 pandemic

OTTAWA -- A Liberal government bill that would give Ottawa new powers to limit permanent and temporary immigration applications would have been useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration Minister Lena Diab said Thursday.

Provincial immigrant nominee programs get late year boost: Diab

Provincial immigrant nominee programs get late year boost: Diab

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab says some provincial immigrant nominee programs are getting a late-year increase to the number of slots they have.

Canadian refugee applicant in ICE custody says he crossed border accidentally

Canadian refugee applicant in ICE custody says he crossed border accidentally

OTTAWA -- A Canadian refugee applicant from Bangladesh who is being held in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Buffalo says he crossed the border into the U.S. by mistake -- and now Canada won't take him back.

Davies says NDP's budget support is up to Carney after sharing party's priorities

Davies says NDP's budget support is up to Carney after sharing party's priorities

OTTAWA -- Interim NDP Leader Don Davies says his party wants to see the coming budget offer more investment in health care, affordable non-market housing and projects that create unionized jobs.

Davies says NDP budget support is up to Carney after sharing priorities

Davies says NDP budget support is up to Carney after sharing priorities

OTTAWA --Interim NDP Leader Don Davies says his party wants to see the coming budget offer more investment in health care, affordable non-market housing and projects that create unionized jobs.

House committee adds language, security checks to 'Lost Canadians' bill

House committee adds language, security checks to 'Lost Canadians' bill

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons immigration committee is recommending most adults eligible for birthright citizenship under the "Lost Canadians" bill fulfil similar requirements to immigrant applicants, on language, knowledge of Canadian history and security checks.

Number of temporary worker applications fell as fine total increased, government says

Number of temporary worker applications fell as fine total increased, government says

OTTAWA -- Ottawa issued almost $5 million in fines to companies for not complying with the rules that accompanied the temporary foreign worker permits they received, new government data shows.

Number of temporary worker applications falls as fines rise, government says

Number of temporary worker applications falls as fines rise, government says

OTTAWA -- Ottawa says the number of temporary foreign worker applications has dropped by half since September 2024, when new rules were introduced to make it harder to get a permit.

Could a U.S. visa fee push tech workers to Canada? Here's what you need to know

Could a U.S. visa fee push tech workers to Canada? Here's what you need to know

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says he sees an opening for Canada to attract global tech talent now that the United States is introducing a $100,000 fee for temporary visas for workers with specialized skills.

Jewish group calls for more government protection after Manchester synagogue attack

Jewish group calls for more government protection after Manchester synagogue attack

OTTAWA -- A prominent Canadian Jewish organization is calling on "leaders of all levels" to enhance security at synagogues after a vehicle and knife attack at a U.K. synagogue on Yom Kippur.

Union leader Rob Ashton pitches 'working class' candidacy for NDP leadership

Union leader Rob Ashton pitches 'working class' candidacy for NDP leadership

OTTAWA -- Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, pitched himself as a voice for the "working class" as he launched his bid for the federal NDP leadership on Wednesday.

Union leader Rob Ashton joins race for NDP leadership

Union leader Rob Ashton joins race for NDP leadership

OTTAWA -- Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, has announced he's running for the federal NDP leadership.

Union leader Rob Ashton joins race for NDP leadership

Union leader Rob Ashton joins race for NDP leadership

OTTAWA -- Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, has announced he's running for the federal NDP leadership.

Carney returns to Canada from U.K. trip of meetings and rugby

Carney returns to Canada from U.K. trip of meetings and rugby

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney has returned to Ottawa after a trip to London that saw him meet with four other prime ministers and attend the Women's Rugby World Cup final.

Carney returning to Canada from U.K. trip of meetings and rugby

Carney returning to Canada from U.K. trip of meetings and rugby

LONDON -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is returning to Ottawa after a trip to London that saw him meet with four other prime ministers and attend the Women's Rugby World Cup final.

Carney says international meetings are 'necessary' to opening new markets

Carney says international meetings are 'necessary' to opening new markets

LONDON -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said his recent international trips and meetings with world leaders are "necessary" to opening new markets for Canadian products.

Carney to pitch major projects to investors in London, attend Women's Rugby World Cup

Carney to pitch major projects to investors in London, attend Women's Rugby World Cup

LONDON -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will start the day in London today meeting with investors to share information about projects set to be fast-tracked through his government's Major Projects Office.

Carney looks to strengthen trade, security ties in U.K. visit

Carney looks to strengthen trade, security ties in U.K. visit

LONDON -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is in London today to meet with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Spain and Iceland.

Carney arrives in U.K. to talk trade, court investment

Carney arrives in U.K. to talk trade, court investment

LONDON -- Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in London to take part in meetings with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, Iceland, Spain and Denmark on Friday.

Carney heads to U.K. to talk trade, court investment

Carney heads to U.K. to talk trade, court investment

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is on his way to London to take part in meetings with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, Iceland, Spain and Denmark tomorrow.

Carney heading to U.K. to talk trade, court investment

Carney heading to U.K. to talk trade, court investment

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to London this afternoon in advance of meetings with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, Iceland, Spain and Denmark tomorrow.

NDP calls on Ottawa to do more to get approved refugees out of Gaza

NDP calls on Ottawa to do more to get approved refugees out of Gaza

OTTAWA -- NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan says the government needs to do more to get people out of Gaza who applied for temporary visas through an extended family reunification program.

Avi Lewis launches NDP leadership bid as Heather McPherson prepares campaign

Avi Lewis launches NDP leadership bid as Heather McPherson prepares campaign

OTTAWA -- Filmmaker and journalist Avi Lewis officially announced his candidacy for the federal NDP leadership on Friday, while two other candidates registered to run for the leadership with Elections Canada.

Avi Lewis launches NDP leadership bid as Heather McPherson prepares campaign

Avi Lewis launches NDP leadership bid as Heather McPherson prepares campaign

OTTAWA -- Filmmaker and journalist Avi Lewis officially announced he is running for the NDP leadership in a video shared on social media Friday morning.

Hate crime legislation coming soon, bail and sentencing reform to follow: Fraser

Hate crime legislation coming soon, bail and sentencing reform to follow: Fraser

OTTAWA -- Justice Minister Sean Fraser says he will introduce new hate crime legislation in the coming days, with reforms on bail and violent crime sentencing to follow.

Liberals, Conservatives talk co-operation but trade jabs as Parliament returns

Liberals, Conservatives talk co-operation but trade jabs as Parliament returns

OTTAWA -- After talking up the prospect of cross-party collaboration in the House of Commons, Liberal and Conservative MPs wasted little time after Parliament resumed Monday before reverting to partisan attacks over housing and the cost of living.

Liberals, Conservatives talk collaboration and trade shots as Parliament returns

Liberals, Conservatives talk collaboration and trade shots as Parliament returns

OTTAWA -- The Liberals and Conservatives have both been talking lately about collaborating across the aisle but as Parliament resumed on Monday there were few signs of any cross-partisan peace.

Parliament returns Monday with Carney's first budget on the horizon

Parliament returns Monday with Carney's first budget on the horizon

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to square off with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in Parliament for the first time this week when the House of Commons reconvenes for the fall sitting.

Carney says temporary foreign worker program needs a 'focused approach'

Carney says temporary foreign worker program needs a 'focused approach'

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday the temporary foreign worker program needs a "focused approach" that targets the needs of specific sectors and regions.

Former immigration minister says Poilievre is rallying 'anti-immigrant' views

Former immigration minister says Poilievre is rallying 'anti-immigrant' views

OTTAWA -- Former immigration minister Marc Miller says that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is stirring up "anti-immigrant sentiments" with his recent calls to scrap the temporary foreign worker program.

As support for immigration wanes, survey says optimism key to retaining immigrants

As support for immigration wanes, survey says optimism key to retaining immigrants

OTTAWA -- As the political debate over immigration heats up again, a group that works to support newcomers says immigrants need a sense of both belonging and optimism to convince them to stay.

Poilievre wants 'reasonable' self-defence defined in Criminal Code

Poilievre wants 'reasonable' self-defence defined in Criminal Code

OTTAWA -- The federal government needs to amend the Criminal Code so the use of force is presumed to be reasonable to defend your home and family if someone breaks into it, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Friday.

Poilievre says temporary foreign workers taking jobs from young Canadians

Poilievre says temporary foreign workers taking jobs from young Canadians

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Wednesday accused the federal Liberals of allowing temporary foreign workers to take jobs away from young Canadians while youth unemployment is high.

Parliamentary Budget Officer says 3.2 million new homes needed to close housing gap

Parliamentary Budget Officer says 3.2 million new homes needed to close housing gap

OTTAWA -- Canada needs to build 3.2 million new homes in the next decade to close the housing gap but isn't on track to do that, the Parliamentary Budget Officer said in a new analysis published on Tuesday.

Immigration lawyers say rising number of CSIS security screenings causing delays

Immigration lawyers say rising number of CSIS security screenings causing delays

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Security Intelligence Service says it's dealing with a growing number of immigration security screening requests -- and immigration lawyers say their clients are coping with long delays as a result.

Ministers Champagne, Anand in Mexico to strengthen countries' ties

Ministers Champagne, Anand in Mexico to strengthen countries' ties

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand were in Mexico to strengthen the countries' relationship, days after the United States hit Canada with higher tariffs.

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

OTTAWA -- Days after the United States hit Canada with higher tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that he will speak with U.S. President Donald Trump "when it makes sense."

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

OTTAWA -- Days after the United States hit Canada with higher tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that he will speak with U.S. President Donald Trump "when it makes sense."

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

Carney says he'll talk to Trump 'when it makes sense' after 35 per cent tariff lands

Days after the United States hit Canada with higher tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that he will speak with U.S. President Donald Trump "when it makes sense." "I haven't spoken to the president in recent days," Carney said during a press conference in West Kelowna, B.C. When asked Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with Canada...

As premiers push for more immigration power, experts call for a fact-based debate

As premiers push for more immigration power, experts call for a fact-based debate

Some premiers say they want to have more local control over the immigration system -- but experts say what the system really needs is a national conversation on immigration reform that shores up public support. "Most of the existing policies have been formulated on the fly without any evidence or serious impact evaluations of what the various classes of immigrants...