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.

Ukrainian emergency visa holders expected to return after war: immigration department

Ukrainian emergency visa holders expected to return after war: immigration department

OTTAWA -- Canada's immigration department says it still expects Ukrainians who fled the war with Russia to return to their home country once the conflict ends.

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: elections commissioner

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: elections commissioner

OTTAWA -- The Commissioner of Canada Elections said former Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland unintentionally violated the Elections Act by answering reporters' questions about a 2024 Toronto byelection at two government-organized press conferences.

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: commissioner

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: commissioner

OTTAWA -- The Commissioner of Canada Elections said former Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland unintentionally violated the Elections Act by answering reporters' questions about a 2024 Toronto byelection at two government-organized press conferences

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: Elections Canada

Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: Elections Canada

OTTAWA -- The Commissioner of Canada Elections says former Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland unintentionally violated the Elections Act by answering reporters' questions about a 2024 Toronto byelection at two government-organized press conferences

MPs agree to fast-track study of budget bill, with confidence vote to follow

MPs agree to fast-track study of budget bill, with confidence vote to follow

OTTAWA -- MPs have agreed to fast-track a committee study of the government's main budget bill, setting the stage for what could be a final vote on the legislation by the end of the month.

Diab says C-12 could ease some refugee claims, critics call it a two-tier system

Diab says C-12 could ease some refugee claims, critics call it a two-tier system

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab says changes to the refugee status claim process proposed in Bill C-12 are "better for the applicants" even as multiple organizations are heavily critical of the plan.

PM Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge, B.C., following mass shooting

PM Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge, B.C., following mass shooting

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in the near future, says a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

CP NewsAlert: Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge after mass shooting

CP NewsAlert: Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge after mass shooting

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in the near future, says a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

National Kindness Week takes on different meaning after Tumbler Ridge shooting

National Kindness Week takes on different meaning after Tumbler Ridge shooting

OTTAWA -- Parliamentarians from all parties came together Wednesday to mark National Kindness Week -- but the message is taking on a different meaning after the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Ukrainians push for permanent residency in Canada as war with Russia grinds on

Ukrainians push for permanent residency in Canada as war with Russia grinds on

OTTAWA -- Roksolana Kryshtanovych never planned on moving to Canada before Russia's war, but the invasion made it impossible for her to go home to Ukraine.

MP Johns endorses McPherson, calls her a 'strong' choice for NDP leader

MP Johns endorses McPherson, calls her a 'strong' choice for NDP leader

OTTAWA -- B.C. NDP MP Gord Johns endorsed his caucus colleague Heather McPherson for the NDP leadership on Thursday.

Johns says McPherson can bring NDP back to official party status

Johns says McPherson can bring NDP back to official party status

OTTAWA -- B.C. NDP MP Gord Johns is putting his support behind his caucus colleague Heather McPherson for NDP leader.

NDP wants Carney to kill U.S. fighter jet contract in favour of Swedish aircraft

NDP wants Carney to kill U.S. fighter jet contract in favour of Swedish aircraft

OTTAWA -- The NDP says it wants Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel contracts for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets — including the 16 Canada has already committed to buying.

Liberal MP wants longer answers, fewer sound bites from question period

Liberal MP wants longer answers, fewer sound bites from question period

OTTAWA -- A Liberal MP says he wants to see question period in the House of Commons offer longer, more detailed answers and fewer social media-friendly clips.

Immigration minister wants department to track exits of temporary residents

Immigration minister wants department to track exits of temporary residents

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab says she wants her department to acquire the ability to track the number of people with temporary visas who are exiting the country.

Smith, Carney say Trump team must respect Canadian sovereignty

Smith, Carney say Trump team must respect Canadian sovereignty

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith both said Thursday the United States needs to respect Canadian sovereignty following reports that leaders of the Alberta separatist movement met with American government officials seeking their support.

Smith, Carney say Trump team must respect Canadian sovereignty

Smith, Carney say Trump team must respect Canadian sovereignty

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith both said Thursday the United States needs to respect Canadian sovereignty following reports that leaders of the Alberta separatist movement met with American government officials seeking their support. But neither agreed with British Columbia Premier David Eby's description of those meetings as "treason." Eby, citing a report in The Financial Times...

Eby calls reported meeting between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials 'treason'

Eby calls reported meeting between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials 'treason'

OTTAWA -- A reported meeting between individuals in the Alberta separatist movement and White House officials amounts to "treason," British Columbia Premier David Eby said Thursday in Ottawa.

'I meant what I said': Carney says he explained his Davos speech to Trump

'I meant what I said': Carney says he explained his Davos speech to Trump

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday he told U.S. President Donald Trump personally that he meant what he said in his speech at the World Economic Forum last week.

Carney says he told Trump he meant what he said in WEF speech, during call on trade

Carney says he told Trump he meant what he said in WEF speech, during call on trade

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says he told U.S. President Donald Trump he "meant what (he) said" during his speech at the World Economic Forum and it was about responding to a "broader set of issues."

5 things to know about Canada being disinvited from Trump's 'Board of Peace'

5 things to know about Canada being disinvited from Trump's 'Board of Peace'

OTTAWA -- Senior federal government officials told reporters travelling to China with Prime Minister Mark Carney last week that he was accepting an invitation to join U.S. President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace."

Carney's speech to World Economic Forum draws praise, calls for action

Carney's speech to World Economic Forum draws praise, calls for action

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney's call at the World Economic Forum for middle powers to band together against economic coercion by "great powers" is drawing both praise and pushback.

Carney says beefing up Arctic security key to solving Greenland crisis

Carney says beefing up Arctic security key to solving Greenland crisis

OTTAWA -- There are solutions to the crisis enveloping Greenland, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday as global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland absorbed another escalation in U.S. President Donald Trump's push to assert control over the Danish territory.

Carney says Chinese EV deal an 'opportunity' for Ontario, auto sector

Carney says Chinese EV deal an 'opportunity' for Ontario, auto sector

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the electric vehicle deal with China is an "opportunity" for Ontario and autoworkers, despite criticism from Premier Doug Ford and the union representing Canadian autoworkers.

Leah Gazan backs Avi Lewis, becomes first NDP MP to endorse a leadership candidate

Leah Gazan backs Avi Lewis, becomes first NDP MP to endorse a leadership candidate

OTTAWA -- Manitoba NDP MP Leah Gazan is formally endorsing documentarian Avi Lewis for the party's leadership, making her the first sitting MP to officially back a candidate.

A timeline of a turbulent decade in the Canada-China relationship

A timeline of a turbulent decade in the Canada-China relationship

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China this week -- part of his government's efforts to repair the bilateral relationship after years of tensions over national security, trade and the detention of two Canadians.

Liberal MPs leave delegation to Taiwan to 'avoid confusion' as Carney heads to China

Liberal MPs leave delegation to Taiwan to 'avoid confusion' as Carney heads to China

OTTAWA -- A joint statement from two Liberal MPs says they are quitting a sponsored trip to Taiwan early to "avoid confusion" about Canada's China policy as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to visit Beijing.

NDP leadership candidates sprint to final fundraising, membership deadlines

NDP leadership candidates sprint to final fundraising, membership deadlines

OTTAWA -- NDP leadership candidates are entering the final sprint to sign up members and raise the last of four $25,000 payments required to be on the ballot.

Freeland steps down as Canada's Ukraine envoy, will resign as MP soon

Freeland steps down as Canada's Ukraine envoy, will resign as MP soon

OTTAWA -- Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland said Monday she is stepping down as the prime minister's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine and will leave Parliament in the coming weeks - hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed her as an unpaid adviser on economic development in his country.

Diab caps student visa applications for 2026, pauses some permanent residency streams

Diab caps student visa applications for 2026, pauses some permanent residency streams

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab issued new ministerial instructions that include requiring provincial or territorial attestation letters for study permits with the goal of capping foreign student applications at just under 310,000 in the new year.

Prime Minister Mark Carney named The Canadian Press Newsmaker of the Year

Prime Minister Mark Carney named The Canadian Press Newsmaker of the Year

OTTAWA -- This time last year, the average Canadian might have struggled to pick Mark Carney's face out of a crowd.

Anti-immigrant sentiment rises with loss of consensus on immigration policy

Anti-immigrant sentiment rises with loss of consensus on immigration policy

OTTAWA -- Canada's long-held consensus on immigration -- that it's a net positive for the country -- has been coming apart in recent years.

NDP needs to break out of the Ottawa 'bubble' to rebuild: Davies

NDP needs to break out of the Ottawa 'bubble' to rebuild: Davies

OTTAWA -- As the NDP looks to rebuild with a new leader in 2026, interim leader Don Davies says job one is to get the party out of the Ottawa "bubble" and listening to Canadians.

Ukrainians displaced by war need pathway to permanent residency: UCC

Ukrainians displaced by war need pathway to permanent residency: UCC

OTTAWA -- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress says Immigration Minister Lena Diab should open a permanent residency pathway for Ukrainians who came to Canada through a special visa program launched after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Liberal MP says she was shoved by Israeli officials at West Bank border crossing

Liberal MP says she was shoved by Israeli officials at West Bank border crossing

OTTAWA -- A Liberal MP says she was shoved several times by Israeli border officials as her delegation was denied entry to the West Bank Tuesday.

Israel blocks Canadian delegation -- including MPs -- from entering the West Bank

Israel blocks Canadian delegation -- including MPs -- from entering the West Bank

OTTAWA -- The National Council of Canadian Muslims says a delegation of Canadians that includes six members of Parliament was denied entry to the West Bank at the Israeli border Tuesday morning.

Israel blocks Canadian delegation - including MPs - from entering the West Bank

Israel blocks Canadian delegation - including MPs - from entering the West Bank

OTTAWA -- The National Council of Canadian Muslims says a delegation of Canadians that includes six members of Parliament was denied entry to the West Bank at the Israeli border today.

Small group of Conservatives frustrated with Poilievre: Liberal House leader

Small group of Conservatives frustrated with Poilievre: Liberal House leader

OTTAWA -- Government House leader Steven MacKinnon said Friday there are other MPs in the Conservative caucus who are "extremely frustrated" with the political direction being taken by their party.

Yves Engler barred from seeking NDP leadership due to harassment allegations

Yves Engler barred from seeking NDP leadership due to harassment allegations

OTTAWA -- Self-described "agitator" Yves Engler has been denied entry to the NDP leadership race, after the party's vetting committee said it has credible evidence of harassment.

Pro-Palestinian activist Yves Engler barred from running for NDP leadership

Pro-Palestinian activist Yves Engler barred from running for NDP leadership

OTTAWA -- Self-described "agitator" Yves Engler has been denied entry to the NDP leadership race, after the party's vetting committee said it has credible evidence of harassment.

Ottawa opening new express entry pathway for international doctors next year

Ottawa opening new express entry pathway for international doctors next year

OTTAWA -- Canada will open a new express permanent residency program for international doctors next year, Immigration Minister Lena Diab said on Monday.

PM says back-to-office plan for bureaucrats coming soon as MPs call for flexibility

PM says back-to-office plan for bureaucrats coming soon as MPs call for flexibility

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday his government's plan to get public servants to spend more time in the office will come into "sharper view" over the next several weeks.

Virtual citizenship ceremonies should end, says Conservative critic

Virtual citizenship ceremonies should end, says Conservative critic

OTTAWA -- Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel-Garner said Wednesday it's time for the federal government to end virtual citizenship ceremonies.

NDP leadership candidates acknowledge need to improve French in Montreal debate

NDP leadership candidates acknowledge need to improve French in Montreal debate

OTTAWA -- The NDP leadership candidates admitted they need to brush up on their French-language skills when they faced off for the campaign's first debate in Montreal.

NDP leadership candidates to take part in a French debate in Montreal

NDP leadership candidates to take part in a French debate in Montreal

OTTAWA -- The five official NDP leadership candidates will take part in a French debate in Montreal tonight -- the first debate of the race.

Committee MPs amend border bill to restrict health, other benefits to deportees

Committee MPs amend border bill to restrict health, other benefits to deportees

OTTAWA -- MPs on the House of Commons national security committee have amended the government's border security bill, C-12, to restrict benefits to people subject to removal orders can access.

Carney says his comment about speaking with Trump was a 'poor choice of words'

Carney says his comment about speaking with Trump was a 'poor choice of words'

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday his recent reply to a question about the state of trade talks with the U.S. — "Who cares?" — amounted to "a poor choice of words."

Federal, provincial governments raked in more than $5.4B in cannabis tax revenue

Federal, provincial governments raked in more than $5.4B in cannabis tax revenue

OTTAWA -- Ottawa and the provinces have raked in more than $5.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue since the drug was legalized for recreational use in October 2018.

Migrants rights groups call on government to withdraw border security bill

Migrants rights groups call on government to withdraw border security bill

OTTAWA -- The federal government's border security bill is an open door to violating the rights of migrants and should be dropped, advocacy groups said on Monday on Parliament Hill.

Immigration minister extends pause on new private refugee sponsorships to 2027

Immigration minister extends pause on new private refugee sponsorships to 2027

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab is extending until 2027 the pause on new applications through the Private Sponsorship for Refugees Program as the department works to clear its backlog.

'Lost Canadians' legislation becomes law after Senate approval

'Lost Canadians' legislation becomes law after Senate approval

OTTAWA -- The "Lost Canadians" legislation, which aims to fix Canada's unconstitutional citizenship, received royal assent Thursday after being approved by the Senate on Wednesday.

Conservatives plan to try and amend asylum system rules in border security bill

Conservatives plan to try and amend asylum system rules in border security bill

OTTAWA -- Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner says she plans to "amend the heck" out of the government's border security bill, Bill C-12, with a host of measures targeting the asylum system.

'Lost Canadians' bill clears Senate without amendment, but suggested adoption reform

'Lost Canadians' bill clears Senate without amendment, but suggested adoption reform

OTTAWA -- The "Lost Canadians" legislation, which aims to fix Canada's unconstitutional citizenship by descent rules, passed in the Senate Wednesday and is on track to becoming law.

B.C. Liberal MPs say tanker ban changes would need provincial, First Nations consent

B.C. Liberal MPs say tanker ban changes would need provincial, First Nations consent

OTTAWA -- B.C. Liberal MPs said Wednesday the tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast can't change without provincial and First Nations consent.

Post-secondary schools brace for more pain as Ottawa cuts international student visas

Post-secondary schools brace for more pain as Ottawa cuts international student visas

OTTAWA -- As provincial governments wait to hear details of Ottawa's new immigration targets, some are warning that coming cuts to the number of international student visas will put colleges and universities in a tighter financial bind.

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.