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.

NDP releases official rules for leadership race to replace Singh

NDP releases official rules for leadership race to replace Singh

The NDP has released the official rules for its leadership race — and they're telling candidates they must gather specific numbers of signatures from supporters in diverse regional, racial and LGBTQ+ groups. Alberta NDP MP Heather McPherson said Friday she is "considering" entering the race. "I've certainly had lots of folks ask me to, and that's a pretty humbling experience...

NDP releases official rules for leadership race to replace Singh

NDP releases official rules for leadership race to replace Singh

OTTAWA -- The NDP has released the official rules for its leadership race — and they're telling candidates they must gather specific numbers of signatures from supporters in diverse regional, racial and LGBTQ+ groups.

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

OTTAWA -- A lawyer for one of two leaders of the "Freedom Convoy" facing sentencing told an Ottawa court Wednesday her client should not be left with a criminal record.

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

A lawyer for one of two leaders of the "Freedom Convoy" facing sentencing told an Ottawa court Wednesday her client should not be left with a criminal record. Crown prosecutor Siobahn Wetscher said Wednesday she is seeking stiff sentences for convoy leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber because of the broad community harm caused by the three-week 2022 protest in...

Sentencing hearing underway for 'Freedom Convoy' leaders Lich, Barber

Sentencing hearing underway for 'Freedom Convoy' leaders Lich, Barber

OTTAWA -- The sentencing hearing for "Freedom Convoy" leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber has started in Ottawa, months after the two were found guilty of mischief.

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

Defence wants absolute discharge for Barber in 'Freedom Convoy' trial

OTTAWA -- A lawyer for one of two leaders of the "Freedom Convoy" facing sentencing told an Ottawa court Wednesday her client should not be left with a criminal record.

Sentencing hearing begins for 'Freedom Convoy' leaders Lich, Barber

Sentencing hearing begins for 'Freedom Convoy' leaders Lich, Barber

OTTAWA -- The sentencing hearing for "Freedom Convoy" leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber is set to begin Wednesday morning, months after the two were found guilty of mischief.

Canada joins 24 other nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

Canada joins 24 other nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and 24 of her counterparts abroad have signed a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and for Israel to stop displacing Palestinians.

Canada joins 24 nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

Canada joins 24 nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and 24 of her counterparts abroad have signed a joint statement saying "the war in Gaza must end now." The signatories -- who include the foreign ministers of France, Japan and the U.K., and the European Union commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management -- call Israel's aid distribution system "dangerous."

Canada joins 24 nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

Canada joins 24 nations calling on Israel to end war in Gaza, aid restrictions

OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and 24 of her counterparts abroad have signed a joint statement saying "the war in Gaza must end now."

Non-binary person's U.S. deportation paused due to risks faced by LGBTQ+ people

Non-binary person's U.S. deportation paused due to risks faced by LGBTQ+ people

OTTAWA -- A non-binary American is being allowed to temporarily stay in Canada after deportation proceedings were paused by a judge who said an immigration officer did not consider the potential dangers facing LGBTQ+ people in the U.S.

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

Steel originating in China will be subjected to higher tariffs to try and prevent steel dumping amid U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing global trade war, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday. The prime minister toured a steel manufacturing company in Hamilton before announcing a suite of measures to protect the Canadian steel industry. Those include a new 25 per cent...

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

OTTAWA -- Steel originating in China will be subjected to higher tariffs to try and prevent steel dumping amid U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing global trade war, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday.

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

OTTAWA -- Canada is moving to shore up its domestic steel industry amid U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing global trade war, with new tariffs targeting China and other countries around the world.

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

A trade deal with the United States will likely include some tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with his cabinet. Carney told reporters he expects the trade talks with the U.S. to "intensify" ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline to secure a new agreement, but then in French he said the evidence suggests President...

Carney heads to Hamilton to meet steelworkers as U.S. trade talks continue

Carney heads to Hamilton to meet steelworkers as U.S. trade talks continue

Ottawa -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to be in Hamilton today to make an announcement related to the steel industry.

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

OTTAWA -- A trade deal with the United States will likely include some tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with his cabinet.

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

Little evidence to suggest a U.S. trade deal can be reached without tariffs: Carney

OTTAWA -- A trade deal with the United States will likely include some tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with his cabinet.

Carney expects U.S. trade talks to 'intensify' ahead of August deadline

Carney expects U.S. trade talks to 'intensify' ahead of August deadline

OTTAWA -- A trade deal with the United States will likely include some tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with his cabinet.

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the letters he sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders about new tariff rates are "the deals", as Carney prepares to meet with his cabinet on tariffs and the trade negotiations. Trump appeared to be losing patience with his administration's efforts to make trade deals with nations around the world...

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the letters he sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders about new tariff rates are "the deals", as Carney prepares to meet with his cabinet on tariffs and the trade negotiations.

Carney to meet with cabinet, premiers following Trump's latest tariff threat

Carney to meet with cabinet, premiers following Trump's latest tariff threat

Prime Minister Mark Carney will be meeting with his cabinet and Canada's premiers to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's new threat to slap 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods next month. The Prime Minister's Office announced there will be a cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss ongoing Canada-U.S. trade negotiations. Carney's office said he also will meet with the...

PM says Ottawa will defend workers and businesses after latest U.S. trade threats

PM says Ottawa will defend workers and businesses after latest U.S. trade threats

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will be meeting with his cabinet and Canada's premiers to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's new threat to slap 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods next month.

NDP leadership to begin in September, new leader chosen no later than March 29

NDP leadership to begin in September, new leader chosen no later than March 29

OTTAWA -- The NDP's leadership race to replace Jagmeet Singh will formally begin in September, with a six-month race to follow according to a rules framework adopted by the party's national council.

Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist

Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist

A campaign by federal New Democrats to urge party members to shift their donations away from the central party to local electoral associations is a "self-sabotaging" act, says a former NDP strategist. Jordan Leichnitz said the efforts by a group called Reclaim Canada's NDP to divert funds to riding associations undermines the party because riding associations can't win general elections...

Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist

Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist

OTTAWA -- A campaign by federal New Democrats to urge party members to shift their donations away from the central party to local electoral associations is a "self-sabotaging" act, says a former NDP strategist.

NDP preparing to launch leadership race as financial questions linger

NDP preparing to launch leadership race as financial questions linger

The NDP national council is expected to meet Thursday evening to continue work on rules for the upcoming leadership race to replace Jagmeet Singh. Some in the party, including former MPs, say the race will help cover the party's campaign debt through increased fundraising efforts.

NDP preparing to launch leadership race as financial questions linger

NDP preparing to launch leadership race as financial questions linger

OTTAWA -- The NDP national council is expected to meet Thursday evening to continue work on rules for the upcoming leadership race to replace Jagmeet Singh.

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

A new poll suggests most Canadians are unfamiliar with nine possible NDP leadership contenders. A majority of respondents to the Research Co. poll said they "don't know who the person is" when asked about possible candidates like current NDP MPs Leah Gazan, Gord Johns, Jenny Kwan and Heather McPherson.

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

OTTAWA -- A new poll suggests most Canadians are unfamiliar with nine possible NDP leadership contenders.

Transport committee will study BC Ferries' receiving $1B loan for Chinese ships

Transport committee will study BC Ferries' receiving $1B loan for Chinese ships

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons transport committee agreed on Monday to launch a study into the $1 billion loan BC Ferries received from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to finance the purchase of four new electric-diesel ships from a Chinese shipbuilder.

Transport committee will study BC Ferries' Chinese ship contract

Transport committee will study BC Ferries' Chinese ship contract

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons transport committee will study BC Ferries' decision to buy four electric-diesel vessels from a Chinese-owned firm -- a purchase financed in part with $1 billion from a federal Crown corporation.

Transport committee to debate whether to study BC Ferries' Chinese ship contract

Transport committee to debate whether to study BC Ferries' Chinese ship contract

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons transport committee is meeting to decide whether to study BC Ferries' decision to purchase four Chinese vessels.

Military police investigating Facebook page filled with racism, misogyny

Military police investigating Facebook page filled with racism, misogyny

OTTAWA -- Military police have reopened an investigation into a Facebook group the Canadian Army's commanding officer describes as "abhorrent."

Carney meets with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

Carney meets with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with automotive sector CEOs Wednesday morning to discuss U.S. tariffs and ways to protect Canadian supply chains from the trade war with the United States. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister's Office said the CEOs of Ford Canada, Stellantis Canada and GM Canada met with Carney, along with Brian Kingston of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers'...

Carney to meet with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

Carney to meet with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with automotive sector CEOs this morning. The sector is a key front in the trade war between the United States and Canada. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister's Office said the CEOs of Ford Canada, Stellantis Canada and GM Canada will be in attendance, along with Brian Kingston of the Canadian Vehicle...

Carney to meet with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

Carney to meet with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with automotive sector CEOs this morning.

U.S. and Canada restart trade talks after conflict over digital services tax

U.S. and Canada restart trade talks after conflict over digital services tax

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday his move to drop Canada's digital services tax is part of the broader trade negotiation with the United States, even as the White House said Carney "caved" to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Retiring government rep Marc Gold calls Senate 'greatest privilege' of his life

Retiring government rep Marc Gold calls Senate 'greatest privilege' of his life

OTTAWA -- Sen. Marc Gold's career as the government's representative in the Senate is ending, closing a chapter he called "the greatest privilege" of his life.

Federal minister plans to hold consultations this summer on immigration intake

Federal minister plans to hold consultations this summer on immigration intake

Immigration Minister Lena Diab says the federal government will consult this summer on its immigration levels plan and whether the student visa system is "sustainable." In a recent interview with University Affairs, Diab says the annual consultations will reach out to the provinces, university administrators and students themselves. An Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokeswoman says the government expects schools...

Federal minister plans to hold consultations this summer on immigration intake

Federal minister plans to hold consultations this summer on immigration intake

OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Lena Diab says the federal government will consult this summer on its immigration levels plan and whether the student visa system is "sustainable."

A 49-year-old Canadian has died while in ICE custody in Florida

A 49-year-old Canadian has died while in ICE custody in Florida

Ottawa -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that a 49-year-old Canadian has died while in its custody.

Brazeau recovering after collapsing in Senate Wednesday due to 'dizzy spell'

Brazeau recovering after collapsing in Senate Wednesday due to 'dizzy spell'

Sen. Patrick Brazeau is recovering after a "dizzy spell" made him "briefly lose consciousness" during debate in the Senate on the government's major projects bill, a Senate spokesman said Thursday. The 50-year-old Independent senator rose to speak before falling sideways to the floor just after 4 p.m. Wednesday. Based on video of the incident, it was apparent that Brazeau knew...

A 49-year-old Canadian has died while in ICE custody in Florida

A 49-year-old Canadian has died while in ICE custody in Florida

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that a 49-year-old Canadian has died while in its custody. A detainee death notice from the agency, commonly known as ICE, said that Johnny Noviello was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. on June 23. The agency said he was found unresponsive at 12:54 p.m. at a federal...

Brazeau recovering after collapsing in Senate Wednesday due to 'dizzy spell'

Brazeau recovering after collapsing in Senate Wednesday due to 'dizzy spell'

OTTAWA -- Sen. Patrick Brazeau is recovering after a "dizzy spell" made him "briefly lose consciousness" during debate in the Senate on the government's major projects bill, a Senate spokesman said Thursday.

Brampton mayor 'cautiously optimistic' about Bishnoi gang terrorist designation

Brampton mayor 'cautiously optimistic' about Bishnoi gang terrorist designation

OTTAWA -- Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says he's "cautiously optimistic" about the chances of India's Lawrence Bishnoi gang being designated as a terrorist group after meeting with the public safety minister Wednesday night.

Carney defends decision to restore diplomacy with India, calls it 'foundational'

Carney defends decision to restore diplomacy with India, calls it 'foundational'

Reinstating key diplomats in Canada and India is a "foundational" step toward restoring the relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday. But Carney still refused to say whether he raised the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Alberta on Tuesday.

Carney defends decision to restore diplomacy with India, calls it 'foundational'

Carney defends decision to restore diplomacy with India, calls it 'foundational'

OTTAWA -- Reinstating key diplomats in Canada and India is a "foundational" step toward restoring the relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday.

LGBTQ refugee group says number of requests for help has increased

LGBTQ refugee group says number of requests for help has increased

OTTAWA -- An organization that helps LGBTQ+ people file refugee claims says it has seen a spike in pleas for assistance from around the world since 2020.

Watchdog says military police still resisting civilian oversight

Watchdog says military police still resisting civilian oversight

OTTAWA -- The military police watchdog says resistance to civilian oversight in the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's office "worsened" last year.

Conservative MP resigns seat so Poilievre can run in Alberta byelection

Conservative MP resigns seat so Poilievre can run in Alberta byelection

Alberta Conservative Damien Kurek officially resigned as an MP on Tuesday — the earliest he was legally allowed to step aside. Kurek promised just after the April election that he would vacate his seat in the Battle River—Crowfoot riding to allow Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection. Poilievre represented the Ottawa riding of Carleton for 20 years...

Conservative MP resigns seat so Poilievre can run in Alberta byelection

Conservative MP resigns seat so Poilievre can run in Alberta byelection

Ottawa -- Alberta Conservative Damien Kurek officially resigned as an MP on Tuesday — the earliest he was legally allowed to step aside.

Kurek looks to leave mark on Canada with bill to add a new national symbol

Kurek looks to leave mark on Canada with bill to add a new national symbol

Outgoing Conservative MP Damien Kurek is looking to leave his mark in Parliament by pushing for the adoption of a national livestock brand as one of Canada's symbols. Kurek introduced a bill in the last Parliament to create the new brand but that bill didn't pass before the election was called, meaning it now has to start over. But Kurek...

Kurek looks to leave mark on Canada with bill to add a new national symbol

Kurek looks to leave mark on Canada with bill to add a new national symbol

OTTAWA -- Outgoing Conservative MP Damien Kurek is looking to leave his mark in Parliament by pushing for the adoption of a national livestock brand as one of Canada's symbols.

Canada condemns Iran's attack on Israel, calls for de-escalation: Anand

Canada condemns Iran's attack on Israel, calls for de-escalation: Anand

The Canadian government is condemning an Iranian attack on Israel after a barrage of long-range missiles was launched at Tel Aviv in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Iran. Israel attacked Iranian missile and nuclear sites Friday and Iran warned of "severe punishment" before launching its missiles in response. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada is urging restraint on both...

Canada condemns Iran's attack on Israel, calls for de-escalation: Anand

Canada condemns Iran's attack on Israel, calls for de-escalation: Anand

OTTAWA -- The Canadian government is condemning an Iranian attack on Israel after a barrage of long-range missiles was launched at Tel Aviv in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Iran.

Middle East de-escalation must be priority after Israel attacks Iran: Anand

Middle East de-escalation must be priority after Israel attacks Iran: Anand

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called for "de-escalation" after Israel attacked Iranian missile and nuclear sites Friday and Iran warned of "severe punishment" in retaliation. The Israeli strike involved more than 200 aircraft and about 100 targets, according to Israel's military. Iran confirmed the deaths of three of its top military leaders and launched more than 100 drones at Israel...

Middle East de-escalation must be priority after Israel attacks Iran: Anand

Middle East de-escalation must be priority after Israel attacks Iran: Anand

OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called for "de-escalation" after Israel attacked Iranian missile and nuclear sites Friday and Iran warned of "severe punishment" in retaliation.

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

OTTAWA -- B.C. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney Wednesday morning to push back against Carney's decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta next week.

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

B.C. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney Wednesday morning to push back against Carney's decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta next week. In an interview with The Canadian Press before that meeting took place, Dhaliwal said he spoke with hundreds of people who don't want Modi...