Spencer Van Dyk

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 Spencer Van Dyk.

A new book about Chrystia Freeland just came out. Here's what we learned

A new book about Chrystia Freeland just came out. Here's what we learned

A new book about Chrystia Freeland has just come out, after the publishing company sped up its release date by...

Feds should consider scrapping controversial digital services tax amid Trump tariff threats: Morneau

Feds should consider scrapping controversial digital services tax amid Trump tariff threats: Morneau

If the Canadian government wants to make headway with the incoming U.S. administration, it should look at scrapping some sticking-point...

Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton

Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton

If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s good side for the sake of a...

Canadian government to table fall economic statement next Monday

Canadian government to table fall economic statement next Monday

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to table the federal government’s fall economic statement next Monday, the government announced today...

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly focused on re-election, doesn’t explicitly rule out future Liberal leadership bid

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly focused on re-election, doesn’t explicitly rule out future Liberal leadership bid

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly insisted she supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and is focused on her own re-election, but...

Canada 'falling so consistently short' on defence spending has hurt standing on world stage, but improving: U.S. ambassador

Canada 'falling so consistently short' on defence spending has hurt standing on world stage, but improving: U.S. ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen says while Canada's defence spending is going in the right direction, the federal government's...

Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment 'teasing'

Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment 'teasing'

The prime minister’s emergency meeting with opposition leaders on Tuesday appears to have bolstered a more united front against U.S...

Trump making 'joke' about Canada becoming 51st state is 'reassuring': Ambassador Hillman

Trump making 'joke' about Canada becoming 51st state is 'reassuring': Ambassador Hillman

Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. insists it’s a good sign U.S. president-elect Donald Trump feels “comfortable” joking with Canadian officials...

More RCMP and CBSA ‘human resources’ destined for border, Public Safety Minister LeBlanc says

More RCMP and CBSA ‘human resources’ destined for border, Public Safety Minister LeBlanc says

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the federal government will “absolutely” be adding more Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and...

PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford

PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence...

Poilievre suggests Trudeau is too weak to engage with Trump, Ford won't go there

Poilievre suggests Trudeau is too weak to engage with Trump, Ford won't go there

While federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week — calling him too...

'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns

'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns

As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally...

'You're already past due': U.S. House intelligence committee chair implores Canada to increase defence spending

'You're already past due': U.S. House intelligence committee chair implores Canada to increase defence spending

The chair of the United States House intelligence committee says Canada needs to accelerate its defence spending targets, especially with...

'It's not about me': Human rights activist Irwin Cotler on alleged Iranian assassination plot

'It's not about me': Human rights activist Irwin Cotler on alleged Iranian assassination plot

Canadian human rights advocate and former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler — who was the target of an alleged foiled...

Former finance minister Bill Morneau questions if it's the 'right time' for emissions cap following Trump re-election

Former finance minister Bill Morneau questions if it's the 'right time' for emissions cap following Trump re-election

Following the re-election of former U.S. president Donald Trump, former finance minister Bill Morneau says the Canadian government should re-evaluate...

Donald Trump knows the Canada-U.S. relationship 'in a way he didn’t before': Ambassador

Donald Trump knows the Canada-U.S. relationship 'in a way he didn’t before': Ambassador

Canada’s ambassador to the United States — and co-lead of the federal government’s Team Canada war room — says U.S...

What might Donald Trump's election win mean for Canadians

What might Donald Trump's election win mean for Canadians

Following president-elect Donald Trump’s decisive election victory, there are sure to be significant knock-on effects for Canada. While this will...

'2032 is not good enough': Kelly Craft says Canada has to spend faster on defence if Trump wins

'2032 is not good enough': Kelly Craft says Canada has to spend faster on defence if Trump wins

The former U.S. ambassador to Canada, who served under former U.S. president Donald Trump, says Canada needs to spend more...

Poilievre says it would be 'not fair' for Liberals to replace Trudeau as leader

Poilievre says it would be 'not fair' for Liberals to replace Trudeau as leader

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre thinks it would be “not fair” for the Liberals to oust Prime Minister Justin Trudeau now...

With Indian diplomats expelled, RCMP commissioner says 'significant reduction' in public safety threat

With Indian diplomats expelled, RCMP commissioner says 'significant reduction' in public safety threat

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says there has been a “significant reduction” to the public safety threat since six Indian diplomatic...

'Get away from your inner circle': Liberal MP 'shocked' PM didn't take more time to reflect on calls to resign

'Get away from your inner circle': Liberal MP 'shocked' PM didn't take more time to reflect on calls to resign

Longtime Liberal MP Wayne Long says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should give more weight to the views of his backbenchers...

Kevin Vickers says 'not a day that goes by' he doesn't think about Parliament Hill shooting

Kevin Vickers says 'not a day that goes by' he doesn't think about Parliament Hill shooting

On the 10-year anniversary of the deadly Parliament Hill shooting, former sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers says there's "not a day that...

Alleged assassination target calls expelled Indian high commissioner 'less of a diplomat and more of a hypocrite'

Alleged assassination target calls expelled Indian high commissioner 'less of a diplomat and more of a hypocrite'

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun — a dual Canada-United States citizen and the target of an alleged assassination attempt in New York...

Indian high commissioner accuses Trudeau of destroying bilateral relationship, says 'mistrust' persists

Indian high commissioner accuses Trudeau of destroying bilateral relationship, says 'mistrust' persists

India’s high commissioner to Canada — who has been expelled from the country — says while the economic relationship between...

Liberal MP endorses 'robust caucus discussion' about whether Trudeau should still lead the party

Liberal MP endorses 'robust caucus discussion' about whether Trudeau should still lead the party

Amid mounting pressure from within the Liberal caucus for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to consider stepping down as party leader...

'I hope so': Marc Garneau on whether Liberal party still has room for Blue Liberals

'I hope so': Marc Garneau on whether Liberal party still has room for Blue Liberals

Former cabinet minister Marc Garneau, who describes himself in his new book as always-a-Liberal, "but a decidedly blue one," says...

'I think Israel is interested in a ceasefire': U.S. ambassador to Canada

'I think Israel is interested in a ceasefire': U.S. ambassador to Canada

U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen says he believes Israel is interested in a ceasefire under the right conditions, despite...

No talks with Bloc about bringing government down: NDP House leader

No talks with Bloc about bringing government down: NDP House leader

NDP House Leader Peter Julian says the Bloc Québécois has not initiated conversations with his party to potentially bring down...

Range of Iranian targets 'on the table' following attacks: Israeli ambassador

Range of Iranian targets 'on the table' following attacks: Israeli ambassador

Israel’s ambassador to Canada says the international community needs to send a “concise, concentrated, focused message to the Iranian regime,”...

'I am a Quebecer': Governor General hits back at criticism of her French language skills

'I am a Quebecer': Governor General hits back at criticism of her French language skills

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon insists her lack of French language proficiency does not hinder her ability to represent Canadians, after...

Ship, extra CAF members deployed near Lebanon in case of evacuation needs: defence minister

Ship, extra CAF members deployed near Lebanon in case of evacuation needs: defence minister

Defence Minister Bill Blair says there is a ship in place near Lebanon, as well as 150 deployed additional Canadian...

Trudeau accuses Conservatives of 'casual homophobic comments' in question period

Trudeau accuses Conservatives of 'casual homophobic comments' in question period

With a confidence vote looming, debate in the House of Commons devolved on Wednesday into a heated exchange of accusations...

'Like the air is coming out of the bicycle tire': Strategists weigh in on tumultuous week for the Liberals

'Like the air is coming out of the bicycle tire': Strategists weigh in on tumultuous week for the Liberals

Following another byelection loss in a riding long considered a Liberal stronghold, coupled with the news another minister is quitting...

NDP needs to decide whether 4 million Canadians deserve dental care: minister

NDP needs to decide whether 4 million Canadians deserve dental care: minister

Procurement Minister and newly appointed Quebec lieutenant Jean-Yves Duclos is warning the NDP that the dental care program it helped...

'Say it to my face': Singh confronts heckling protester on Parliament Hill

'Say it to my face': Singh confronts heckling protester on Parliament Hill

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confronted a protester for calling him a “corrupted bastard” on Parliament Hill on Tuesday. A video...

Singh challenged on carbon tax stance as MPs return to Ottawa

Singh challenged on carbon tax stance as MPs return to Ottawa

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh still won't say whether his party would scrap the federal carbon pricing program if elected, while...

Liberals will let Conservatives hold non-confidence vote 'fairly soon', no intention of proroguing Parliament

Liberals will let Conservatives hold non-confidence vote 'fairly soon', no intention of proroguing Parliament

The Liberals have no intention of using procedural tactics to delay the Conservatives’ promised non-confidence motion, and they have no...

Will Conservatives roll back dental care if elected? House Leader Scheer won't say

Will Conservatives roll back dental care if elected? House Leader Scheer won't say

Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer won’t say whether his party will scale back or fully scrap Canada's federal dental care...

'A decisive time': Mark Carney calls new role 'an honour,' dodges questions about running for office

'A decisive time': Mark Carney calls new role 'an honour,' dodges questions about running for office

In his first press conference on the job, newly appointed Liberal economic growth task force chair Mark Carney said it’s...

'You've got to feed the change beast': Experts look ahead to Liberal caucus retreat

'You've got to feed the change beast': Experts look ahead to Liberal caucus retreat

With the federal Liberals set to meet for their annual caucus retreat this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — and...

The Liberal-NDP deal is dead. What did it accomplish?

The Liberal-NDP deal is dead. What did it accomplish?

The Liberal-NDP deal is dead. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh revealed Wednesday that he’s “ripped up” the supply and confidence agreement...

Canada rejecting more foreign travellers at border as feds face criticism over immigration

Canada rejecting more foreign travellers at border as feds face criticism over immigration

Canada has seen a sharp increase in the number of foreign travellers it's turning away at ports of entry, according...

Do Canadians want a cabinet shuffle? Poll shows divided impact of reset on opinion of government

Do Canadians want a cabinet shuffle? Poll shows divided impact of reset on opinion of government

While speculation has been swirling all summer around whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning to reset his front bench...

Conservatives take aim at NDP in new attack ad ahead of September byelections

Conservatives take aim at NDP in new attack ad ahead of September byelections

The federal Conservatives are shifting their focus from the governing Liberals to take aim at the NDP in a new...

'Somebody who knows Canada well': Ambassador says of Trump running mate JD Vance

'Somebody who knows Canada well': Ambassador says of Trump running mate JD Vance

Canada's ambassador to the United States says Sen. JD Vance, the recently announced pick for former U.S. president and Republican...

Trudeau Liberals 'under siege' across the country, with Conservatives cracking red 'fortresses' like Toronto and Vancouver: Nanos

Trudeau Liberals 'under siege' across the country, with Conservatives cracking red 'fortresses' like Toronto and Vancouver: Nanos

Hot on the heels of the Conservatives’ stunning byelection victory in the riding of Toronto—St. Paul’s(opens in a new tab)...

NATO head says 'no imminent threat' to alliance member countries NOW PLAYING

NATO head says 'no imminent threat' to alliance member countries NOW PLAYING

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is not worried about military attacks on member countries. “I don't see any imminent threat against...

'I expect more': NATO head on Canada's need to increase defence spending

'I expect more': NATO head on Canada's need to increase defence spending

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he expects more from Canada when it comes to defence spending. During a trip to...

Newfoundland premier says Trudeau has shown 'willingness' to carbon tax alternatives

Newfoundland premier says Trudeau has shown 'willingness' to carbon tax alternatives

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says the prime minister has "shown a willingness to alternatives" to the controversial federal...

Trudeau shouting 'slava Ukraini' during world leader photo op viewed hundreds of thousands of times online

Trudeau shouting 'slava Ukraini' during world leader photo op viewed hundreds of thousands of times online

A video of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouting "slava Ukraini" — which translates to "glory to Ukraine" — during a...

'We need to pull our weight': Top soldier on feds' defence spending record

'We need to pull our weight': Top soldier on feds' defence spending record

Outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre says Canada is unprepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly...

No agreement among parties on releasing names of 'witting' foreign interference participants

No agreement among parties on releasing names of 'witting' foreign interference participants

The federal parties are still at an impasse over whether the government should release the names of the parliamentarians who...

Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'

Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'

Canada’s ambassador to Russia says while Ottawa has “grave concerns” about the Kremlin’s “longer-term trends,” as they relate to human...

Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey

Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey

Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump “will be defeated” in the upcoming...

No sign Canada has a plan to reach NATO defence spending target: U.S. NATO ambassador

No sign Canada has a plan to reach NATO defence spending target: U.S. NATO ambassador

The U.S. ambassador to NATO says despite the Canadian government claiming to “take the pledge very seriously,” she has seen...

Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister

Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says it’s “untenable” for “smaller players” like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the...

U.S. ambassador 'not aware' of any plans for Trudeau-Trump meeting

U.S. ambassador 'not aware' of any plans for Trudeau-Trump meeting

Canada’s Ambassador to the United States says she’s “not aware” of any plans for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to meet...

Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says

Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says

Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he’s not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and...

Feds hope to table foreign interference legislation next week: LeBlanc

Feds hope to table foreign interference legislation next week: LeBlanc

Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to table legislation this week to help the federal government address foreign...

Moe 'will respond' to CRA, insists Saskatchewan has 'paid in full' amid carbon tax audit

Moe 'will respond' to CRA, insists Saskatchewan has 'paid in full' amid carbon tax audit

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his government "will respond" to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when it concludes its audit...