Foreign affairs minister John Baird resigns, will not seek re-election
John Baird announced to the House of Commons this morning that he is resigning from his position as Canada’s foreign affairs minister and will not seek re-election in office.
It is unclear what opportunities Baird is pursuing after leaving office, but there is speculation that he is entering the private sector.
“I am excited for the next chapter of my life, but I will always be grateful for the experience I have earned at both the provincial and federal levels of government,” said Baird. “There is no greater calling than public service to your country, and I am proud of what our Government has accomplished over the past nine years.”
Baird, now 45 years old, was first elected into federal office in 2006 representing the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean under the banner of Stephen Harper’s Conservative party. He has held a variety of portfolios under Harper’s cabinet, from from President of the Treasury Board (2006), Minister of the Environment (2007, 2010), Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2008), Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2010), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2011).
“I am eternally grateful for the trust and opportunity that the people of Ottawa West-Nepean placed in me as their representative for the past ten years,” said Baird. “I also wish to thank the Prime Minister, my cabinet, caucus, and parliamentary colleagues for such a memorable experience.”
“I am excited for the next chapter of my life, but I will always be grateful for the experience I have earned at both the provincial and federal levels of government,” Baird continued. “There is no greater calling than public service to your country, and I am proud of what our Government has accomplished over the past nine years.”
Prior to federal politics, Baird was an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, a position he first won in 1995.
After twenty years of public office, I’m optimistic about Canada’s future, and about the next chapter in my life. pic.twitter.com/nrvW4HKMoh
— John Baird (@Baird) February 3, 2015
It’s been an honour to serve as Canada’s foreign minister. Thank you all @CanadaFP
— John Baird (@Baird) February 3, 2015
On behalf of all Canadians, I thank John @Baird for his years of tireless devotion to Canada. http://t.co/P6Vg5HzKhm pic.twitter.com/FtAZmypv6y
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) February 3, 2015
Feature Image: Stephen Harper/Conservative Party