February 3, 2015 – John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, announced today that he would stand down as Foreign Minister, and will not be standing for re-election in 2015.
“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.”
Since moving to federal politics, Baird has held a variety of portfolios in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s cabinet, 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 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.”
“I strongly believe that Prime Minister Harper is the best leader to move this country forward,” said Baird. “Since 2006, he has a proven record as a strong economic manager, and a powerful voice of moral clarity on the world stage. I was blessed and proud to have served alongside him.”
