Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, who carved out a more assertive role for Canada on major international issues, announced Tuesday he is stepping down and will not stand in upcoming elections. The surprise departure of one of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's most trusted lieutenants is a major loss as the conservative leader seeks a fourth mandate to govern in October elections.
Baird told Parliament he spoke to Harper Monday night and "informed him I was standing down from cabinet." "I expressed my intention not to run in the next general election... and I also expressed my intention to stand down as member of parliament... in the weeks ahead," he said. The 45-year-old Baird gave no reason for his decision to step down after a 20-year career in Canadian politics in which he held 10 ministerial posts at both the federal level and in Ontario. As foreign minister, Baird firmed up Ottawa's staunch support of Israel, expanded Canada's military reach abroad and aligned development aid with the nation's trade priorities.
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