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Baird Resigns

Tuesday, 3 February 2015 13:18

PMO photo courtesy of Deb Ransom

MP Dave MacKenzie reacts to Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird's announcement of his retirement.

OTTAWA - Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie says he was shocked to learn of Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird's resignation.

Rumblings of his intentions to resign surfaced Monday night and Tuesday morning at the House of Commons, Baird surprised many when he confirmed he was stepping out of political life.

According to MacKenzie, the departing minister did not indicate what his plans were for the future.

Baird, who is now 45, started his political career with the Ontario Mike Harris government when he was 25 years old.

In a written statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper thanked Baird for his years of "tireless devotion to Canadians in the House of Commons, in Cabinet and in the Legislature of Ontario.''

MacKenzie recognizes it will be difficult to find someone to fill the void Baird will leave behind.  "Certainly, he's going to be missed and I think the comments that came from the opposition parties were very accurate, he's a very dynamic guy, has done a great job around the world and certainly put Canada first when it comes to many issues with respects to foreign affairs and standing up for life, liberty and freedom for many nations."

MacKenzie believes Baird's intentions are to stay in the House for a little while but not until the end of the term.  At this point, MacKenzie is not certain who will replace the outgoing minister.

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