Michael Hardner Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 John Baird to resign as foreign affairs minister: “The Minister will rise in the House of Commons tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. to make an announcement," his office said. Mr. Baird, 45, has proven to be one of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s most trusted and reliable political lieutenants and has often been given difficult assignments. His departure, after the loss of long-time finance minister Jim Flaherty, will leave Mr. Harper scrambling to replace him. This isn't about policy, or even strategy but more about political intrigue. Still, any guesses out there as to why this is happening now ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boges Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I hear he's going a better gig lined up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scribblet Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) From the other thread: He's young enough to get into the private sector and he's giving the PM enough notice so they can nominate a new candidate. Possibly the pension change is part of it, the reason why so many are not running this year. Too bad, he was a very capable minister. Edited February 3, 2015 by scribblet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty AC Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think he would like to lead the party and take a shot at PM one day. Thus, it's important to separate himself as the party declines. In 8 years he can step back in and lead a new charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIK Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think he heading to the UN. Harper has made some great statesmen out of his people and they need a bigger stage to do some real good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overthere Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think he would like to lead the party and take a shot at PM one day. Thus, it's important to separate himself as the party declines. In 8 years he can step back in and lead a new charge. That. I doubt it will be 8 years though, and it may not require that the party be in decline for the transition to Baird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek 2.0 Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I heard rumors a few months ago that he was going to leave before the election......I'd have thought to run for the leadership of the Ontario PC party, but the deadline to enter the race was last Saturday, maybe there is something to the suggestions of Baird joining former Australian PM Kevin Rudd in a leadership role at the WHO??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIK Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 The knives are out and the great readers of the TO star are showing how ignorant they truly are. It just makes me sick. This man gave it all for his country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guyser Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 The knives are out and the great readers of the TO star are showing how ignorant they truly are. It just makes me sick. This man gave it all for his country.And took back a paycheque and pension. So much for that thought huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poochy Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 And took back a paycheque and pension. So much for that thought huh? Honestly.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIK Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 He should do it for free? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guyser Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 He should do it for free?Certainly not. And I have no issues with the way he did his job, some bad slip ups, but all in all he did what his Poli master wanted, the good ones do. But to lionize the guy like you did is a bit over the top...nay...a lot over the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scribblet Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 And took back a paycheque and pension. So much for that thought huh? He should do it for free or what !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty AC Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 He should do it for free or what !!Of course not, but using a phrase often attributed to soldiers that die in the line of duty to describe a politician is absolutely ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
On Guard for Thee Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think he would like to lead the party and take a shot at PM one day. Thus, it's important to separate himself as the party declines. In 8 years he can step back in and lead a new charge. I think you could well have it figured. There was rumblings a while back that he may be a candidate to take over from Harper when there was talk of dumping him due to the polls and a little internal upheaval. If and when Harper does run it into the ground he will be in a good position to step back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Guy Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 Too bad. Harper will miss his political pit bull. Baird was always a loyal Conservative and Clement will be the only "old Harris soldier" who were parachuted in from Ontario after Harris was turfed. As to coming back, I do not think so. Kathleen Wynne became the first gay Premier of a province but I doubt that Baird could be elected the first gay Prime Minister. He served loyally. I wish him luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topaz Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I would think Baird's riding had many civil servant who lose their jobs and there are probably other Tories in the same position and the fact that MP's will have to pay half of their pensions after the next election. He's smart to leave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boges Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) I would think Baird's riding had many civil servant who lose their jobs and there are probably other Tories in the same position and the fact that MP's will have to pay half of their pensions after the next election. He's smart to leave. You think civil servants vote Tory, like EVER? Flaherty's old riding is Auto Worker central yet it's an easy Tory riding. Edited February 3, 2015 by Boges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybercoma Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think he heading to the UN. Harper has made some great statesmen out of his people and they need a bigger stage to do some real good.I just threw up a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scribblet Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I think you could well have it figured. There was rumblings a while back that he may be a candidate to take over from Harper when there was talk of dumping him due to the polls and a little internal upheaval. If and when Harper does run it into the ground he will be in a good position to step back in. There is no talk of dumping Harper, those rumblings where only wishful thinking from the left, don't believe every negative article you read. No doubt if Harper loses or only gets a minority he will step down. I wouldn't be surprised to see him step aside after finishing out another majority, but other than that, there never was talk from the Tories about dumping Harper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
On Guard for Thee Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 There is no talk of dumping Harper, those rumblings where only wishful thinking from the left, don't believe every negative article you read. No doubt if Harper loses or only gets a minority he will step down. I wouldn't be surprised to see him step aside after finishing out another majority, but other than that, there never was talk from the Tories about dumping Harper. Oh yes there was, and thats when Bairds name came to the fore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scribblet Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 Oh yes there was, and thats when Bairds name came to the fore. In your dreams.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonlight Graham Posted February 4, 2015 Report Share Posted February 4, 2015 I think he would like to lead the party and take a shot at PM one day. Thus, it's important to separate himself as the party declines. In 8 years he can step back in and lead a new charge. Whatever it is, it likely means he sees no near-term future of him moving in as leader of the CPC. Either Harper's in it for the long haul as leader (until he's defeated at least), or he sees others ahead of him in the party. Or maybe he just wants to make more money haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guyser Posted February 4, 2015 Report Share Posted February 4, 2015 Or maybe he just wants to make more money haha.There ya go. Probably (likely) a good idea with all the contacts he has made over the years. He can go and make the money, get some more experience and come back and take a run at the top spot. Hell...why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Guy Posted February 4, 2015 Report Share Posted February 4, 2015 Baird is headed for a multi-million job in the public sector. He has already approached the ethics commissioner and got the OK just like Prentice did in the past. Harper was not pleased. Harper was one of the few members of parliament who did not speak accolades on Baird and wish him well. Nice hug - just like the kiss a Mafioso gives to somebody who has a contract out on them. Look for Chris Alexander as the next Foreign Minister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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