"Last night I spoke to the prime minister and informed him I was standing down from cabinet," Baird was quoted as saying by the Canadian Press.
Baird also confirmed that he will not seek reelection in 2015.
It’s been an honour to serve as Canada's foreign minister. Thank you all @CanadaFP
— John Baird (@Baird) 3 февраля 2015
"I expressed my intention not to run in the next general election in the new riding of Nepean and I also expressed my intention to stand down as member of Parliament for the Ottawa West-Nepean in the weeks ahead," Baird stated.
To the people of #Ottawa and #Nepean: thank you for your trust. I will always be grateful to have been your MP/MPP.
— John Baird (@Baird) 3 февраля 2015
Baird has been Canada's Foreign Minister since May 2011. Prior to assuming the post of foreign minister, Baird served as transport, infrastructure and communities minister from 2008-2010, environment minister from 2007 to 2008 and from 2010 to 2011, and president of the Treasury Board from 2006 to 2007.
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) 3 февраля 2015
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) 3 февраля 2015
