National

John Baird Says He Won't Run For Conservative Leader

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Oct, 2015 10:46 AM

OTTAWA — Former cabinet minister John Baird says he won't run for the Conservative leadership.

Baird surprised many earlier this year when he abruptly quit politics after two decades.

He held a variety of federal portfolios, including environment and foreign affairs, before stepping down.

He began his elected career with the Ontario Progressive Conservative party in 1995 before making the successful jump to federal politics in 2005.

There had been brief speculation that he was contemplating a bid to replace Stephen Harper at the Tory helm.

In a statement on Monday morning, Baird put an end to that idea.

"While I have indeed received expressions of interest and am tremendously flattered by the support, I will not be running for leader of the Conservative party of Canada," he said.

"When I retired from politics, I spoke about starting a new chapter in my life. I am extremely happy with this new chapter and will remain dedicated to my work in the private sector."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Too Late To Fix Problem Forms For 2016 Jury Eligibility, Ontario Says

TORONTO — It's too late to fix government forms that could lead to ineligible people finding their way onto a jury next year, according to Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General.

Too Late To Fix Problem Forms For 2016 Jury Eligibility, Ontario Says

Police Searching For Information After Nanaimo, B.C., Pony Found Wounded By Arrow

NANAIMO, B.C. — Nanaimo police say a Welsh pony on a family acerage has been found with an arrow wound in its chest.

Police Searching For Information After Nanaimo, B.C., Pony Found Wounded By Arrow

Former Liberal Prime Minister Chretien Encourages Justin Trudeau To Engage With International Leader

During an interview with CTV's Question Period, Chretien suggested the incoming prime minister's father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, maintained an open approach when speaking to world leaders including Cuba's Fidel Castro.

Former Liberal Prime Minister Chretien Encourages Justin Trudeau To Engage With International Leader

CSIS Operations Under C-51 With Foreign Partners Raise Accountability Concerns

The omnibus bill known as C-51 allows CSIS to engage in joint "disruption" efforts abroad — including covert actions that break foreign laws — something the spy service previously had no authority to do, according to the government notes.

CSIS Operations Under C-51 With Foreign Partners Raise Accountability Concerns

Acitivists Call On Justin Trudeau To Defend Canada's Copyright Regime From TPP Changes

A major part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal finalized Oct. 5 involves harmonizing copyright laws in the 12 Pacific Rim countries — including Canada, the United States, Australia and Japan — that are signatories to the deal.