OTTAWA (AFP) – 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 Harpers 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 …read more
Source: Dunya TV
