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.

Heat Wave Brings Heat Warning
GoFundMe Created Following Work Incident
OPP Remind Public on Helmet Safety
Tillsonburg Candidate Profile - Chris Rosehart
Canada Day Celebrations Coming to Woodstock
Zorra Township Candidate Profile - Katie Grigg
Oxford OPP Continue to Investigate Pride Flag Incidents
Wienerfest Hits Burford Fairgrounds this Weekend
South-West Oxford Candidate Profile - George Klosler
Nostalgia Days Fast Approaching in Norwich
Residential Fire in Tillsonburg
SWOX Candidate Profile - Paul Buchner
Interview with the Warden - June 25th, 2026
Environment Canada Issues Yellow Watch for Thunderstorms
Sally Creek Car Show Expands for DASO
School's Out for Summer in Oxford County!
SWPH Issues Drug Watch for Oxford and Elgin
Norwich Township Candidate Profile - Karl Toews
OPP Release Results from Stop, Look and Live Campaign
Proxi 230 Car Cruise Begins Tomorrow
Comments
Add a comment