Roundup: Baird bows out

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In the wake of John Baird’s resignation from cabinet (and coming resignation as MP – in the “coming weeks,” likely so that a by-election won’t need to be called before the general election), there is plenty of reaction to go around. There hasn’t been a lot of genuine speculation as to the reasons for why now was the time to go, other than the obvious calendar reason that with the parties looking to get their nomination races squared away in advance of the election, that he would need to clear the way so that his riding association could find a new candidate and get them into place in time. It has also been pointed out that Baird has had a keen sense of timing, knowing when it was time to get out of the Ontario PC party as it was on its way down, and the same may be the case federally (despite Baird’s effusive praise during his resignation speech). More than that, it seems clear that he’s got a plan for a corporate position to head to, but he needs to ensure that he’s got the ethics clearances in place. And no, I really don’t think he has any ambitions to come back and pursue the party’s leadership as he never had such ambitions and was more than willing to play the loyal number two. John Geddes has a longer-form treatment of Baird’s career. Michael Den Tandt says the departure leaves a problem for the Conservatives in Ontario. Don Butler writes of his “two-faces,” both partisan and collegial. Matthew Fisher notes that while Baird travelled widely, he didn’t really seem to accomplish much, and that the department will be glad to see him gone. CBC has thirteen of the more memorable Baird quotes, and seven of his files as minister of foreign affairs. And post-speech, Harper gave Baird the first of many awkward bro-hugs that followed.

Good reads:

  • The Board of Internal Economy has determined that the NDP owe $2.7 million for their satellite offices – and that the 68 MPs who participated personally owe about $40,000 each, but it sounds like for most it’s $30,000 and others $100,000 and the Mulcair himself some $400,000.
  • Kady O’Malley takes the opposition to task for blowing their supply days for partisan campaigning instead of doing their job of holding the government to account.
  • Hmm, it looks like the RCMP and CSIS didn’t need any additional powers to make those terror arrests yesterday.
  • Justin Trudeau sat down with the editorial board of the Metro daily chain.

Odds and ends:

In totally disturbing news, apparently it’s fairly easy to manipulate memories or create false ones.

It looks like Raymond-Falcon Ouellette is facing an uncontested nomination for the federal Liberals in Winnipeg Centre.

The Green Party is hoping to make more breakthroughs on Vancouver Island.