The Honourable John Baird

Member of Parliament for Ottawa West--Nepean
Minister of the Environment

Biography

The Honourable John Baird was elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean in 2006 and appointed to the Privy Council as President of the Treasury Board in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's first cabinet. On January 4, 2007, he became Minister of the Environment.

As President of the Treasury Board, Minister Baird successfully steered the Federal Accountability Act, Canada's toughest piece of anti-corruption legislation, through Parliament.

Prior to being elected as a federal Member of Parliament, Mr. Baird served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the ridings of Nepean and Nepean-Carleton from 1995-2005.

During his time at Queen's Park, Mr. Baird served as Minister of Community and Social Services, Minister of Francophone Affairs, Minister Responsible for Children, Minister of Energy, and Government House Leader. He was known for championing the cause of people with developmental disabilities, and greatly expanded the Ontario work-for-welfare program. Mr. Baird held the position of Parliamentary Assistant for the ministries of Labour, Management Board, and Finance. He also served as Opposition House Leader.

Prior to his election as an MPP, Mr. Baird was Special Assistant to the Honourable Perrin Beatty, the then federal Minister of Communications and Secretary of State for External Affairs.

Mr. Baird is a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Bell's Corners Branch), an honourary member of the Nepean Kiwanis, and a lifetime member of Canada's largest Association for Community Living.

Mr. Baird is a life-long resident of Nepean, Ontario. He has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in political studies from Queen's University.

Portfolio

The Environment Minister's portfolio includes: