Baird to be Next Foreign Affairs Minister

One of Harper's most vocal lieutenants is to be promoted to a senior portfolio in the cabinet.

It's all but official: John Baird will be Canada's next minister of foreign affairs and international trade. Baird, who's already been transport minister, environment minister, president of the Treasury Board, and, most recently, government House leader, will succeed Lawrence Cannon as the face of Canada abroad. With the international spotlight now shining on Baird, it will be interesting to see which face he puts forward – his legendary volcanic temper has been a hallmark of a diseased Parliament, but he's also universally praised by his colleagues for being one of the hardest-working and most constructive MPs on the Hill. Harper is set to unveil his new cabinet this morning at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where Gov. Gen. David Johnston will confer ministerial duties on at least six MPs.