Hon. John R. Baird P.C.

Senior Business Advisor

T: 416.777.5767 / E: bairdj@bennettjones.com

Toronto

John Baird is a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP and a former Senior Cabinet Minister in the Government of Canada.

An instrumental figure in bilateral trade and investment relationships, Mr. Baird has played a leading role in the Canada-China dialogue and worked to build ties with ASEAN countries. In addition, Mr. Baird has worked closely with international leaders to strengthen security and economic ties with the United States and Middle Eastern countries.

A native of Ottawa, Baird spent three terms as a Member of Parliament and four years as Foreign Minister. He also served as President of the Treasury Board, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. In 2010, he was selected by Members of Parliament from all parties as Parliamentarian of the Year. Prior to entering federal politics, Mr. Baird spent ten years in the Ontario Legislature where he served as Minister of Community and Social Services, Minister of Energy, and Government House Leader.

In addition to his work with Bennett Jones, Mr. Baird sits on the advisory board of Barrick Gold Corp., the corporate boards of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC), Canfor Corporation (as Chair), the FWD Group and PineBridge Investments. He also serves as a Senior Advisor at Eurasia Group, a global political risk consultancy.

Mr. Baird also volunteers his time with Community Living Ontario, an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, and is a board member of the Friends of Israel Initiative. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and an Honourary Doctorate of Law from Queen’s University at Kingston.

Recent Recognitions

Churchill Society

Honoured at the Annual Churchill Society Dinner with the award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy.
Queen's University

Honourary Doctor of Law (LLD), 2018

Recent Insights, News & Events

Geopolitical Risks and Their Impact on Canada: Why Rising Concerns Shouldn’t be Ignored
Speaking Engagements / October 02, 2024
John Baird served as a speaker at the Edmonton Real Estate Forum. His presentation, titled "Geopolitical Risks and Their Impact on Canada: Why Rising Concerns Shouldn’t Be Ignored," addressed crucial issues surrounding geopolitical dynamics and their implications for the Canadian real estate market. John’s insightful analysis provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical landscape and how it intersects with the real estate sector.
2024 Economic Outlook: The Long-Term Is Now
Updates / December 11, 2023
The global and Canadian economies are still adjusting to the shocks of COVID and war. Inflation remains elevated, and monetary conditions are restrictive. There are legacies, in particular high public and private debt. Concurrently, the forces of demographic ageing, climate change, and digitalization are intensifying in a new fragmented world, transforming our economies, and requiring more public and private investment. These two factors—short-term adjustment and structural change—set the background for our 2024 Economic Outlook.
Economic Outlook: Playing the Long Game
Updates / June 12, 2023
For the last three years, governments, businesses and workers have confronted a series of shocks and disruptions that have tested their agility and resilience. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, supply chain constraints, swings in commodity prices, and higher inflation and interest rates, have demanded swift responses and adjustment. There are aftershocks, uncertainty and risk, and still a need to adapt. Navigating turbulent times remains a key function of policy and business planning. Yet, given forces shaping the world of tomorrow, it matters even more how governments and businesses plan to invest, innovate and create the conditions for sustainable growth over the longer term. This Economic Outlook entitled Playing the Long Game reviews recent developments and short-term prospects, sets out a baseline scenario and risks to assist business planning and describes some of the context for the longer term and key tasks ahead for Canadian governments and firms.
The Need for Critical Minerals—Effective and Ineffective Government Strategies and Tensions
Speaking Engagements / March 05, 2023
John Baird joined a panel at The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law's pre-PDAC mining law seminar and reception on March 5, 2023.
Christy Clark, John Baird and John Manley Featured in Canadian Lawyer
In The News / September 23, 2021
Following our What's Next for Canada Post-Election 2021 webinar, Christy Clark, John Baird and John Manley are featured in Canadian Lawyer for their insight on the future of Canada's fiscal [...]
John Baird on Joe Biden and Keystone XL
In The News / November 10, 2020
John Baird comments in Canadian Press on how the election of Joe Biden as U.S. president likely spells the end of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, but why Biden's environmental agenda could help Canadian energy companies better compete with their American rivals.
Special Events: What Will the U.S. Election Mean for Canada?
Podcast / November 09, 2020
In this recording from a web event following the U.S. election, Hugh MacKinnon (Chairman and CEO of Bennett Jones) moderates a panel of four of Canada's most insightful and respected leaders, and members of the firm's Governmental Affairs and Public Policy group. They discuss what the U.S. election results could mean for Canadian foreign policy, trade, our economic recovery and key sectors such as energy. The panellists in this event are the Honourable John R. Baird P.C., Christy Clark, the Honourable John P. Manley P.C., O.C., and the Honourable A. Anne McLellan P.C., O.C., A.O.E.
John Baird and Christy Clark on the Shape of Canadas Infrastructure Stimulus
Speaking Engagements / May 14, 2020
John Baird and Christy Clark join ReNew Canada and Global Public Affairs in a conversation on the shape of Canada’s infrastructure stimulus measures. As key decision-makers who made and executed the infrastructure investments following the 2008 recession, John and Christy will discuss:
John Baird at RBC Economic Outlook 2020
Speaking Engagements / January 21, 2020
John Baird provides his expert analysis on key trends and priorities for the year ahead at the RBC Economic Outlook 2020, presented by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
John Baird on CTV's Question Period
In The News / October 27, 2019
John Baird appeared on CTV's Question Period to share his insights on the results of the Canadian federal election and what it means for policy making under the new Liberal minority government.
John Baird on What's Most Important to Canadian Businesses
In The News / September 16, 2019
John Baird appears in a one-on-one video interview with the National Post to discuss what's most important to Canadian businesses in the 2019 federal election campaign.
John Baird on BNN Bloomberg: NAFTA and U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement
In The News / August 28, 2018
John Baird appeared live on BNN Bloomberg to discuss what’s next in NAFTA renegotiations in light of the U.S.-Mexico trade agreement announced on August 27. John said Canada needs to continue to say no to a five year sunset clause or the removal of Chapter 19 from a revised deal. He also spoke about the strategy of the negotiations, working with President Trump and the increase in protectionism throughout the U.S.
John Baird on BNN Bloomberg
In The News / August 08, 2018
John Baird appeared live on BNN Bloomberg to discuss NAFTA talks on the auto sector, why Canada must not agree to a sunset clause in a revised agreement, and the economic impact of the current diplomatic dispute between Canada and Saudi Arabia.
John Baird Receives Honorary Doctor of Law LLD from Queen’s
Announcements / June 01, 2018
John Baird was presented with an honorary Doctor of Law LLD at Queen's University's spring convocation on June 1, 2018. John is a graduate of Queen's, earning his BA (Hons) in Political Science. All recipients of this year's honorary degrees were selected by Queen's community members for their contributions to the local community, Canadian society, or the world.
John Baird on NAFTA Negotiations
In The News / May 16, 2018
John Baird appeared live on Toronto’s CP24 to share his views on NAFTA negotiations. John says that Mexico is in a challenging spot with presidential elections taking place on July 1. Canada is doing well in the negotiations with key issues being maintaining Chapter 19 and not including a sunset clause. John also spoke about Canada’s push for multilateral trade agreements and the U.S. focus on doing deals one-by-one with other countries.
John Baird on BNN Bloomberg on NAFTA and Trade
In The News / May 07, 2018
John Baird appeared live on BNN Bloomberg to discuss the latest in NAFTA negotiations and other key issues in Canadian trade. He spoke about the challenges faced by Mexico with a presidential election looming, the importance of Chapter 19 and avoiding a sunset clause to Canada, and the U.S. focus on country of origin rules in the auto sector. John also pointed out that when the CPTPP is in full effect, it will be a huge win for Canada—and it will be interesting to see how the U.S. reacts.
John Baird with National Post on Trade Opportunities
In The News / March 28, 2018
John Baird speaks with the National Post in a video interview on: the prospects of Canadian trade with China what the trade tension between the U.S. and China means for Canada where we stand with NAFTA renegotiations Canada being a part of the revised TPP—the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
John Baird on BNN: NAFTA and Developments in U.S.
In The News / January 19, 2018
John Baird appears live on BNN to discuss where Canada, the U.S. and Mexico stand in NAFTA renegotiations, what new U.S. tax rules might mean for Canadian businesses, the deterioration of U.S. leadership role on the world stage and the high level of opposition to globalization in the U.S.
Eurasia Group’s Top Risks 2018: Impacts for Canadian Business
Blog / January 05, 2018
The Eurasia Group has released its annual forecast of the political risks that are most likely to play out over the course of 2018. As a Senior Advisor with Eurasia Group, I’m pleased to share the [...]
John Baird Honoured by Churchill Society
Announcements / November 24, 2017
John Baird was honoured at the 34th Annual Churchill Society Dinner in Toronto with the award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy
Bennett Jones Lake Louise World Cup Business Forum
Announcements / November 21, 2017
Bennett Jones Hosts 15th Annual Lake Louise World Cup Business Forum The 2017 Bennett Jones Lake Louise World Cup Business Forum takes place November 24 at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. In its 15th year, this exclusive event brings together thought leaders to engage in discussions on current issues, while supporting some of the world’s greatest athletes in the first World Cup Downhill of the ski season and the only World Cup ski race outside of Europe to join the ranks of the famous Club 5 Ski Classics.
John Baird on BNN on G20 Summit
In The News / July 07, 2017
John Baird appears live on BNN to discuss what to expect as world leaders gather in Hamburg, Germany for the G20 Summit. Trade and climate change policies are high on the agenda.
John Baird on the Aga Khan in National Post
In The News / May 15, 2017
John Baird writes on the noble work of His Highness the Aga Khan in an op-ed in the National Post. John says that, "At 80 years of age, he is now the longest living spiritual leader in the Islamic world, and a jewel for Canada as our own honourary citizen." John also says the Aga Khan "continues to be a powerful and irreplaceable force for good in a dangerous world." The noble work of the Aga Khan should not be tarnished by this Canadian political scandal
John Baird on Business in Vancouver Radio on Canada/U.S. Relations
In The News / April 28, 2017
John Baird was a guest on Business in Vancouver's Roundhouse Radio to share his views on President Trump's first 100 days and the state of Canada/U.S. relations. John discussed NAFTA renegotiations, international trade, supply management in the dairy industry, taxation and immigration. John's interview can be heard at http://cirh2.streamon.fm/listen-pl-9459, it runs from 37:15 to 48:15.
John Baird at Economic Club: Canada, the U.S. and the Next Four Years
In The News / April 07, 2017
John Baird appears in ITBusiness.ca on why President Trump's potential tax reform in the U.S. could have a greater impact on the Canadian economy than changes to cross-border trade. John spoke on a panel at an exclusive Economic Club of Canada event in Toronto. Taxation not NAFTA is Biggest Trump Threat to Canadian Business Say Baird and Charest
John Baird on Kitco on U.S. Mining Competitiveness
In The News / March 08, 2017
John Baird appears in a Kitco News video interview in their special coverage from PDAC 2017 in Toronto. John points out why the Canadian regulatory environment in mining must improve to compete with the United States, who will become a more competitive mining jurisdiction under the Trump administration. Canada’s John Baird Says Trump Could Hurt Canadian Miners
John Baird on BNN on President Trump's Address to Congress
In The News / March 01, 2017
John Baird appeared live on BNN to provide his analysis of Donald Trump's address to the U.S. Congress on February 28. http://www.bnn.ca/video/former-foreign-minister-john-baird-on-trump-s-address-to-congress~1068014
John Baird Talks Trump, Trade and Opportunity in Saskatchewan
In The News / February 27, 2017
John Baird spoke with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix prior to his upcoming speech at the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority’s annual economic outlook forum. John will speak about economic challenges and opportunities for Canada at the forum and he spoke with the StarPhoenix about Saskatchewan’s economy and the rise of American protectionism.
John Baird in Bloomberg on Renegotiating NAFTA
In The News / January 22, 2017
John Baird comments on the new trade reality that exists between Canada and the U.S. with President Trump now in office. John says the push for change is driven by rising protectionist sentiment across the U.S., not just in the White House. “People have to understand this isn’t just the American president. The American public has moved substantially to this stance.” Trudeau Braces for Trump's NAFTA Gambit During Oil Patch Huddle
John Baird on Donald Trump and Canada's Economy
In The News / January 02, 2017
John Baird comments on what President Donald Trump's policies may mean for the Canadian economy in The Bottom Line. John says he expects President Trump will at least seek major concessions from NAFTA and emphasize “America First,” reflecting the thinking of a large portion of U.S. voters. This will pose challenges to political and diplomatic leaders, as well as business communities.
What a Donald Trump Presidency Means for Western Canada
Updates / December 15, 2016
It was our pleasure to host the Post U.S. Election event on December 1, featuring John Baird and Allan Gotlieb, on what a Donald Trump presidency means for Western Canada.
John Baird and Allan Gotlieb in Edmonton Journal on President-Elect Trump
In The News / December 02, 2016
John Baird and Allan Gotlieb comment in the Edmonton Journal on what the impact of a Donald Trump administration might be for Canadian business. John and Allan spoke at a Bennett Jones seminar in Edmonton on how Trump and the new Congress will affect Canada. They see protectionist policies, the softwood lumber dispute and the relationship between Trump and the Prime Minister as key concerns. U.S. administration likely to approve Keystone XL pipeline, but softwood lumber dispute looms, former minister says
What a Donald Trump Presidency Means for Canada
Updates / November 14, 2016
On November 8, 2016 Donald Trump was elected to be the 45th President of the United States of America. Sander Grieve, head of Bennett Jones’ Mining Practice, sat down with members of our Government Affairs & Public Policy team and asked them where they see challenges and opportunities for Canada based on their decades of experience in business and political relations with the United States.
John Baird on BNN on Protectionism, Keystone XL and Carbon Policy
In The News / November 09, 2016
John Baird appears live on BNN to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a Trump presidency and the new Congress. John looks at the dangers of growing protectionism in the US, the positives of the Keystone XL Pipeline possibly being approved, and the need for Canada to remain competitive on carbon policies with America. Protectionism is Never Good Says Canada's Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
John Baird on NAFTA, TPP and President Trump in Canadian Lawyer
In The News / November 09, 2016
John Baird comments in Canadian Lawyer's Legal Feeds on what a Donald Trump presidency may hold for the North American Free Trade agreement and Trans Pacific Partnership. John also says there will be less ability to resolve issues Canadians face around softwood lumber, the thickening of the border and on joint initiatives such as the Detroit River International Crossing project.
John Baird in Ottawa Citizen: Keynote Speaker at JNF Negev Dinner
In The News / October 29, 2016
John Baird is pictured in an Ottawa Citizen story on the 2016 Jewish National Fund of Ottawa Negev Dinner held at the EY Centre. John was the keynote speaker. The event honoured Barbara Farber, president of commercial real estate company Leikin Group, who was recognized for her excellence in community leadership and dedication to Israel.
John Baird in The Lawyers Weekly on US Election and Trade
In The News / September 21, 2016
John Baird comments in The Lawyers Weekly on why whoever wins the presidency in November, the next US administration will be far less favourable to international free trade deals. John describes how there has been a growing protectionist attitude in the US emanating from both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
John Baird receives an Honourary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Huntington University
In The News / March 24, 2016
Northern Life reports on John Baird receiving an Honourary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Huntington University in Sudbury during a convocation ceremony on March 23. John was honoured for his many accomplishments and contributions for his time spent as a Member of Parliament, most recently as the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2011-2015).
John Baird on CBC TV's Power & Politics
In The News / January 05, 2016
John Baird, Canada's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared in a one-on-one interview on CBC TV's Power & Politics to provide his insights on recent political developments between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
John Baird on Bloomberg TV
In The News / December 07, 2015
John Baird appeared live on Bloomberg TV Canada to provide his insights on Canada's foreign policy with a new federal government in Ottawa and the economic and political climate facing the Canadian energy sector.
Scotiabank GBM Canadian Energy Infrastructure Conference
Speaking Engagements / November 19, 2015
At the Canadian Energy Infrastructure Conference at the Trump Hotel Toronto, Radha Curpen and John Baird present, "First Nations and Environmental Permitting – Update on Land Title Challenges and What to Expect from the new Government".
Key Policy Initiatives from Canada's New Liberal Government You Need to Anticipate
Updates / October 26, 2015
The Canadian election last week (October 19) produced a new government under Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau. Defying speculation of a minority government, the Liberals won a clear majority, defeating the NDP and Stephen Harper's Conservative government to mark a decisive return to a centre-left government in Canada.
John Baird in the Northern Miner
In The News / October 08, 2015
In the Northern Miner article, "John Baird Says Pushback Needed to Support Mining," John Baird's keynote address at a Toronto mining conference is discussed.
Bennett Jones Academy Series: Canada and the World – Discussion with John Baird
Bennett Jones Academy Events / September 10, 2015
Please join Bennett Jones and senior business advisor and former Canadian Foreign Minister, John Baird, for a discussion about Canada and the World.
Bennett Jones Welcomes The Honourable John Baird as a Senior Advisor
Announcements / May 26, 2015
Bennett Jones LLP, one of Canada's leading business law firms is pleased to welcome The Honourable John Baird, P.C., Canada's former Minister of Foreign Affairs (May 18, 2011 – February 3, 2015), to the firm as a Senior Advisor.