John Baird: Canada's freedom agenda - Diplomat Magazine

FOREIGN AFFAIRS|Di spatchesJohn Baird:warm manner,blunt talkThe Conservative government champions religious freedom as a “bedrock”freedom: “Societies that protect religious freedom are more likely to protectall other fundamental freedoms,” Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says.“They are typically more stable and more prosperous societies.”By Donna Jacobsashley Frasern the small ante-room to John Baird’s parliamentary office, youhave to consciously avoid knocking over the official greeter: asizeable statue of John Diefenbaker that reposes on the frontcorner of a desk.Inside his corner office is a photo of Mr. Baird in his 20s capturinga warm smile from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. In aglass case sits a faded folded flag, the last Red Ensign to fly over24 Sussex under the residency of Prime Minister Diefenbaker.It was given to Mr. Baird by his friend, Mr. Diefenbaker's stepgrandson,who unfortunately recently passed away. Two paintings byMr. Baird's grandmother — fine copies of Cornelius Krieghoffs – adornone wall. And between two gothic windows hangs an original A.Y.Jackson of wind-pruned pine trees. “Every minister is allowed to borrowone painting from the National Art Gallery,” he says. “Before thispainting, I borrowed a Jean Paul Lemieux [a 20th-Century Quebecpainter] for four or five years.”On a desk filled with papers and books, is a sign that reads “IT CANBE DONE.”diplomat and international canada35