Foreign Affairs Minister: John Baird

Coptic Christians Dept: Prepared remarks posted on the Foreign Affairs website suggest Baird pledged that "whatever the circumstances, Canada will continue to speak out, and take principled positions.", according to CBC. During the election, Conservatives cited the example of Coptic Christians in Egypt as a religious minority in need of better protection, and proposed creating a special office at Foreign Affairs to promote the cause of religious minority rights and foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is hosting special closed-door consultations this week about the creation of an "office of religious freedom" at his department as questions swirl over its purpose and value. "We will not just go along to get along," Baird continued in the posted speech text. "We will stand for what is principled and just, regardless of whether it is popular, convenient or expedient." (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.