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Home : Canada : Baird's cards a 'gold finger' to taxpayers, Brison says

Baird's cards a 'gold finger' to taxpayers, Brison says

baird makes demands over new businees cards baird makes demands over new businees cards Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is seen holding his new business card while speaking to the media on Parliament Hill, Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.
baird makes demands over new businees cards

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Date: Friday Sep. 30, 2011 10:51 PM ET

John Baird had to fend off jabs and jokes in the House of Commons Friday after reports surfaced of his new gold-embossed business cards that also left out the word "Canada," against government rules.

The Canadian Press reported that the foreign affairs minister ordered the cards after taking over the post in May.

Despite the fact bureaucrats expressed their concerns over the request, Baird received cards that were not only embossed in gold, but were missing a common "Canada" wordmark that contains a Canadian flag over the last "a." The words "Lester B. Pearson Building" were also removed from the address for the Foreign Affairs Department.

The cost of the gold-embossed cards was $424.88.

Opposition MPs hammered Baird over the cards in the House of Commons. Liberal MP Scott Brison told the House Friday that Treasury Board rules prohibit gold on business cards because of the cost.

"Why is the minister breaking government rules?" Brison asked. "Why is he giving taxpayers the gold finger?"

Baird got MPs laughing when he replied that he wished that Treasury Board President Tony Clement was present for question period, so he could answer the query. Baird has been criticized in recent days for taking questions directed at Clement about the $50 million G8 legacy fund, as Clement sits quietly in his seat.

"I remember a time when the Liberal Party of Canada used to think big on foreign affairs, they would think about big issues around the world when it came to Canada and domestic issues," Baird went on. "And now they have been returned to the time when they are dealing with $400 worth of business cards."

Brison then accused Baird and Clement of conspiring to siphon G8 legacy funds to Clement's riding and allowing Baird to circumvent government guidelines to design his own cards.

"When Canadian are struggling just to get by, why are Conservative ministers showering each other with gold?" Brison asked. "Why the golden showers, Mr. Speaker?"

Baird struggled to maintain his composure as he replied: "Yes, Mr. Speaker, I sat down with the president of the Treasury Board and said: ‘Have I got a deal for you. I'll give you $50-million worth of infrastructure funds if you will give me $400 worth of business cards.'"

The unilingual cards contain a gold-embossed coat of arms, and the largest type is Baird's name.

The Canadian Press acquired emails, memos and other documents pertaining to the ordering of Baird's cards. While Foreign Affairs bureaucrats were less concerned about the removal of the building name from the address, one bureaucrat expressed concern about losing the Canada wordmark.

"We are ... concerned about the removal of the Canada wordmark," said one official in an email. "As mentioned before, this is a Treasury Board requirement."

Another email said: "The (gold) coloured coat of arms and the removal of the Canada wordmark is not a good practice."

Yet another email read: "None of these additional requests follow the TBS (Treasury Board Secretariat) rules. ... Although we can certainly continue to advise and express our concerns, we will not be able to hold off on these for long."

Bureaucrats were so concerned about what they were being asked to do they wrote a "disclaimer" for Baird's chief of staff to sign to make clear that the minister had been advised against his requests.

The disclaimer noted that the Treasury Board over the years has changed some practices: "Among the casualties were the costly and difficult practices of using gold foil or full colour reproductions of the Arms of Canada on ministerial stationery."

It added: "The wordmark (Canada) is a requirement for ministers, parliamentary secretaries and their offices. ... It is worth noting that the prime minister and his office follow these standards."

Despite the concerns, Baird was granted exemptions for the card design. But the department printed a second, bilingual card without the gold embossing and wordmark. That card cost $197.75.

Comments are now closed for this story

Randy
said
0 0

At a time when Canada is facing some very real concerns...recession, rising unemployment, national debt, an aging population with inadequate health care and retirement finances, our politicians again spend their time trying to smear each other rather than working together to solve this countries very real and concerning problems. I can't think of a time when Canada has faced more challenges. It's very disheartening to see our politicians bickering over business cards and plane rides rather than directing their energies to what's really important.


sploipo
said
0 0

It's not the business cards. It's the ARROGANCE.


Brison Comment Sleazy
said
0 0

Mr. Brison should be taken to task for his sleazy comment re "the gold finger." I get a kick out of the Liberals and NDP fighting each other for headlines with comments on everything and anything no matter how irrelevant. Meanwhile the Conservatives are managing the bigger issues which affect our country, ie getting more and more countries into a larger trading relationship with Canada.


James
said
0 0

I like how the Con apologists are out in force. Had these been business cards for a Liberal or member of the NDP those same apologists would be howling for blood. They'd also be shouting non-sensically about socialism. Stay class Cons!


back and to the left
said
0 0

Could we expect anything less from John Baird?


Phil in London
said
0 0

This is the biggest thing the Kings-Hant kid could come up with?These pathetic Liberals really need to get on with getting out of the way of the governing of the country.FYI my last business cards cost me $269.00 for 1000 one sided single language cards so I don't feel ripped off by Mr. Baird.Brison's decision to jump ship to the Liberals years ago was appropriate given his ability to be out of touch to what is important.


Prof. Pye Chartt
said
0 0

It seems that most folks all in a tizzy over this (quite arguably) trivial matter skipped over the very last part of the story mentioning that Baird received exemptions for the card design. (That's right, folks; his "customized" card was ultimately approved.)


Doug ^^^ BC
said
0 0

How ironic. The Tories are passing a law about displaying the Canadian flag and their Minister of Foreign affairs removes Canada from his cards. Way too funny.


Paul
said
0 0

The kicker is the cards cost $400. Not $400 more than normal cards, but $400 total. And how many cards? Ask anyone in business they will tell you that embossed cards don't cost that much more. I had gold embossed cards when I was selling vacuum cleaners 20 years ago. So he probably had a few thousand cards printed off.


CANADA
said
0 0

I have no idea about the law but in my world deleting Canada from his card is not far from trahison.


Jeremy Crawford
said
0 0

I don't like this very much but... the order form shows only the removal of Canada and office building name from the french side of the card. The form clearly shows front/back order options. Too much pandering to the separatists is the only crime here.


schpid
said
0 0

Business Cards are a big deal when making contact with officials around the world and presenting a substandard card can make or break negotiations. Stupid? Yup. But I'd rather have our Foreign Affairs minister taken seriously then just waved off over something s stupid as a business card. Is this all the opposition can dig up?


Ray Jorritsma
said
0 0

Hmmm...so many people saying this is a non-issue and doesn't the media have something better to do. All of 'em Tory lovers, I'm willing to bet. Now, if this had been a minister in a Liberal government, the same folks would be climbing all over him/her. Typical Conservative hypocrites!


Your boss
said
0 0

It is not the cost of the cards that is subject to critic. It is disrespect toward Canada and Canadians that rages the critics. Desperate and egotistic conservative supporters should stop misleading readers by manipulating the news.


Spenny
said
0 0

In the grand scheme of things, who cares about $400 worth of business cards? The golden shower comment cracked me up. I think Canadians for $400 worth of laughs over that gaffe. :)


Association de Malfaiteurs
said
0 0

Is Harper going to back-up this guy's wrongdoings the same he did with Mackay?


denis p
said
0 0

Is this what the Media Party and the Opposition has come down to? Nit picking everything against the government they can get their grubby little hands on, and the Media Party writing headline after headline....about nothing.Canadians got sick and tired of the "scandal" a week, and this is no different.We're heading into another recession, THAT should be the story.Pathetic!


OttawaBound
said
0 0

Yes, as we all know John Baird likes to have his name more prominent than any recognizable Canadian symbols like the flag, or the workmark Canada.

John is all about John, and he could care less about this country and is more interested in promoting himself.


E Pearce
said
0 0

It isn't the amount that this foolishness cost the Canadian Taxpayer that is the issue here. The implications of what Minister Baird did are. He disregarded the rules that have been put in place to guide ALL public servants, even the elected ones. His behaviour is disrespectful and arrogant. He needs to be called to account for it whether the cost was $500 or $5000.
Shameful and sad.


CMQ
said
0 0

I am glad Brison brought up this matter, it really shows what "key" issues have his time and attention. I sure wish I had voted liberal! (Please note the sarcasm here).


Geoff Potter
said
0 0

It has been said that in the final analysis the only thing that matters is power, and those little men and women who temporarily achieve some in politics often soon reveal their dark side with behavior like this. In an ideal world, this man Baird, should be humble and focused on representing his country. But his arrogance and obvious disdain for we lesser creatures is emerging, as it has with his boss, and as it did with their old mentor Mulroney. The system allows them to do it. They get away with it for a while and then we kick them out and they disappear into obscurity with their overly generous pensions, to be replaced by someone else remarkably similar.

They're everywhere. We just got rid of one in British Columbia.

Politicians like Jack Layton are extremely rare; and we certainly don't seem to have any in the current government.

Baird probably can't help being the way he is, but it's a pity he can't see himself as many Canadians see him: I think the term used in England is "thick".


Liz Wilson
said
0 0

The only hope for this government to become accountable is if conservatives start to demand it - its obvious that they dont care about the opinion of the majority of the voters. Perhaps they would care about the opinion of their supporters.


Oohay Boo
said
0 0

We are living in an era of education.Politicians of the future should possess an economics and political science degree. CTV is doing a good job on behalf of the taxpayers by exposing the self-righteous mentality of politicians who think they should have unlimited access to taxpayer pie. Canadians have been told to tighten their belts. Stephen Harper, Peter McKay, Adrien Clarkson, and John Baird need to set a good fiscal example. We need to be focused on increasing the GDP, not decreasing it.


Dave H. Cornwall, Ont
said
0 0

What is he supposed to do when meeting with the world leaders? Scribble his name on a piece of toilet paper? If this is all the Fiberals have to throw at them then they still haven't leaned their lesson. By the way Liberal party. How is the $40 million ad scam repayment coming along?


SoWhat
said
0 0

The only gold embossing was on the "Canadian" coat of arms. The Canada emblem was a Liberal throwback. And as for no French. Good for you. If Quebec does everything it can to ban English, where is the bilingualism in this country. There is another Liberal policy we can get rid of and 75 per cent of the country won't lose any sleep over it. This is nothing more than a leak from the Liberal and separatist French bureaucrats in Ottawa. Clean them out.


uh huh
said
0 0

What a tool. He should have had "The Honourable" removed too.


Jim Mossman
said
0 0

For all those who are complaining that this is a trivial issue, I think it just goes to show a typical example of how these guy fritter away billions, a bit at a time.
Corporations (Canada included) spend a small fortune working on "branding" so that all printed materials have the same look. Why Baird feels he can go against recommendations on look and cost is just proof of his arrogant attitude.
Make him pay the difference!


john
said
0 0

So Baird knowingly disregards the rules Just like McKay for using jets and helicopters at the taxpayers expense No shame at all even disregard and evoking distractions from the real personal reasons Such crass and disregard for your electorate and constituents Shame on both of you Do you say to Canadians...Let them eat cake


Con
said
0 0

His speech at the UN and his opinions about the war in Libya says a lot about his disrespect of Canadian values. Golden embossed card is nothing compare to the disrespect of our country. He should be fired.


kenn matwic
said
0 0

Isnt john baird supposed to be away from canada most of the time?
if not i wish he were.
such a disgrace to the office.


Gold Finger
said
0 0

Is he Canadian only or a dual citizen? Anyone has the answer? CTV?


SGM IN BC
said
0 0

I am an public servant and am proud to say that my BUSINESS CARDS are printed for me on our laser printers at a cost of $10 for 1000 ... just saying ... although it takes about 500 to get any decent ones.


Marvin the Marvellous
said
0 0

Can't believe there are 154...155...comments on this non-story. It's little wonder we can't make proper political decisions when we are confounded by a media that sees fit to obfuscate the important with the trivial.The issue MIGHT BE the minister's gold cards.The issue SHOULD BE why this is encumbering what little time the MP's sit in the House.


Carolyn Brandner
said
0 0

Print a new batch for Mr. Baird, backbencher, following all the rules and at his expense.


Louise
said
0 0

Why are we surprised. Tony Clement, John Baird were both Ministers in the Harris govt. It would appear that our Finance Minister isn't policing his friends too well.




Ken
said
0 0

I think that we should all just buy ourselves something extravagant and then send the bill to Baird.


Whetam
said
0 0

I don't care about the extra money these cards cost as much as I'm angry that we have a Foreign Affairs minister -- paid by the Canadian people -- who struck the word "Canada" from his business card.

If Baird or any other Conserv cannot understand why this is troubling and offensive, they are not fit to be drawing salaries from tax payer money.


Liberal Irony
said
0 0

I love the irony of a long term Liberal making comments about milking the taxpayers. Brison was around during adscam when the Liberal party stole millions of dollars and put it in their own pockets. I will begin to take the Liberal party seriously AFTER they return the millions they stole from us.


Proud Canadian
said
0 0

Shame on you Mr. Baird. It appears that you are either emnbarrassed to let it be known that you are representing Canada, one of the best countries in the word. Or alternatively you believe you are more important than Canada or any Canadian that elected you.Shame on you.....I am a proud Canadian


Prakash Sinha
said
0 0

John Baird should have never been allowed to print Official Business Cards in anything but official format. If he wants cards that are gold-plated or have pictures of dnacing girls then he should pay for them himself. I am sure he can afford $400.



anonymus
said
0 0

Canadians are getting what they deserve for giving Harper a majority government. We saw what they were like with a minority. Just hold on to your hats Canadians.


Lester
said
0 0

What concerns me more than Baird's silly requests regarding his business cards is the immature, vulgar references used by Liberal MP Brison in his questions. Could he not make his point in a more dignified way, instead of referring to "golden showers" and giving people "the golden finger." It's pretty bad when you have to stop your children from watching Question Period so they don't pick up inappropriate behaviour and ideas.


truthspeaker
said
0 0

The only good thing in this story is that he made them unilingual


James in T.O.
said
0 0

Sorry, I forgot to add as well, after looking at a higher resolution of the picture (fax document) in this article and seeing the CANADA logo with an "X" through it is just down right disturbing. He is a gov't official for crying out loud.


James in T.O.
said
0 0

Who does this guy think he is? I mean really...total disrespect for Canada.


Peter
said
0 0

What a petty issue. I don't care what ministers put on their cards. I will pay for these business cards if it will allow the opposition parties to get back to serious government business. Good for Minister Baird to have his own taste in business cards.


There are none so blind...
said
0 0

@Glenn who wrote "stop distroying our heritage and identity." Sorry Glenn our heritage was trashed under the Chretien and Martin governments but originally started under Trudeau. Do some homework.


Doug On
said
0 0

Since today is Friday, I request that Robert Fife examine every Conservative member's business card over the weekend. Then we can have a new headline on Monday morning indicating how many other subversives are lurking in government ranks.


Tyler
said
0 0

That grimace and gnashing teeth of Baird's are classic villain and deceptive character that JD Rowlings would downright fright Harry Potter with. The guy is out of this world!


Sudbury Matt
said
0 0

I admit that Baird made a bonehead move with these cards but I can not believe how much of an issue is actually being made out of this. It was 300$ difference and in the grand scheme of things within the budget, it is pennies. Yet now we have both sides having to argue and discuss for hours. Think of the amount of money and time we are wasting while both sides turn this $300 mistake into a political fight. Baird made the mistake and stands by his mistake, a simple press release from all parties should have been more than enough.Both sides need to drop this issue and get back onto dealing with the real issues like I don't know, unemployment, healthcare, wars, etc. You know, the IMPORTANT stuff.


Scott
said
0 0

Don't the Liberals have any bigger fish to fry? no wonder they're in 3rd place.


Dan in TO
said
0 0

The Honourable member needs to remind himself that Canada is an officially bilingual nation and that as a cabinet minister he represents all Canadians. When does the Prime Minister step up and do the right thing and hold his Cabinet minister accountable?The Tories are spending us into debt spending freely on the public purse, when thousands of Canadians need jobs and they do little or nothing to help them.


Anonyo67
said
0 0

Oh the arrogant hypocricy, we must have 'Royal' armed forces & the ridiculous flag waving law, yet Baird will not put Canada on his card & not in our official languages? This is only the beginning people


Nathan
said
0 0

I think it's brilliant, and I'll buy one for $400 and make the cheque to Govt. of canada to make people stop complaining about the waste of govt. money.


D. Hartley
said
0 0

I thought only adults were awarded positions such as the one Baird occupies. Expanding arrogance.


Mark Vancouver
said
0 0

Maybe the minister likes a nice "golden shower"


Jaid in Toronto
said
0 0

Through this, Canada would look truly foreign, and so to travel around Canada, it requires a private jet to advertise Canada's "foreign" record.


Concerned
said
0 0

It's pretty obvious that he's using these cards for "personal" rather than business reasons. Glad he's been caught out. He might think $400 isn't much money - but it's a lot and the "rush" probably cost extra to the Canadian taxpayer.


IslandGuy
said
0 0

Good grief...is this really national news and the stuff of discussion in the House of Parliament? Don't we have bigger fish to fry?


Cindy-Mae
said
0 0

Come on!?!? What the hell is going on with Canadian's tax dollars? Gold cards and free billions for Quebec?!?! Something stinks to high heaven and enough Hockey Night in Canada and a little more crowding onto the steps of Parliament to demand answers!


Claudia
said
0 0

If Baird ever comes across the Goose Who Lays the Golden Eggs, his chin will be shiny.


Mike
said
0 0

Conservatives dislike Canada. They dislike everything this country stands for and that's the reason why they want so desperately to change it all. You'd think a person on that side of the political spectrum would be interested in preserving what's good about the country, but what they want is for us to forget who we are and become more like the United States. Politicians have always been slimy but I simply can't be proud of the Canadian political system anymore. The Liberals screwed up bad and from out of the power vacuum we got the worst possible outcome. It's a shame.


Jeep
said
0 0

Just imagine a federal minister with business cards in French only... Everybody here would be upset with good reasons... Why isn't it the same when it`s the opposite? You don`t have to be bilingual to be a true Canadian, but a representative of the government of Canada has to have his business cards in both official languages. Anything else is a clear message to "the others" that they do not belong. Sad, very sad from a minister and from our government.


The Artful Codger
said
0 0

I remember the old adage..."give someone an inch and they become a ruler"


Vladimir
said
0 0

I lean very much toward the Conservatives' point of view. But in this case minister's behavior the best described by the proverb: "a bull in a china shop".


glenn
said
0 0

get rid of the non-canadian.
stop distroying our heritage and identity.
get rid of him.


Paul C.
said
0 0

The line between public affairs and private business is becoming blurry.


Paul C.
said
0 0

The line between public affairs and private business is becoming blurry.


Maury
said
0 0

He's a very scary looking critter! Something out of a feudal fairy tale. Unreal!


Alan
said
0 0

Oh my goodness, rules always rules. Rules for personal use of government planes, rules for formats on business cards.Why should these important people be encumbered by rules? Of course then the key question who is an important person. No, they should be let's call it free range and we the rest of the country will follow the rules because that is important. And I am a Conservative.My experience has always been each time you break a rule or make an exception you create a precedent that makes the next infringement difficult to defend.


Ray Jorritsma
said
0 0

I'm sure Mr. Baird will find some way to blame the former Liberal government for the format of his cards, just like his boss, Mr. Harper always does.


John
said
0 0

I'm happy to see conservative supporters supporting idiotic decisions like this.

I also like how they bring up old scandals that were *not* supported by the people and pretend that they were the only people outraged.

It just shows how petty and divisive they are.


Pippa Martins-St. Onge
said
0 0

A disgusting display of conspicuous consumption from the needy Mr. Baird. What's next? Gold embossed toilet paper on his Challenger jet?


Sadie
said
0 0

p.s.

re a couple of comments incl my previous one ...
All Canadian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates are provided a photo of the Queen, the Governor General, the PM, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Trade and sometimes a junion Minister/Secretary of State related to the MFA & T

this has been tradition since day one .. this is not a conservative thing... problem is sometimes they arent put up or relegated to an unobscure wall !


Sadie
said
0 0

Oh oh - John ... not a good move - at least have them bilingual !

PMO should have intervened - instead of either ignoring/approving or unaware ...

as for the paintings... they were due to be changed - the Pearson building has had the same paintings for years and needed a change - especially the children playing in the burning barn !
Having our Head of State displayed prominently ... so no problem with that ! HoS, PM, Min should be all around - it looks nice too ! ... others do it ... why not us ...


Calgary Cowboy
said
0 0

In troubling and uncertain times a true leader leads by example.


Thomas Boland
said
0 0

does he really need a business card? he's a Minister for gosh sake. Hi, I'm prime minister of canada. Here's my card if you don't believe me.


cJ
said
0 0

Baird not surprising. Not worth a comment.


Why is this stuff happening
said
0 0

Not a very honourable thing to do and extremely unprofessional. The Canada watermark was removed until he receives the Queens blessing to put on the Union Jack. He is actually working for another county but is collecting our money. This is just disgusting even for a conservative minister.


Check it Out - Ottawa
said
0 0

Must be quite common with logos etc...as the Ontario Liberal Government have removed the Ontario Logo from their election signs and on top of that the color on the signs are no longer "red" their "now a cranberry color"... we as Canadians will just keep on paying


John Goldman
said
0 0

The Lefties have simply confused self-confidence with arrogance and ego. Do you think when Mr. Baird hands out a card, someone actually says - I'm sorry, where are you from? The Lefties would have approved had he printed it on a golf ball!


'Trou' Canadian
said
0 0

I was wondering if Prof. Pye Chartt is a dual citizen. His unconditional and partisan support to Mr. Baird is somewhat fishy. They may share similar idea of a golden and diamond filled land and a heavenly intelligent book of law.


JOHN
said
0 0

Typical of the sleezy way Baird does everything, coupled with his unbridled arrogance as the PM's chief "boy."


Canadians are counting!
said
0 0

Ah Frank... Comparing monogrammed golf balls (not business cards) issued by a Liberal PM years and years ago with the Business Cards that represent a Canadian Minister seems a bit... well... childishly Conservative and it wreaks of desperation. Besides, if there was a comparison (which there certainly isn't), one justifies the other? What grade are you in? Just admit it. Your Mr. Baird and his government are screwing Canadians every which way they can. No matter how little, no matter how much, it's all adding up to their final four years. Trust me. Many Canadians are counting with smiles on their faces!


GH
said
0 0

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada does not want to acknowledge that he is representing Canada. So I have to ask, who does he think he is representing to the world?


michaeltbutler
said
0 0

I agree with John Baird in dropping the name "Pearson" from his business cards for a nondescript building description. He should have replaced the Canada with Harper Government and the Red Ensign.


Alex in Edmonton
said
0 0

I voted for the Conservatives, and I thought until now that Baird has been doing a pretty good job as foreign affairs minister, with the exception of removing those long-standing paintings (it was a good idea to add a picture of our Queen, but I don't see why the paintings had to be completely removed from the room). But this news is just too much. Gold embossing is a waste of money, and what on earth is wrong with having "Canada" on his business card, especially if he represents our country on the world stage? John Baird should be serving Canada, not himself. Removing French from it is an insult, because it has equal status with English as an official language. And removing Pearson's name is a denial of our Canadian heritage, since he's a national hero and happened to be our foreign minister once. This is not insignificant news.


val
said
0 0

The problem I have with our system is that 'common' citizens, whom these elected egotistical marsupials represent, have to no means of reversing these decisions, and then turf them out of office before 4 years are up. Then again, we 'common' citizens elect these bozos.


Bob in Ottawa
said
0 0

Political arrogance!! What's new. Typial of the little guy who becomes a big guy. Do it my way or your gone. Seems BIG BAD JOHN is showing his true strips. Politial piggy.


Sandy
said
0 0

Aww, let's take the gold and make him a pretty little gold "halo" He must really think he is someone very special...


Peter - Markahm
said
0 0

Honourable John Baird? Ha. Good one. There is nothing honourable about this classless clown. Bully seems more appropriate.


Pat in Ottawa
said
0 0

Wow,The only reason I will post a comment on this is to say this: How the hell did something that insignificant got so many comments??????? Lets all get appalled and revolt!


WJ
said
0 0

Where did he "demand"? It seems like many in the business world, when presented with a proof of his business card, he merely scribbled some corrections on it. I don't agree with him or the request, but I find it odd this is being touted as he "demanded" them, as if do it or else!


Carl
said
0 0

The most appalling aspect of this story is the fact that so many different bureaucrats were involved in ordering the Minister's business cards. If three bureaucrats chimed in on such a trivial matter, at least two of them are redundant and should be laid off.


JD, Ottawa
said
0 0

This is just the start folks. Those of us on the inside know about all this nonsense, but it's just coming out now. Get ready. It only gets worse.


cj
said
0 0

I actually appreciate The Right Honourable Mr. Baird's having removed his claim of corporate employee from his business card with the removal of the corporate "wordmark".This means that decisions that he makes and or supports are his and he is accepting legal liability. This liability would include the legally questionable invasion of Libya; and any covert and legally questionable American black ops in Libya that Canada (the country not the corporation) has been aware of and then remained involved in the NATO operational presence in Libya.


Lisa
said
0 0

The amount spent is small potatoes. If he wants to spend his money...oh excuse me I mean OUR money on gold print, whatever. However, it kinda reminds me of the parallel of the frog in water over a burner. But removing Canada off the cards!? You are a representative of Canada....some may say a civil SERVANT. How many companies allow you to design your own business cards and leave company info off...unless of course you are the company owner.....and therein may lie the problem.


Paul, Vancouver Island
said
0 0

If a member feels it necessary to have gold, platinum or rubies on his cards to massage his ego he should pay for it himself, but when he wants Canada removed he has stepped over the line totally, and has obviously lost track of his purpose as an elected member. It says a great deal about the man and perhaps he should remove himself and not the country that pays his salary - and do Canadians the favour of taking Clements with him.


robertp16
said
0 0

@GHW and everyone else who sides with their parties on any of these kind of issues...HOW CAN ANYONE, CONSERVATIVE, LIBERAL OR OTHERWISE feel this is acceptable? I don't care which party is currently being sleazy, the fact is this is unacceptable for ANY public servant!


Robertp16
said
0 0

The arrogance of our politicians never ceases to amaze me. In a time when the economy is in danger of total collapse and many, many Canadians are out of work or working for peanuts this arrogant self absorbed minister has the gaul to be ordering gold embossed business cards in a tribute to all his glory. One would think that his boss might, if he had any class whatsoever, suggest that at the very least the optics of this arent so great. But no. They are too full of themselves to even care about the rest of us or what we think.


Nicolas
said
0 0

This is the kind of attitude that got the Liberals where they are and now the Conservatives are following in there footsteps with their majority. I guess the next federal gov. will be NDP.


Alta Girl
said
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Good grief, get a grip! If this is the biggest issue for anti- conservatists to get riled up over, then I can only assume that the current government is doing one heck of a good job! Go and have a nice day and get a real issue to worry over!


Mark in Newmarket
said
0 0

I like the business card idea with our coat of arms in gold. I just wish that Canada on the card would not have been removed since he is representing Canada as our Minister of Foreign Affairs. But that is just little stuff, there are much more important and urgent matters that need to be tended to, so lets move on and get back to work.


Nicolas
said
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Sure, and I'm going to demand my employer remove federal income tax paid from my paycheck. If they want to arrest me I will claim the conservative gov. set the precedent.


LP
said
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At Pie Chartt - One would think even you would begin to run out of excuses for your beloved PC party.... power corrupts no matter your ideology. The sad thing is that people seem to think it is okay because the perception is the Liberals did it so we can abuse our power aswell. I thought that was supposed to change when the PCs got in to power. All I see is more frivolous perks at my expense.


WASP
said
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At least he did not change his title to "Secretary of State"... I've got a feeling the conservative polling machine is finding positive reactions to french bashing.


k
said
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It doesn't bother you people that he asked that 'Canada" be removed?? Or, that it is unilingual?? What kind of Canadians are you?? I'm glad CTV is showing us what kind of people these HarperCons are!


J.C.
said
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Personally I think the word Canada should remain on the card. Otherwise I have no objections other than the fact that they be kept as low as possible cost wise!! At a time when the government is calling for cutbacks every single penny should count!!! A title is merely a title. The concern is whether a person can do the job or not.


Brian in Toronto
said
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1st - I am a Progressive Conservative and have been for over 30 years.For those who are saying people are responding because they are lefties or Liberals, that is irrelevant. Harper and his cronies seem to think that they can do what they want. What took Cretien and his liberals over 8 years with a majority only seems to be taking these guys a 5 years. There are standards with documents and cards. He wanted gold, English and no Canada. We are a bilingual country that deals with many countries that speak French as their official language. The gold is a bit much, Harper should have it maybe, but not a minister. And as for Canada, all I can say is that he lives, works and was voted in CANADA.


rmsbl4
said
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How long is this temporary exemption to the rules good for? Could it be it's over when he he shot himself in the foot with his self certered egotism of not representing Canada.It would be nice if people printed off all these comments and forwarded them to his office so he can see the consesus of his actions.


Yvonne Prescott
said
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If Baird is too ashamed to have his country named on his business cards, he should also know that we TRUE Canadians are too ashamed to have him serve our country as part of our government. Resign, Mr. Baird, and take your gold-embossed cards with you.


frank
said
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My my. Seems all the Liberals bashing the conservatives have a very selective memory.

Remember Jean Chretien and his monographed golf balls?

Oh wait. That's DIFFERENT because it was the Liberals then and we all know that they play by different rules. For them it's do as I say, don't do as I do.


Kiwi
said
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A simple calculation. 308 MPs$200 extra for business cards that have gold on them308 * $200 = $61600.Clearly, we should lay off a low level government employee that provides a service to Canadian citizens, in order that all of our representatives can get gold printed cards


don frazer
said
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I can understand remove the liberals name off business cards however this guy is feeding off his own EGO!

Removing Canada from his business card. That's who he represents. The government of Canada. THE PEOPLE WHO PUT HIM IN OFFICE.

This guy is a disgrace!!


GHW
said
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As a conservative supporter it brings me great comfort to see the left in a flap about this kind of stuff. As long as the left engages in these same old childish antics they will never rise to power. Good job lefties keep showing us what you’re made of.


Hilton Shand
said
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A couple of days ago the Conservatives were making it illegal to prevent someone from flying a Canadian flag. But Baird can remove Canada from his business cards. They have no sense of what Canada is. 60% of Canadians voted against them because they are not seeing to Canadas best interests. The spend huge quantities of public money advertising the Conservative agenda; not Canadas.


Robert B
said
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Who the heck thought this one up? That goofy NDP MP from North Wpg.? what the heck is his name again? you know the one who wants to get rid of the penny!!!! It escapes me ....


BCDarr
said
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Insisting on removing the word 'Canada' says it all. I'm actually glad it's called the 'Harper' government, because it acknowledges that Canada doesn't have one. We haven't for a long time.


Alan
said
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@Prof. Pye Chartt. I happen to agree with you totally.... thanks for the early morning chuckle!



Cam
said
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if George V. thinks Baird's cards are "his business" then George V. can pay for them, because you can be sure Baird didn't.

Well Canada, you gave the Conservatives a majority. Satisfied?


jdf - calgary
said
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Every time I read one of these trivial stories, I'm glad I voted Conservative. It appears that the libs, ndp and ctv news is going to try and mickey mouse the conservatives to death.I think that ctv's broadcast license should be reviewed. Since they were bought out by Bell, their liberal leanings have been more than clear. How was it you spell Ontario teachers union?


martreb
said
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Was having a slow day so thought "let's read the comments about the business card scandel in Ottawa", should be good for a laugh. People you take yourselves too seriously! Who gives a darn, if John Baird has gold embossed cards, although the printers must fear Baird like the devil himself that they produced a disclaimer to cover their behinds.Is this newsworthy? Is this political fodder to be examined, and cross examined? Please, this is about a guy with a bit of an ego, nothing of importance. Maybe they will catch John Baird wearing a red tie, instead of a blue one, now that would be news right?


Terry
said
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It's a BUSINESS CARD. Since when did the fate of the world, or indeed Canada, depend on the lettering of a business card. Who cares? Do a good job and you can emboss it in glitter for all I care. Man, the cost of the reporter doing this story was more than the cards. Get a life people. There are much bigger problems in Canada. Next we will be tracking on John Baird's use of toilet paper - plush or recycled?


George in Arnprior
said
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To ridicule Baird for his choice of business cards calls into question the way society has debased itself into a mob mentality (diaprax) squabbling over petty issues. Do people feel so irrelevant that they have this need to prove a point no matter how trivial? We have lost our focus on what is important in life.


mike
said
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They made changes to the building name and the removal of the Canadian logo because we will become the next American state, Did governor Harper not mention that yet??


Prof. Pye Chartt
said
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Anything that allows the anti-Conservatives the therapeutic opportunity to vent their anger, frustration, and ongoing electoral bitterness is a good idea, as far as I'm concerned. Without silly little "outrages" like this, these folks wouldn't know what to do with themselves most of the time. (You know who you are, and, you know that you actually LOVE stuff like this, as much as it sends you over the political deep end. It truly gets you excited to fiercely type your venomous comment.) Thank-you, Minister Baird. I happen to think that the business cards are quite snazzy!


Sniffles
said
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What a crock! This is the height of arrogance and he should be disciplined for failing to comply with the government regulations. First, he is in a Federal position, representing Canada, not everyone in the world knows where Ottawa, Ontario is. Most Americans don't...Second, we have two official languages. Just because he only speaks one, doesn't mean the other should be left off his card. Maybe it should be mandatory for all elected officials to speak both languages, n'est pas! Tres stupid! Fire the bum.


Intelligent Liberal
said
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Normally I would be very outraged by this, but in this case I can see Baird's point. A unilingual English card is acceptable since he is Minister of FOREIGN Affairs, therefore he doesn't have to worry only about Quebec. Also foreigners would like the colour of a golden enmbossed card, since that would portray Canada as a wealthy nation. Since his job is to make foreigners happy, foreign affairs business cards should use the more commonly accepted language world-wide, which is English.


casual observer
said
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'John Baird sets the standard'...gold, unilingual and removing Canada? Who is John Baird to do this? And why was it allowed? It's doubtful John Baird would be DEMANDING gold if the cost was coming out of his pocket. He and his peer Peter Mackay are 2 peas in a pod wrt to who they think they are and their spending habits.


Kathy Moore
said
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This is ridiculous! If I worked for a company how could I have business card made and have the company logo removed! He should be made to pay for these cards and have the proper ones made up for him.


Alyx Crawford
said
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@Diane - government requirements are that the Canada word mark be displayed on government communicaitons. It is the official logo that ppears on business cards, stationary, buildings, and even vehicles. It should never be dropped, even if the crest (coat of arms) is also used.


John Lethbridge
said
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Give me a FREAKING break people - we are talking about business cards here. What is next, he insists on Timmy's instead of govt issued java?


Prairie Dog
said
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Is this news??? Business cards!Wow - we must be living in a perfect world to have reporters fixated on a person's business cardsWhat a joke.


Joey from Montreal
said
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Gold is so tacky and tasteless. As long as it didn't cost 2 billion dollars - I think the media should stop going after little things which are so insignificant and splash it on the front page. Really, as if the author of this article would be any better.


CR
said
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Good for Baird. I've always thought the "Canada" wordmark with the little flag was ugly and cheap looking anyways. And usually redundant too. I'd prefer a simple "Government of Canada" with no flag and in Times New Roman or another official font on my business cards as well. Much more professional looking.


Amazed in BC
said
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Do this as an employee of IBM, TD Bank, RBC etc and your a is grass. It shocks me how the righties will jump to the defence of the cons no matter how blatant and self serving their actions are. This is an absolute act of arrogance and disrespect that will be accepted by Harper and all the minions who voted him in.


Paul ~ Kitchener
said
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Let me first say, that I voted for the Conservative Party, & believed they would uphold real Canadian Values. As a senior citizen, you would think I have lived long enough, to know, that "Politics & TRUTH" are really devoid of each other. I find some of the Governments decisions are good for Canada, but, the actions by Ministers of "Pork Barreling", & "Personal Ideals", are making this government questionable at best. Since we gave Mr. Harper a majority he has taken on the role of "Supreme Leader". WE the people are stuck with another 4 years of this type of governing ~ OG WELL ! Politicians like Baird , McKay, Clement etc will live on, and we can do nothing until 2015 " THEN IT's PAYDAY ". Unfortunately in Canada today, we have NO LEADER or REAL POLITICAL PARTY ! Sit back folks, and enjoy the ride, there is no stopping this majority train.


Peter
said
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Why have rules if he can change them to suit his needs (or should I say "wants")


Good grief. Relax!
said
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So he has two sets of business cards. Big deal. So he prefers the Canadian Coat of Arms than the "Canada" logo. Kinda redundant having both no? So he has a set with a gold CoA and one without. Maybe he uses the ones with the gold for high-powered officials from other countries and the other set for more minor contacts? So he uses English only which is spoken by virtually every foreign contact he would have as opposed to French. The card already has a bunch of info on it. Having both languagesit required him to have a two-sided card. And before you accuse him of being anti-French, look where the cards were printed: Across the river in Quebec by a French printer. How dare he not use someone in Ottawa and support the English economy!!!!!!This is nothing more than more politically-motivated journalism by the Canadian Press. Notice how they didn't bother asking for comment from the Ministry before posting? This was a one-sided story all the way.


One Canadian
said
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To the Dis-Honorable John Baird, I say shame on you, who do you think you are ? If you don't like Canada on your Business Card, then why are you in Canadian politics? Why are you an MP? I can only imagine how much you love this country, and it's history, that you choose to remove them even when the LAW PROHIBITS you to do so. - These Conservatives are going to teach Canadian why this party should of never been allowed to succeed.


Kiwi
said
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@DianeThe one sided gold printed cards cost twice as much as the two sided bilingual non-gold printed cards. All MPs, regardless of party, are expected to follow the rules/guidelines for government paid business cards. The problem here is that Mr. Baird used his position of power to force an unnecessary expenditure.


James in Calgary
said
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What arrogance from Baird. Flouting himself above regulations. I sort of admired this guy before with his no b.s. attitude, but this sort of 'I'm above the regualtions" attitude knocks him down a few pegs. He's acting like a Liberal. Mr. Harper, show some management and leadership skills and get ego boy under control, and tell him the rules are there for a reason and taxpayers want them adhered to.


Charlotte
said
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ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!!! Gold - who does he think he is?? You chose this career buddy and it doesn't come with Gold on your business card. It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify anything politicians are doing these days. Dropping Canada? Unilingual? SHOCKING. The words "mind numbingly stupid" come to mind.


Serge
said
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It's amazing to see how so many people here (the majority) completely miss the point of this story. The costs involved in these business cards is irrelevant. To me this is more a snapshot that captures vividly how our supposed national government is in fact nothing more than a bunch of narrow-minded Reform Party hacks slowly chipping away at our institutions, values and identity behind our back. We will pay dearly if this folly continues.


Bob
said
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These politicians are worth every penny. Nice to know they spend time and money concerning themselves with such trivialities. If gold makes their egos feel good, so be it.


k markham
said
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I am no fan of Baird or the Harper government, but this is a non issue. How deep does the media have to dig in order to get a story. There are so many important matters to report on and we have a story about gold embossing on a business card for about $124. Honestly, do we really care that much!!


MP
said
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Can you tell an election is only days away? You'll see some really pathetic child-like mud-slinging from all sides.

Welcome to Full Day Parliamentary Kindergarten.


URU
said
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This is why the country is going down the hill with HARPER'S LEADERSHIP or POOR and LACK OF LEADERSHIP. Looks like our country has ROGUE political figures running for their personal cause: Mackay $3 Million, Top Soldier $1 Million, Gold for Baird what other personal expenses from TAX PAYERS FUNDS. Corrupt Corrupt Corrupt!!!


Don
said
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Obviously Mr. Baird has too much time on his hands. He needs to focus on his job and not playing "spiral graph" on his computer to design an emblem. It's not his money, so who cares, right???


AM
said
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I'm actually offended that one of my government representatives would have the gall to do such things! He removed a piece of Canadian history from his card in the form of Lester B Pearson.
He removed the Canadian logo. That's just unpatriotic. I don’t really care about the gold embossing as much. Small potatoes... wasting money is what governments do.
Then the story goes on that he removed paintings from the Lester B building, and renamed a building?
Disgusting arrogance. Harper, get your house in check. Your government is the most arrogant piece of government trash I’ve ever seen. I gave you a chance, and yet you are turning Canada into Harperland. If I saw you I’d never shake your hand. Our Canadian history is not supposed to be over written by you and your egomaniac cabinet.



Anne
said
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Well, that attitude is a bit alarming. I would think Canada should be first and foremost. Gold embossing is a pompous request reflecting delusions of grandeur. As far as English only - I'm shocked that was even considered never mind accommodated, we're officially bilingual whether he likes it or not and that should be reflected on government business cards. As a matter of fact, having english only cards in a global community is actually seen as unprofessional.


Stewie
said
0 0

Thank goodness Harper & crew are saving us money every where they can in this economic down turn. I love the new flag bill, you can get up to 2 years in jail for hanging your flag wrong so you better read the instructions carefully on how to hang your flag. Millions being spent flying Harper & crew around the globe, really good belt tightening Steve. Canada's debt clock shows the government is going into debt at a rate of about 4 million per hour. It looks like they're trying to spend us out of debt. Including the 13 billion stimulus the liberals left this government they have blown over 130 billion & added over 120 billion to our national debt. Opposition parties only agreed to 13 billion in stimulus spending, obviously Harper didn't think that was near enough.


LDL in ONT
said
0 0

Every once in a while a story comes along that is so trivial, so minute that it has a life of its own and it becomes larger than its content. This is it. The larger media driven mud raking issues like government jet use are non starters are actually petty because that is simply the cost of governing a country. However, the subtext of this gem speaks volumes about an abuse of power matched only by Mr. Baird's apparent ego. Foriegn Affairs is a very important portfolio so to tinker and fuss over building names, portraits, and business cards seem rather anal and a misapporpration of energy and attention. I support the Conservatives because I believe in their political ideology, but all governments evently loose their focus, starting with the smallest of seemingly inane missteps, I just didn't think it would begin so soon. Mr. Baird needs to be reminded who he works for, Canada, including the "Canada" watermark and the Canadian flag the flies from the letter "d". It's there for a reason. Put a leash on this clown Mr. Harper before it's too late.


Diane
said
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@ Dave - 1) It's gold ink 2) The EMBLEM of Canada is prominent and therefore the word Canada is redundant. Can't you lefties THINK for yourselves and figure this out yet? You people are so freakin trigger happy you never read first before spewing your anti-conservative venom.


Ian
said
0 0

In response to G.

It doesn't matter what your budget may be. One of your prime responsibilities as an elected official is to spend wisely and if you can save $$$$ here and there then it goes a long way. Would you do half of these things if the money was coming out of your own pocket. I don't think so. It seems to be that the age old saying in government of "use it or lose it" is alive and well.


David Fraser Nanoose Bay BC
said
0 0

Although I am a Conservative supporter, I am disgusted at the antics of Mr. Baird. His ego seems to get in the way of common sense. This is not much of a news story but it goes to show somebody better close the corral gate before more of the minions get out! I think it time Mr.Harper puts the reins on this guy.


Guelph Observer
said
0 0

Rumour has it that Baird has commissioned a statue to be made of himself (gold leaf of course) to be finished and place in the main lobby of the Lester B. Pearson building (whose name will be changed to "The Baird Box". All of this is to happen before Baird leaves office. Vanity at its worst AND at taxpayer expense.


Rick
said
0 0

Just another example of political waste. Doesn't matter which party is in. NO ONE IN POLITICS could care less about the Canadian people. They are only concerned about themselves and their a$$kissing friends. Fat pensions while they squander away hardworking peoples taxes. Never going to change.


Will
said
0 0

The card issue is a minor thing at best. I am more concerned by the fact that the public service mandarines don't like having a portrait of the sovereign displayed prominently and that they don't like our embassies to be publicly marked as Canadian. Far too many members of Quebec's "new intelligencia" in senior positions.


Alex Morin
said
0 0

No wonder the Americans like him, Baird's ego is bigger that his head and that is truly scary. His motto has always been "it's my way or the highway." It's time for this wannabe boy wonder to go. (Please have him pay for his business cards out of his own pocket first)


Dave
said
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Diane ... you don't care at all that your tax dollars are going to paying for John Baird's gold embossed business cards? Waste of tax payers money, yet there are people like Diane who don't even consider that. So many people are clueless to the governments over spending and it is absolutely ridiculous.


CANADA first
said
0 0

Gold embossing - meh! who really cares. Removing the "Canada" logo when you're the Min. of Foreign Affairs? ...very very strange, dismissive and insulting to all Canadians. Next he'll probably replace it with the Conservative logo..


BMan
said
0 0

He represents Canada... My question is "Why?" Why does he not want to be known as a representative of Canada, which is why he got elected, to represent "Canadians"...


Paul
said
0 0

With all this frivolous spending, I sense that come next election, the Conservatives are going to be trailing in the polls. Harper needs to keep his Ministers under control when it comes to public spending and taxpayers dollars. Gold embossed business? Really now!


Tom91
said
0 0

They should drop some text from his paycheck too. If he doesnt like Canada so much he should find someoe else to pay his salary. Not my taxes!


James T.
said
0 0

This sort of thing makes me embarrassed to be Conservative. It's like a man wearing diamonds. It's unseemly. It's undignified. And where I come from, it's just not done.


Camwest
said
0 0

Is this really a story? I do not care about what anyone has on their buisness cards. Defintitely a waste of time.


Len
said
0 0

When one has Steve by your side one can do as he pleases!


chrisinOntariariari-Oh!
said
0 0

I have to agree somewhat with some of the comments thus far posted as petty as it may seem these changes should not have been approved if there were guidelines in place.These rules were put in place to cover all M.P.'s and shouldn't be changed at the whim of a few or just one in this case.It makes me wonder how he was able to override the existing rules and why he was allowed to get away with it.It's too bad that these kinds of optics can do harm to a government that prides itself in prudent and responsible governance can allow its M.P.'s to stray from the core fundementals they were elected on.Kind of remind's you of the type of behaviour exhibited by the former "natural governing party".


G
said
0 0

I love how the left and its supporters seem to complain about every little thing the Conservatives are doing. It's like when they hear that Mr. Harper went on a trip or Mr. McKay and spent such and such, the left blows a lid and says "They spend too much money" and "See, they don't really care about our tax dollars!" However, what they fail to recognize is that there is a budget for federal ministers to use and they stay within it. Of course, the left wouldn't know what a budget is since they always spend more money than they have, but that's another story...


Mike1
said
0 0

Relax people more is coming with the Harper government, this is just the tip of the iceburg.


Conservatives are crooks
said
0 0

To the numbskulls who voted these crooks into a majority position, thanks for throwing my tax dollars away like this. How sad that unintelligent, unqualified and self-serving people can vote just because they're "of age".


David
said
0 0

Last time I looked Baird was elected to represent the people of Canada, which is a bilingual country and all the elected representatives should be using bilingual business cards., with Canada proudly on the card.To take off the address or name of the building is also not respectfull of those before him.If Baird is not comfortable with the the country he represents as Foreign Minister then let him resign.As far as replacing pictures I am in favour of Canada becoming a republic after all this time.By the way, I was born in the UK and voted Conservative in the past three electionsThis is disgusting


Paul Allen
said
0 0

Let's see John Baird's card... Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a watermark.


spaz
said
0 0

If this is the biggest problem our country is faced with......please kiss the soil.We do not have factions trying to overthrow our government.......drug cartels dumping bodies in the street.......suicide bombers attacking police stations.......have we all taken a deep breath ????Our problems seem so petty when compared to some parts of the world........ sooooo what are you having for lunch today ????


thebigv
said
0 0

good for him! personally, my business cards state my position as "Supreme Commnder", so there.


Larry i Ontario
said
0 0

Another example of out and out abuse. Mr. Harper you have serious issues in your cabnet. The crooks are stacking up: Peter McKay, Tony Cliement, The general and now Mr. Bulldog John Baird. Maybe you should fire your entire cabnet and put new honest people in. It is time to stop defending the undefencable and kick these bums out.


Jeff
said
0 0

Don't know what's worse, Baird's actions or the mindless sheep or defend him saying they are his business cards and he can do as he wishes. Last time I checked, Baird was not an independent businessman, he was a representative of the Canadian government. A public servant so to speak


Cyberdude
said
0 0

After applying pressure, however, Baird's office was eventually granted a temporary exemption from federal identification rules, allowing him to use the non-standard business cards.

=================================

Are we ALL allowed to break the rules like you have "Right Honourable" Mr. Baird?

With the likes of YOU conducting our foreign affairs, we'll have no friends left except American Tea Partiers.


Joe Szentirmay
said
0 0

A shameful attempt at character assassination on the part of the media.Left-wing entitlement is rearing its ugly head again.


Matthew
said
0 0

With the removal of his country's name on his business cards, does this not make them now personnel? I know all my business cards had their respective company logo's on them. Gotta love that 150% cost increase as well. It's kinda hard to sell me on service cuts and balancing the books, when this kinda foolish expenditure is allowed. Funny last time I checked our country was in the red. I don't purchase a 500$ Tv, when I can only afford a 200$ model. This reeks of yet more contempt by government officials. Liberal, Conservative, or NDP, doesn't matter, they are all greedy. Using their fellow citizens hard earned cash to buy toys.I urge you all to email your MP's this morning demanding Baird, return to the cheaper version's of his cards.


Jim
said
0 0

Must be a slow news day for CTV. He wants to get rid of Lester B's name? Good. Ditch the french wording? Excellent (Too bad we couldn't do that with the whole province of Quebec as easily).


Hank
said
0 0

On stationary, business cards and in consulates around the world Canada could do so much better, if the current holder of the office of Foreign Minister were to be reassigned to a less important portfolio.


Robert on Beaconsfield
said
0 0

Curiouser and curiouser.....It is interesting to note that a business card of an elected governmental member could be construed as being a government communication whereby the member is identified. If such is the case would Baird's cards contravene the Official Languages Act requiring federal government communications to be available in both official languages?Maybe Baird simply doesn't want to deal with French Canadians and doesn't feel he needs cards in French anyway? He already knows they wouldn't vote for him.


Kevin, Calgary
said
0 0

If Mr. Baird is embarrassed about acknowledging Canada and showing our flag, why is he still representing us as Minister of Foreign Affairs? This sounds like someone who has chosen ego over duty, and petty partisanism over patriotism. Appalling.


wavy
said
0 0

What is it with Harper's Cons, they feel they can do pretty much whatever they damn well please, no explanation required- the rules don't apply and, really, who's going to stop them? This is going to lead to a brow-beaten, disenfranchised, apathetic voter population who feel disgusted by the MPs running amuck but also helpless and defeated in their inability to do anything about it, which is EXACTLY how they want their critics and non-supporters to feel- defeated. A sad, undemocratic state of affairs all around.


Ian
said
0 0

What a colossal waste of time and money. Does Mr Baird think he is better than any other Canadian Government representative ? Someone better go check his private bathroom as he probably has had gold fixtures and an automatic toilet paper dispenser installed. I personally have no preference as to what is put on one's business cards, however it must be one rule for all. As for your comment Keefer, GO BACK TO SLEEP. Canada is a bilingual country and as such our elected officials must embody this in whatever they do.


cantuc
said
0 0

When will they run out of nits ?


Prof not a Pye Chartt
said
0 0

I say leave the cards as they are and let's figure out a way to remove Baird from Canada for good. His arrogance overwhelms me as does the way this Harper Government does by rebranding everything to suit their OWN agenda. Last time I looked it was the Government of Canada and NOT the Harper Government (TM)


mining guy Jim
said
0 0

Too funny that this becomes news. Some people are so egocentrical about their business cards. My business card has my name, phone and cell number, and underneath my full name it says, "Rock guy" None of my post grad certs nada. That get's way more attention than your name in gold type. Men who brag on their business cards are usually short on delivery.


John
said
0 0

@Keefer
I suggest you re-read the article, because you completely misunderstood it.



John
said
0 0

And the Conservatives demonstrate once again that they don't value OUR tax dollars.



Wynn Currie
said
0 0

I'm English speaking but believe in bilingualism. The economy is down, so forget the gold foil (after all who is paying for the cards, the minister or the taxpayer?) and Canada is our country and deserves to be on all federal servants business cards.As a nobel peace prize winner, we should honour Mr. Pearson's memory in some special way but how we do that can can be put up for debate.With all this said I'd like to see the proposed card before making a judgement call. Still, unless the minister is paying for personal cards, I don't think he should have any say in the matter.


Pugfire
said
0 0

Diane. I agree that it's great not to be a sheeple, when YOU are paying for whatever. However when I as a taxpayer must pay more just to feed Baird's narcissism, that irks me.


John
said
0 0

Who picked up the tab? This is insulting in many different ways.


Jettle
said
0 0

John Baiird's ego knows no bounds. This is a complete waste of money. Tell me why John Baird needs business cards in gold. It also shows a petty side to Mr. Baird in the removal of Lester Pearson's name. Removing Canada from the card is simply disrespectful to the country and Canadians. He works for the crown and he should remember that....


PEI Fella
said
0 0

This seems extremely odd and unnecessary. Does he think Lester B. is going to come back from the grave and retake parliament by storm? Also I don't like that the head of Foreign Affairs doesn't want our government's logo and our country's name on his cards. I think Mr. Harper should reprimand Senor Baird for this silly, stupid and unnecessary fiasco.


jakael
said
0 0

typical "Harper Government" arrogance


George V.
said
0 0

Another non- story by C.T.V. . Who cares. The gold is only ink. Ther'e his business cards how he wants to design them are his business. Find something better to report. Must be a slow day.


Andrew Stevens
said
0 0

That's something else the bureaucrats at Foreign Affairs got completely wrong. When the Rt. Hon. John Baird ordered pictures of The Queen in all Canadian foreign missions what he was actually asking for was his portrait to be displayed. He's always referred to himself in the third person.


Mike vdB - Chatham, ON
said
0 0

One without gold (and representation of the two official languages of this country) costs the govt $198. The one with gold (English only) costs the taxpayers $425. Doesn't seem like good use of taxpayer's money. I couldn't care less about the removal of Mr. Person's name but it is interesting that a govt introduces a flag bill to make themselves more Canadian but Mr. Baird removes the govt's own "CANADA" branding. It was a smart move for the Foreign Affairs staff to draw up a disclaimer because if they hadn't, this would have been blamed on them.


joe canada
said
0 0

What bothers me more then the gold is the removal of Canada. Maybe he needs a different job?


Diane
said
0 0

Good for John Baird !!! It shows he has his own independent style and isn't just another sheeple. Its OK to have your own preferences in Canada did you know that? We are not all cut from the same politically correct boring ad nauseum cookie cutter.


Keefer
said
0 0

This story makes me want to go to sleep. This is news? Does anybody really care? Canada is still on the business cards. How much more business is done around the world in English than French?


Ugh...
said
0 0

not a fan of either political parties, as they all have their shortcomings, but I will be interested in seeing how the Con fans spin this one...This is a gross waste of money, regardless as to who did it and from which party...WTF!


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