CTV News learned Monday night, that Baird is leaving politics to take a  in the private sector. The move has surprised both Canadians and Baird's colleagues on Parliament Hill, but insiders say the timing of his resignation was likely strategic.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife says the minister hoped to wait to the announcement, but the news was leaked, forcing his hand.

"He didn't want it to get out so soon, but it got out because this is how Ottawa operates. And so today at 10 a.m. he will announce it," Fife said.

Very few people in government had known about Baird's plans, Fife says. However, sources close to the minister say the 45-year-old political veteran had been thinking about leaving government for months.