Robert Nicholson Named Canada's New Foreign Minister

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper reshuffled his cabinet Monday to name new foreign and defense ministers.

Robert Nicholson, who has served as defense minister since 2013, was tapped to replace John Baird as foreign minister.

Nicholson will be replaced as defense chief by Jason Kenney, who will retain his post as minister for multiculturalism.

Pierre Poilievre will take over Kenney's other portfolio as minister of employment and social development.

Baird last week announced without explanation that he was stepping down, after a 20-year career in Canadian politics.

The changes come as Harper gears up for legislation elections later this year.