Former Canadian foreign affairs minister John Baird has agreed to advise mining giant Barrick Gold on international politics.

Baird's name was included in Barrick's annual general report under a list of members on its international advisory board.

Baird, 45, is the third Canadian and second former Conservative politician on Barrick's international advisory board, joining former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Barrick Gold founder Peter Munk.

According to Barrick's report, the board is charged with advising the board of directors and management "on geo-political and other strategic issues affecting the Company."

Baird entered the world of politics in 1995 when he was first elected to the Ontario legislature, and held a variety of posts in the Mike Harris Conservative government.

He moved to the House of Commons in 2006 and quickly became one of Stephen Harper's most high-profile ministers, holding such portfolios as environment, transport and infrastructure. He also served as Treasury Board president and Government House leader.

Baird announced he was resigning from cabinet -- and would not seek re-election in his Ottawa-area riding of Nepean -- in early February. He officially left his role as MP on March 16.