OTTAWA–John Baird is leaving the door open for a run at the Conservative leadership, although sources close to the former cabinet minister consider a bid unlikely.

Baird appears to be listening to encouragement from senior figures in the conservative movement and has not yet ruled out tossing his hat in the ring, according to two sources who have spoken to him about the idea.

“I don’t think he’ll do it. But when you look at the field, and reflect (on) who is there, the sentiment of ‘why well not?’ grows stronger,” one source, who spoke on the condition they not be named, said Friday.

A spokesperson for Baird did not respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.

Baird’s name has long been floated amongst Conservatives unhappy with the current slate of leadership contenders. Bilingual and with experience in senior cabinet portfolios in both Ontario and federally, Baird would enjoy the same high profile as Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole.

But a leadership bid would also come with risks. While Baird is well-respected in Conservative circles, he gained a reputation as a political attack dog in the governments of Mike Harris and Stephen Harper.

Baird might also have to give up lucrative private sector gigs he has amassed since leaving public life in 2015.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney gave a public voice to the private encouragement Friday, when he told CBC News that he hopes Baird joins the race.

“I think he’d be a very compelling candidate. John is very experienced, he’s a principled Conservative, he is bilingual,” Kenney said.

Kenney, who served in the federal cabinet with Baird, told CBC that the two men had spoken and Baird was “seriously considering” a bid. Kenney had also publicly encouraged Rona Ambrose to run before Ambrose decided she wanted to stay in the private sector.

Federally, Baird served as the Treasury Board president, the minister of the environment, and the minister of foreign affairs.

If he stays out of the race, he’ll be another big name that took a pass on the contest that could decide who will be Canada’s next prime minister. Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Ottawa-area MP Pierre Poilievre bowed out after exploring bids for the Conservative leadership.

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MacKay and O’Toole are running against MPs Marilyn Gladu and Derek Sloan, as well as businessman Rick Peterson. Other lesser-known contenders have said they’re considering bids. Prospective candidates need to raise $25,000 and obtain 1,000 signatures to enter the next phase of the race after Feb. 27.

The Conservatives will select their next leader on June 27 at a convention in Toronto.

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