CANADA'S embattled Foreign Minister has resigned after leaving a classified document at the home of a former girlfriend who had ties with members of a motorcycle gang.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in Ottawa on Monday that he had accepted the resignation of Mr Maxime Bernier, 45, who is under fire over reports that ex-girlfriend Julie Couillard had previous ties with men linked to the Hell's Angels.

His resignation came before Ms Couillard went on French-language TV to say Mr Bernier had been careless with classified documents.

'Maxime came to see me and he left a document behind,' she said, explaining it was left by accident. She would not comment on the nature of the document.

'The document was given back.'

Ms Couillard, 38, was once involved with a Hell's Angel but he was killed. She later married another gang member but they divorced soon after.

But Mr Harper insisted Mr Bernier's departure had nothing to do with his ties with Ms Couillard.

Mr Bernier and Ms Couillard broke up a few months ago because she was reportedly no longer happy in the relationship.

ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS