Former Liberal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to resign as a Member of Parliament on Friday, bringing an end to her tenure with the party. The high-profile MP revealed on Monday that she would be taking on a voluntary advisory role for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling her imminent departure from Canadian politics in the “coming weeks.”
In a social media post just two days later, Freeland confirmed her intent to vacate her seat starting this Friday. Expressing her dedication to supporting and contributing to Canada’s growth while advocating for the people of Ukraine, a cause she has long been passionate about.
Freeland, known for her Ukrainian heritage, served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and was the first woman in Canada to hold the position of finance minister. She has been a prominent critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has been a vocal advocate for the Ukrainian cause.
Representing the University-Rosedale constituency in downtown Toronto since 2015, Freeland faced criticism from the opposition, particularly the Conservatives, who called for her immediate resignation. The party’s ethics critic, Michael Barrett, raised concerns about her dual role as an advisor to a foreign government while holding a Canadian parliamentary position.
Despite these criticisms, Freeland consulted with the federal ethics commissioner and followed his guidance. Initially planning to step down before assuming the advisory role with Zelenskyy, the timing was accelerated by the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy had personally asked Freeland to take on the role during a visit on Dec. 22, and she approached Prime Minister Mark Carney about the opportunity on Dec. 24.
With her resignation triggering a by-election in the Toronto riding, which is traditionally a stronghold for the Liberal Party, Freeland’s departure marks a significant transition for the party. Over the years, she has been a key figure in the Liberal Party, playing crucial roles in trade negotiations and financial oversight during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freeland is set to move to the United Kingdom to assume the role of CEO at the Rhodes Trust educational charity starting July 1, as confirmed by her office. Her departure from Canadian politics signifies the end of an era for both Freeland and the Liberal Party as they prepare for the upcoming changes in representation.