Former Liberal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to resign as a member of Parliament this Friday, signaling a significant shift for the party. The prominent MP revealed her acceptance of a voluntary role advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, expressing her intention to exit Canadian politics in the near future.
In a social media post just two days later, Freeland confirmed her plans to vacate her seat, emphasizing her dedication to supporting Canada and championing the cause of Ukraine. With Ukrainian heritage, she served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and was the first woman to hold the position of finance minister in the country. Freeland has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for a considerable period.
Representing the University-Rosedale district in downtown Toronto since 2015, Freeland’s political career has faced scrutiny from the opposition. The Conservatives have raised concerns over her acceptance of a role advising a foreign government while continuing to hold a Canadian parliamentary position. The party’s ethics critic, Michael Barrett, highlighted the potential conflicts of interest arising from this situation.
Acknowledging the ethical considerations, Freeland stated that she sought guidance from the federal ethics commissioner before making her decision. Initially planning to resign before assuming the advisory role with Zelenskyy, the announcement was expedited by the Ukrainian side. Prime Minister Mark Carney, whom Freeland approached about the position, had previously appointed her as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction, a role she will also be relinquishing.
Following her resignation, a by-election will be triggered in the Toronto district, traditionally considered a safe seat for the Liberal Party. Freeland has been a prominent figure within the party since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election victory in 2015, playing a pivotal role in various national and international matters, including trade negotiations and economic management during the pandemic.
Additionally, Freeland’s office has confirmed her upcoming relocation to the United Kingdom to assume the role of CEO at the Rhodes Trust educational charity starting on July 1.