Former Liberal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to resign as a member of Parliament this Friday, signaling the end of her tenure with the party. In a move described as voluntary, the prominent MP revealed that she will be taking on an advisory role with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to her imminent departure from Canadian politics in the near future.
Expressing her commitment to supporting Canada and championing the cause of Ukraine, Freeland shared her intention to vacate her seat effective immediately after informing the Speaker. With a strong Ukrainian heritage, she served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and held the distinction of being Canada’s first female finance minister. Throughout her career, Freeland has been a vocal advocate against Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.
Representing the University-Rosedale district in downtown Toronto since 2015, Freeland faced calls from the Conservative opposition to resign promptly. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest arising from her advisory role with a foreign government while serving as an MP. The ethics critic for the Conservative Party, Michael Barrett, criticized the situation on social media, questioning the alignment of interests in this dual capacity.
Despite ethical considerations, Freeland consulted with the federal ethics commissioner and received guidance before proceeding with her decision. Initially planning to resign before assuming her new role with Zelenskyy, the announcement was expedited by the Ukrainian side. Prime Minister Mark Carney, whom Freeland consulted about the advisory position, had previously appointed her as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction, a role she will also be relinquishing.
Following Freeland’s resignation, a by-election will be triggered in the Toronto riding, traditionally held by the Liberals. Known as a prominent figure within the party, Freeland played crucial roles in various national matters, including trade negotiations and economic management during significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her upcoming move to the United Kingdom to lead the Rhodes Trust educational charity as CEO further marks the next phase of her career.