Former Liberal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to resign as a member of Parliament on Friday, signaling a significant shift for the party. The prominent MP revealed on Monday that she would be taking on a voluntary role providing advice to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and mentioned her forthcoming departure from Canadian politics in the “coming weeks.”
In a social media post just two days later, Freeland confirmed her intention to vacate her seat effective this Friday. She expressed her dedication to supporting and contributing to Canada’s growth while also advocating for the courageous struggle of the Ukrainian people, a cause she has been deeply committed to throughout her life.
Having Ukrainian heritage, Freeland served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and made history as Canada’s first female finance minister. She has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Representing the University-Rosedale seat in downtown Toronto since 2015, Freeland previously won a riding in 2013 that was later transformed into her current constituency.
The Conservatives have raised concerns about Freeland’s acceptance of a role advising a foreign government while still serving as a Canadian MP. The party’s ethics critic, Michael Barrett, emphasized the potential conflict of interest and questioned whose interests would take precedence in her dual roles. Canadian public office holders are prohibited from certain activities under the Conflict of Interest Act, including engaging in external employment and paid consulting.
Freeland stated that she sought guidance from the federal ethics commissioner and followed his recommendations. Initially planning to resign before assuming the Zelenskyy adviser position, the announcement was accelerated by the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy had proposed the role to Freeland during a visit on December 22, and she discussed it with Prime Minister Mark Carney on December 24. Carney had appointed her as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction, a position she will also relinquish.
Upon her official resignation, a by-election will be triggered for the Liberal stronghold in Toronto. Freeland has been a prominent figure in the Liberal Party since Justin Trudeau’s ascent to power in 2015, playing a pivotal role in trade negotiations and economic management. Her resignation from Trudeau’s cabinet in late 2024 set the stage for his subsequent departure.
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.