Post by : Meena Ariff

Chrystia Freeland, previously Canada’s deputy prime minister, has announced her resignation from Parliament in order to take on a new position as an unpaid economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Freeland is expected to vacate her seat in the House of Commons in the upcoming weeks. She is the representative for Toronto’s University–Rosedale, a constituency known for its Liberal Party leadership. In addition to her advisory role with Ukraine, she is set to lead the Rhodes Trust starting in July, which manages the distinguished Rhodes Scholarships based in the UK.

In a social media update, Freeland characterized Ukraine as central to the global struggle for democracy and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to provide her expertise voluntarily. She also extended her heartfelt thanks to her constituents for their unwavering support throughout her years of service.

President Zelensky confirmed her new role, citing her vast experience in economic reforms, attracting investments, and international negotiations as crucial for Ukraine’s sustained economic recovery amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.

This announcement faced backlash from opposition figures, who raised concerns regarding the potential conflict of interest in holding both Canadian MP and foreign advisory roles. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong emphasized the need for her to make a choice regarding her positions. Freeland’s choice to resign from Parliament effectively addresses these concerns.

She will also relinquish her recent position as Canada’s special representative for Ukrainian reconstruction efforts. Last year, Freeland had already decided not to run for re-election in the next federal elections.

Having been elected to Parliament in 2013, Freeland held various senior cabinet portfolios such as finance, foreign affairs, and international trade. In 2020, she became Canada’s first female finance minister, overseeing the country’s financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freeland played a pivotal role in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with the US and Mexico during Donald Trump’s tenure, aiding Canada in avoiding high tariffs on numerous goods.

With Ukrainian heritage and a background in journalism, Freeland has consistently advocated for Ukraine. In 2014, she was barred from entering Russia as a retaliatory measure against Western sanctions.

Her political journey took a notable turn in late 2024 when she stepped down from her cabinet position, publicly accusing then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of underestimating the threat of potential US tariffs—an act that intensified the pressure on Trudeau and ultimately led to his departure.

With her transition from Parliament, Freeland concludes a significant chapter in her political career in Canada, heading toward influential roles in the international and academic arenas.