Chrystia Freeland to Depart Canadian Parliament for International Roles
Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her intention to resign as a Member of Parliament (MP) to assume new positions, including an advisory role to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Freeland stated on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that she welcomes the opportunity to serve as an unpaid economic adviser to President Zelensky, citing Ukraine's position in the global fight for democracy.
She also confirmed her upcoming departure from her parliamentary seat, representing University-Rosedale in Toronto, and expressed gratitude to her constituents.
Earlier on Monday, President Zelensky had announced Freeland's advisory role via X, highlighting her "extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations."
Additional Appointments and Resignations
In addition to her role with President Zelensky, Freeland will also become the CEO of the Rhodes Trust, an educational charity administering Rhodes scholarships to Oxford University, starting in July. This appointment was first announced in November.
Freeland will also step down from her position as Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
In September, she resigned as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade and declared she would not seek re-election in the next federal election.
Political Career and Background
Elected as an MP in 2013, Freeland held significant portfolios under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including finance, foreign affairs, and international trade minister.
In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as Canada's finance minister, overseeing the country's financial response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She is recognized for her involvement in renegotiating the free trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico (USMCA, or CUSMA in Canada) in 2018 during former U.S. President Donald Trump's term. The agreement has been credited with helping Canada avoid a 35% tariff rate previously imposed by Trump. The USMCA is scheduled for renegotiation this year.
Freeland has Ukrainian heritage and has consistently supported Kyiv during its conflict with Russia. In 2014, she was included on a Kremlin list of Western individuals banned from entering Russia in response to sanctions against Moscow.
Reactions
President Zelensky's announcement prompted commentary from Canadian opposition politicians.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong stated that an individual cannot simultaneously serve as a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government, advocating for her to choose one role.