Chrystia Freeland, a prominent figure in Canadian politics, is preparing to leave Parliament to take on a new role advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. She said the position, focused on economic development, will be unpaid and represents an opportunity to support Ukraine during a critical moment.
Freeland, who has served in top cabinet positions including finance, foreign affairs, and international trade minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also revealed plans to assume leadership of the Rhodes Trust in the United Kingdom this July.
On X, she wrote: "Ukraine is at the forefront of today's global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic adviser to [Zelensky]. In the coming weeks I will also leave my seat in Parliament. I want to thank my constituents for their years of confidence in me. I am so grateful to have been your representative."
Her departure will see her resign as the MP for Toronto’s University-Rosedale riding, a seat that has traditionally been considered a Liberal stronghold. Freeland will also step down as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Zelensky confirmed her appointment on X, highlighting her "extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations." The announcement drew criticism from Canadian opposition politicians. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong stated: "one cannot be a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government. She must do one or the other."
Freeland’s career has long blended domestic and international leadership. In 2014, she was added to a Kremlin blacklist of Western officials banned from entering Russia in response to Canadian and Western sanctions.
As finance minister in 2020, she oversaw Canada’s economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming the first woman in the country to hold the position.
She is also noted for her role in renegotiating the Canada-US-Mexico trade deal in 2018, helping Canada avoid steep tariffs under President Donald Trump, who publicly called her "toxic." The USMCA trade agreement, known in Canada as CUSMA, is set for another round of renegotiations this year.
Freeland, a former journalist of Ukrainian heritage, has been a steadfast supporter of Kyiv during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Her new advisory role is the latest step in her continued commitment to Ukraine’s economic and democratic development.
