Chrystia Freeland, a former Liberal cabinet minister, has announced her decision to resign as a member of Parliament, bringing an end to her tenure with the party. The prominent MP revealed on Monday that she would be taking on a voluntary role advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling her imminent departure from Canadian politics in the following weeks.
In a social media post just two days later, Freeland confirmed her intention to vacate her seat by the end of the week. She expressed her dedication to continuing to support and contribute to Canada while advocating for the courageous struggle of the Ukrainian people, a cause she has been deeply committed to throughout her life.
Having Ukrainian roots, Freeland served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and was the first female finance minister in Canadian history. She has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has represented the University-Rosedale seat in downtown Toronto since 2015, which was initially part of a larger riding she won back in 2013.
The Conservative Party has accused Freeland of being conflicted due to her acceptance of a position advising a foreign government while still holding a seat in the Canadian Parliament. The party’s ethics critic, Michael Barrett, voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of interests in this situation.
Despite ethical considerations, Canadian public office holders are restricted from certain activities under the Conflict of Interest Act, such as engaging in external employment and paid consultancy. However, the Act does not specifically address advising a foreign government.
Freeland stated that she sought guidance from the federal ethics commissioner and followed his recommendations. It was initially planned for her to resign before taking on the advisory role with Zelenskyy, but the announcement was expedited by the Ukrainian side.
Following a request from Zelenskyy during her visit to Ukraine in December, Freeland approached Prime Minister Mark Carney about the advisory position. Carney had previously appointed her as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine, a role she will also be relinquishing.
Upon her official resignation, a byelection will be triggered for the Toronto seat, traditionally considered safe for the Liberal Party. Freeland has been a prominent figure in the Liberal Party since Justin Trudeau’s election in 2015, playing a crucial role in various government initiatives.
Freeland’s office has confirmed her upcoming move to the United Kingdom to assume the role of CEO at the Rhodes Trust educational charity, commencing on July 1.