Former Liberal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to resign as a member of Parliament, marking a significant shift for the party. The prominent MP revealed on Monday that she would be taking on a voluntary role advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She indicated that she will be departing from Canadian politics in the upcoming weeks.
In a social media post just two days later, Freeland confirmed that she will be vacating her seat effective this Friday. She expressed her commitment to supporting and contributing to Canada’s growth while continuing to advocate for the people of Ukraine, a cause she has been dedicated to throughout her life.
Having Ukrainian heritage, Freeland served as deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and made history as the country’s first female finance minister. She has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Representing the downtown Toronto constituency of University-Rosedale since 2015, she originally won a different riding in 2013.
The Conservative Party has been pressuring Freeland to step down immediately amid accusations of a conflict of interest. The party’s ethics critic, Michael Barrett, raised concerns about her acceptance of an advisory position with a foreign government while retaining her position in Parliament. Public office holders in Canada are prohibited from various activities under the Conflict of Interest Act, although advising a foreign government is not explicitly mentioned.
Freeland stated that she sought advice from the federal ethics commissioner and followed his guidance. Reports suggest that she had initially planned to resign before taking on the role with Zelenskyy but the announcement was accelerated by the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy had invited Freeland to assume the position during a visit on Dec. 22, and she informed Prime Minister Mark Carney about it on Dec. 24.
Upon her official resignation, a byelection will be triggered for the Toronto seat, which is considered a stronghold for the Liberals. Freeland has been an influential figure within the Liberal Party since the election of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2015. She played a pivotal role in renegotiating the North American trade agreement and managing the country’s finances during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her resignation from Trudeau’s cabinet in late 2024 set the stage for his own departure.
Freeland’s office has confirmed her upcoming move to the United Kingdom to assume the role of CEO at the Rhodes Trust educational charity, starting July 1.