Chrystia Freeland, a long-serving Liberal minister, has announced her resignation from the cabinet and expressed her intention to exit federal politics.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the transport and internal trade minister shared that she made the decision “with immense gratitude and a tinge of sadness.”
Stating, “I do not plan to contest in the upcoming federal election,” she emphasized the importance of democratic turnover in political leadership after her 12 years of public service.
Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his appreciation to Freeland, acknowledging her service, and appointed her as Canada’s new special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine, a role aligned with her staunch opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Prominent Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland has announced she’s leaving her cabinet post and doesn’t intend to run in the next election. She is taking on a new role as Canada’s new special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Carney commended Freeland’s leadership, highlighting her roles in significant trade negotiations, pandemic response management, childcare agreements, and the removal of internal trade barriers, all while representing her constituents diligently as the Member of Parliament for University-Rosedale.
Freeland has been a notable figure in Canadian politics since the Liberal victory in 2015, serving as Justin Trudeau’s deputy and holding key positions, notably as the first female finance minister in 2020.
To my neighbors, colleagues, and Canadians: thank you. 🇨🇦 Chers voisins, collègues et Canadiens : merci. <a href=”https://t.co/H7Myf362Qy”>pic.twitter.com/H7Myf362Qy</a>
—@cafreeland
Her sudden resignation as finance minister in December, just before tabling the fall economic statement, stirred controversy by criticizing her own government’s economic strategies and political maneuvers.
Following her resignation, pressure mounted on Trudeau to step down, leading to a leadership contest that saw Carney assume leadership and the Liberals’ subsequent electoral victory in April.
