Chrystia Freeland Resigns from Canadian Parliament, Joins Ukraine Advisory Role

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former deputy prime minister, has announced her resignation from Parliament to take on a new unpaid role advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on economic matters.

Freeland plans to leave her position as the Member of Parliament for Toronto’s University–Rosedale district in the coming weeks. As she steps into this advisory role, she is also set to assume leadership of the Rhodes Trust in July, an esteemed educational organization in the UK.

In a social media statement, Freeland emphasized Ukraine's pivotal role in the global struggle for democracy and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to support Ukraine voluntarily. She thanked her constituents for their unwavering support, calling her time in office a true honour.

President Zelensky confirmed Freeland’s appointment, highlighting her considerable experience in economic reform and international negotiations as vital assets for Ukraine’s recovery efforts amid ongoing war with Russia.

The announcement has faced scrutiny from opposition figures, with critics like Conservative foreign affairs spokesperson Michael Chong arguing that simultaneously holding an MP position and advising a foreign government presents a conflict of interest. Freeland’s resignation effectively addresses those concerns.

She will resign from her position as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction initiatives as well. Freeland had already declared her intention not to seek re-election in the upcoming federal elections.

Since being elected in 2013, Freeland has held various significant cabinet roles, including finance, foreign affairs, and international trade, making history as Canada’s first female finance minister in 2020.

Her contributions included renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement during Donald Trump’s administration, which successfully shielded Canada from heavy tariffs.

Having Ukrainian roots, Freeland has consistently advocated for Ukraine and was banned from Russia in 2014 due to sanctions against the West.

Freeland’s political journey took a notable turn in late 2024 when she resigned from the cabinet, accusing then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of inadequately addressing trade risks, a pivotal moment that contributed to Trudeau's departure.

With her departure from Parliament, Freeland is ready to embark on significant international and academic leadership roles, marking the end of a notable chapter in her Canadian political career.