Chrystia Freeland left Canada’s cabinet to take on the role of Special Representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction. CTV
Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Tuesday she is leaving cabinet and will not run in the next federal election. She will remain a Member of Parliament for now.
Prime Minister Mark Carney shared in a social media post that Freeland will take on a new role as Canada’s Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
Cabinet Changes
Freeland’s responsibilities are being divided among current ministers. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will take over internal trade, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon will manage transport. Both ministers were sworn in at Rideau Hall Tuesday afternoon.
Freeland’s Message
“I am not leaving to spend more time with my family or because the burden of elected office is too heavy to bear,” Freeland wrote in a social media post alongside a picture hugging Carney.
“For me and for my wonderful husband and children, public service has been a privilege and not a sacrifice,” she added. She described her decision as one made with “tremendous gratitude and a little sadness.”
Carney Praises Freeland
Carney praised Freeland’s leadership, intelligence, and versatility, highlighting her long record of public service. Sources say discussions about Freeland’s next role have been ongoing since the start of summer.
Freeland had wanted to finalize an internal trade deal by Canada Day but shifted focus after discussions opened for her new assignment.
New Role in Ukraine
Freeland recently visited Ukraine with Canadian Ambassador Natalka Cmoc, former prime minister Jean Chrétien, and former Newfoundland premier Andrew Furey.
Of Ukrainian descent, Freeland spent part of her journalism career living in Ukraine and Russia. She will work directly with Carney and Ukrainian leaders to rebuild the country’s economy. She will also liaise with Canadian business, labour, scholars, and the Ukrainian-Canadian community.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his support, calling Freeland a friend and praising her upcoming work in Ukraine.
Political Background
This is the second time Freeland has resigned from cabinet. She stepped down last December in a sharp letter criticizing former prime minister Justin Trudeau over the fall economic statement. She had been Trudeau’s top minister for five years.
Freeland later ran for Liberal leadership against Carney but lost. Carney became prime minister in March and assigned Freeland transport and internal trade portfolios, including overseeing efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers.
Career Highlights
Freeland has served as an MP since 2013, winning a high-profile byelection in Toronto Centre. She became a star candidate due to her books on foreign affairs and eastern Europe, including a New York Times bestseller.
Under Trudeau, Freeland held major cabinet roles: minister of international trade, foreign affairs minister, deputy prime minister, and intergovernmental affairs minister. She played a key role in renegotiating NAFTA and securing the Canada-European Union trade deal.
