Canada’s former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced that she will resign her seat in Parliament to serve as an unpaid economic development adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Freeland, a veteran politician and former finance minister, made the announcement on social media platform X, stating:

“Ukraine is at the forefront of today’s global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic adviser to [Zelensky].”

She also revealed that she would step down from her role as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction and leave her parliamentary seat for Toronto’s University-Rosedale riding, a traditionally Liberal stronghold.

Freeland’s Political and Diplomatic Career

Freeland has held several key cabinet positions under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including:

• Finance Minister – first woman in Canadian history to hold the post, overseeing Canada’s financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Foreign Affairs Minister – a vocal supporter of Ukraine and critic of Russian aggression.
• Minister of International Trade – played a key role in renegotiating the USMCA/CUSMA trade agreement with the US and Mexico, which helped Canada avoid steep tariffs during Trump’s presidency.

Her political career has also been marked by moments of independence. In late 2024, Freeland publicly criticized Trudeau for failing to respond adequately to potential US tariffs, contributing to his eventual political exit.

Freeland’s Ukrainian heritage and long-standing support for Kyiv have made her a familiar figure in discussions around Canada-Ukraine relations. She was placed on a Kremlin blacklist in 2014 in retaliation for Canadian sanctions on Russia.

New Role Advising Zelensky

President Zelensky welcomed Freeland’s appointment on X, highlighting her extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic reforms. Her advisory role is intended to support Ukraine’s ongoing economic development and reconstruction in the wake of the Russian invasion.

Freeland will also take on a leadership role at the Rhodes Trust in the UK starting in July 2026, which oversees the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University.

Controversy and Political Reactions

The announcement has sparked debate in Canada. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong stated:

“One cannot be a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government. She must do one or the other.”

Freeland confirmed that she would resign her parliamentary seat before assuming the advisory role, addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Freeland’s Legacy

• First female Finance Minister of Canada (2020)
• Key negotiator in the USMCA/CUSMA trade deal
• Long-time advocate for Ukraine and democratic governance
• Special envoy for Ukraine’s reconstruction

Analysts suggest that Freeland’s move represents a continuation of her focus on international affairs, particularly supporting Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia, while also advancing global education initiatives through the Rhodes Trust.

Her resignation signals a significant shift in Canadian politics, as a high-profile MP and former cabinet minister moves directly into foreign advisory and humanitarian roles, reflecting the evolving nature of international diplomacy in 2026.