Canada’s longtime political figure Chrystia Freeland has announced that she will resign her seat in the House of Commons in the coming weeks after accepting an appointment as an economic development adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, multiple news outlets report.
Freeland, a Liberal MP who has served in high‑profile roles including deputy prime minister, finance minister, and foreign affairs minister, confirmed on social media that she will step down as a Member of Parliament and also leave her role as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The advisory position with Kyiv will be unpaid and focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s economy amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced her appointment, saying Ukraine needs to boost its economic resilience and reconstruction efforts as the conflict continues. Freeland has long been one of Ukraine’s most vocal international supporters and is of Ukrainian descent, a background Zelenskyy cited in welcoming her appointment.
Freeland represents the Toronto riding of University—Rosedale and has held her parliamentary seat since 2013. Her decision to resign will trigger a by‑election in that district. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that her resignation is “consistent” with the new advisory role, given the expectations of her duties abroad.
Her move has drawn attention partly because the governing Liberals hold a minority in Parliament, meaning her departure could have short‑term implications for parliamentary dynamics and votes. Freeland also has another future role lined up: she is set to become CEO and warden of the Rhodes Trust, an educational charity in the United Kingdom, starting in July 2026.
Conservative critics have said serving simultaneously as a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government could pose ethical conflicts, although Freeland has stated her resignation will resolve such concerns.
Her upcoming departure marks a significant shift for one of Canada’s most prominent politicians and reflects her longstanding commitment to international support for Ukraine.
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Sources Reuters via news feeds Global News Armenian Radio/News outlets
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