Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former finance and foreign affairs minister, announced yesterday that she will step down from Parliament in Ottawa to serve as an economic advisor to Ukraine.
Of Ukrainian heritage, Freeland has previously served as the Canadian prime minister’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction, bringing years of political leadership experience to the role.
“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 advisor to President Zelensky,” Freeland shared on X.
At 57, Freeland’s career spans journalism and politics. She was the first woman to serve as Canada’s finance minister and also held the position of deputy prime minister. Fluent in Ukrainian, English, French, Italian, and Russian, she brings a rare combination of linguistic skill and international experience.
President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Freeland’s appointment, noting she “is highly skilled” and “has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations.” He added, “Ukraine needs to strengthen its internal resilience — both for its recovery if diplomacy succeeds quickly, and to reinforce defense if progress takes longer due to delays by partners.”
A year ago, Freeland ran to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party and as prime minister following his resignation. Although she did not win, she later joined the government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Freeland also played a key role in international trade as Canada’s chief negotiator for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during the Trump administration. Her transition from Canadian politics to supporting Ukraine marks a significant step in her dedication to global democracy and economic stability.
This move reflects Freeland’s deep personal connection to Ukraine and her commitment to applying her expertise where it is urgently needed — showing that leadership and service often transcend borders.
