Liberal politician Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former finance and foreign affairs minister, has announced that she will step down from her parliamentary role in Ottawa to serve as an economic advisor to Ukraine.
Of Ukrainian descent, Freeland was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelensky while she was acting as the Canadian prime minister’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Her political career spans multiple leadership roles, including becoming the first female finance minister in Canada and serving as deputy prime minister.
“Ukraine is at the forefront of today’s global fight for democracy, and I welcome this opportunity to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic advisor to President Zelensky,” Freeland shared on X.
A former journalist fluent in Ukrainian, English, French, Italian, and Russian, Freeland brings both political and international experience to her new role.
President Zelensky praised her appointment, highlighting her expertise: “She is highly skilled and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations. Right now, Ukraine needs to strengthen its internal resilience — both for the sake of recovery if diplomacy delivers results swiftly, and to reinforce our defense if delays continue.”
Freeland, 57, previously ran to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party but ultimately joined the government of her opponent, Prime Minister Mark Carney. She also played a pivotal role in negotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during US President Donald Trump’s first term.
Her decision underscores a deep personal and professional commitment to Ukraine, highlighting the global reach of political leadership and the human connections that drive meaningful change.
