Chrystia Freeland Resigns as MP to Advise Ukrainian President Zelensky

Thu Jan 08 2026 14:32:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announces her departure from Parliament to serve as an unpaid adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while also taking a leadership role at the Rhodes Trust.

Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister of Canada, will step down from her position as MP to become an adviser for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite the unpaid nature of her new role, her decision has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from opposition politicians who argue that one cannot hold government positions in Canada and advise a foreign government simultaneously. Freeland's extensive political background includes significant contributions to Canada's economy and foreign relations.

Canada's former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland has announced her decision to leave parliament, taking on a role as adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Freeland revealed that her position as an economic development adviser for Ukraine will be unpaid, and she will also assume the role of CEO for the Rhodes Trust in the UK starting July. Elected in 2013, Freeland has served in prominent positions, including finance, foreign affairs, and international trade minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Her public resignation from Trudeau's cabinet in late 2024 came after she accused him of neglecting the seriousness of US tariffs, which was pivotal in his political downfall.

In a post on X, Freeland stated, 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 expressed gratitude for her constituents’ support during her time in office.

Along with stepping down as MP for Toronto's riding of University-Rosedale, a Liberal stronghold, Freeland will also resign from her position as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Earlier on Monday, Zelensky confirmed her appointment, citing her extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations.

The announcement has faced opposition from politicians, including Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong, who emphasized that serving as both an MP and a foreign adviser is incompatible.

Earlier this year, Freeland was announced to take over as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, which administers Rhodes scholarships to Oxford University. In September 2024, she transitioned from Carney’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade to become Canada’s special envoy to Ukraine, indicating she will not run in the upcoming federal election.

Freeland, of Ukrainian descent herself, has a long history of supporting Kyiv amid its conflict with Russia. In 2014, she appeared on a Kremlin list banning westerners from entering Russia as retaliation for sanctions imposed due to the geopolitical situation.

In 2020, Freeland became the first woman in Canada to serve as finance minister, managing the country's economic response to the Covid pandemic. She also played a key role in negotiating the USMCA trade deal during the Trump administration, which helped shield Canada from high tariffs.