Freeland has become well-known as a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, leading efforts to seize Russian assets aimed at helping rebuild the country.
On Monday, Freeland announced that she would be resigning from the House of Commons in the coming weeks. She faced backlash from opposition MPs who argued that she should have stepped down before accepting a position advising a foreign leader.
“One cannot be a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government. She must do one or the other,” said Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong.
This Wednesday, she informed House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia that her last day in office would be January 9. Freeland mentioned that her role concerning Ukraine is voluntary and that she has consulted with the ethics commissioner and “followed his advice.”
However, she did not clarify if that advice included resigning as an MP.
Her exit will slightly distance the Liberals from majority status – they were just one seat away from holding a majority after two Conservatives switched parties to join the Liberal caucus last year. A byelection for her Toronto riding of University-Rosedale must now be organized to fill her seat.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who earlier this week stated that Freeland was “uniquely qualified” for her new role in Ukraine, did not make any comments following her resignation announcement on Wednesday. According to the Canada Elections Act, the government has up to six months to call for a byelection; however, Carney is likely eager to fill the position promptly.
The earliest it could take place is early March.
Freeland was first elected back in 2013, initially representing Toronto Centre, and after redistricting in 2015, she ran successfully in University-Rosedale.
She served in cabinet under Justin Trudeau throughout nearly his entire tenure, taking on several roles including international trade and foreign affairs. In 2020 she made history as Canada’s first female finance minister, serving until December 2024.
Her unexpected resignation coincided with the fall economic statement and marked a significant setback for Trudeau’s leadership.
Freeland had privately disagreed with Trudeau on various fiscal policies and decided to step down just days after he informed her about moving her into another portfolio. Three weeks later, Trudeau announced he would also be stepping down.
Last winter Freeland ran for leadership of the party following Trudeau’s departure. Her campaign emphasized taking a tough stance against U. S. President Donald Trump during his trade disputes with Canada – based on her experience negotiating during discussions about a new continental free trade agreement.
Ultimately, she lost to Carney, who achieved victory by garnering nearly 90 percent of votes cast.
Carney appointed her as transport minister; however, she resigned from that position in September when she accepted a parliamentary secretary-level role focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. At that time, she stated that she wouldn’t run again in future elections.
In this capacity, she’s traveled multiple times to Ukraine but has declined all media requests regarding what her job involves.
This past November it was revealed that she’d become CEO of the Rhodes Trust-a global educational charity based in Oxford starting July 1-and would relocate there for this role. The charity is renowned for its prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program which allows students worldwide to attend the University of Oxford.
A former recipient herself, Freeland earned a degree in Slavonic Studies at Oxford during the early 1990s.
Prior to entering politics, she worked as a journalist covering Kyiv and Moscow for outlets like Financial Times and Washington Post before returning home where she edited then went on to Reuters.
She’s married to New York Times journalist Graham Bowley and together they have two daughters and one son.
This report by The Canadian Press was first on Jan. 7, 2026.
– With files from Anja Karadeglija and Kyle Duggan The Canadian Press
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She’s married to New York Times journalist Graham Bowley and together they have two daughters and one son.
This report by The Canadian Press was first on Jan. 7, 2026.
– With files from Anja Karadeglija and Kyle Duggan The Canadian Press
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