Chrystia Freeland is stepping down from her role as Transport and Internal Trade Minister to become Canada’s Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Tuesday.
Freeland, who will remain an MP in the short term but not seek re-election, said her decision was made with “tremendous gratitude and a little sadness.” She emphasized that her departure was not a retreat from public life, calling her decade-long political career “a privilege and not a sacrifice.”
Her two portfolios are being divided among sitting cabinet members, with Dominic LeBlanc taking over internal trade and Steven MacKinnon assuming transport. Both were sworn in at Rideau Hall shortly after the announcement.
Freeland’s new assignment will see her work directly with Carney and Ukrainian leaders to develop a comprehensive plan for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy, while collaborating with Canadian business, labour leaders, scholars, and the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Her appointment comes just days after she visited Ukraine alongside former prime minister Jean Chrétien and other Canadian dignitaries.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a close ally of Freeland, praised the move, saying she will “do a great job over in Ukraine.”
Freeland’s exit marks the second time in nine months she has resigned from cabinet, following a dramatic departure last December when she openly criticized then-prime minister Justin Trudeau’s economic agenda. Trudeau resigned weeks later, paving the way for Carney’s leadership victory over Freeland in the Liberal leadership race.
Political analysts say her departure gives Carney an opportunity to further define his government’s direction and pivot away from the Trudeau era, while positioning Freeland in a prominent international role that reflects her expertise in foreign policy and trade.