Canada's Chrystia Freeland to quit as MP and become adviser to Zelensky

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 5, 2026 at 11:58 PM

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Chrystia Freeland, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, will resign as a Member of Parliament to become an unpaid economic advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky announced Freeland's appointment, citing her experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations. Freeland, who has Ukrainian heritage and is a vocal supporter of Kyiv, will also step down as Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Her resignation follows a break from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in late 2024 and criticism from opposition politicians who argued she could not simultaneously serve as a Canadian MP and advise a foreign government. In July, Freeland will also assume the role of CEO of the Rhodes Trust in the UK. She was first elected as an MP in 2013.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kremlin 30% UK 40% Russia ×240% Michael Chong 40% Rhodes Trust ×250% Justin Trudeau ×260% Ukraine ×580% Volodymyr Zelensky ×380% Canada ×590% Chrystia Freeland ×9100%

Keywords

chrystia freeland 100% ukraine 90% volodymyr zelensky 80% economic adviser 70% canadian mp 60% rhodes trust 50% political resignation 50% foreign affairs 40% international trade 40%