Who is Chrystia Freeland? Former Canada’s deputy PM becomes new adviser on Ukraine’s economic development

Former Canadian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has been appointed as the new advisor on economic development for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the new appointment and praised Freeland. He said, "Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters 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 Ukraine’s recovery if diplomacy delivers results as swiftly as possible, and to reinforce our defense if, because of delays by our partners, it takes longer to bring this war to an end. I am grateful to everyone who is ready to support our state and our engagement with partners. Glory to Ukraine!" he added.

Who is Chrystia Freeland?

Chrystia Freeland was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre in 2013, then elected as the Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, 2021 and 2025.

From 2015 to 2017, minister Freeland served as Minister of International Trade, overseeing the successful negotiation of a free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union.

From January 2017 to November 2019, she was Minister of Foreign Affairs, leading the successful renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and defending Canada’s interests during the first Trump administration. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, she also championed feminist foreign policy, the defence of Ukraine, democracy, and the protection of human rights globally.

In 2019, minister Freeland became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, where she helped lead Canada’s united response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her appointment as Minister of Finance in 2020 made her the first woman in Canadian history to hold the position. Her stewardship during the pandemic protected Canadian jobs and businesses, while preserving the lowest debt and deficit ratios in the G7. In her first budget, she introduced a universal $10-a-day childcare plan to boost productivity and lower costs for families.

During this time, minister Freeland also helped lead the global response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including the seizure of frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine.

In September, 2025, she announced her resignation in a post on X, writing that she made the decision "with tremendous gratitude and a little sadness".

"I have decided to step down from cabinet today and turn the page on this chapter in my life. I do not intend to run in the next election," she said.

In his own statement, Carney thanked Freeland "for her extraordinary service in the Cabinet of Canada's federal government over the last decade".

He added that he asked her to serve as Canada's new Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, in addition to her role as a Liberal MP.