After nearly ten years in power, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, responding to growing criticism, including dissent from one of his closest allies. This marks a significant turning point in Canadian politics, with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a long-time Trudeau supporter, emerging as a strong contender to lead the Liberal Party.
In December, Freeland publicly criticized Trudeau’s approach to governance, describing his recent policies, such as a sales tax holiday and worker rebates, as “costly political gimmicks.” These differences marked a clear divide between the two leaders. “We found ourselves at odds about the best path forward,” Freeland noted in her resignation letter, adding, “Canadians know when we are working for them, and they equally know when we are focused on ourselves.”
Trudeau, facing public discontent and political polarization, acknowledged that stepping down was necessary. “Removing me from the equation as the leader who will fight the next election for the Liberal Party should also decrease the level of polarization that we’re seeing right now in the House and Canadian politics,” he stated during his resignation announcement.
Freeland’s sharp criticism shocked many, given her reputation as a steadfast Trudeau ally. It also fueled speculation about her ambitions, with members of the Liberal Party preparing for a leadership contest. Freeland, now a leading contender, was recently ranked the most appealing candidate in a CTV poll conducted by Ottawa-based pollster Nik Nanos.
Freeland’s Rise and Reputation
Chrystia Freeland’s political journey has been remarkable. Often referred to as the “minister of everything” due to her diverse roles, she has consistently held prominent positions in Trudeau’s cabinet. Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, described her as having “probably the highest profile of any cabinet minister beyond the prime minister.”
Freeland first gained international attention as Canada’s foreign minister during Donald Trump’s presidency. She spearheaded negotiations to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), clashing with the U.S. administration over tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Trump eventually agreed to a revised agreement with minimal concessions from Canada. “Canada basically didn’t give the US anything in those negotiations,” Wiseman observed. Freeland’s firm stance even earned criticism from Trump, who called her “totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals.”
Born in Alberta to a Ukrainian mother, Freeland studied at Harvard University and worked as a journalist, covering Russia and Ukraine before entering Canadian politics. Her ascent began when she joined Parliament as a member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party in 2013. Over the years, she has served as minister of international trade, foreign affairs, deputy prime minister, and finance minister.
As finance minister, Freeland faced significant challenges, taking charge of a struggling economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her task included reducing Canada’s growing deficit and stabilizing public finances. However, disagreements with Trudeau over economic policies strained their relationship.
Freeland’s International Impact
Freeland’s Ukrainian heritage and support for the country’s fight against Russia have bolstered her reputation. She played a central role in Canada’s strong stance against Russia, pushing for financial aid to Ukraine and freezing billions of dollars in Russian assets. “I really think we cannot understate the extent to which that Ukrainian battlefield is the battlefield of democracy and dictatorship,” she remarked during a 2022 interview.
Freeland has also voiced support for Ukraine joining NATO. Her strong stance against Moscow has made her a target of Russian sanctions, a badge she wears with pride. “It’s an honor to be on Putin’s sanction list,” she once said, balancing her respect for Russian culture with firm opposition to its government’s actions.
A Divisive Figure at Home
Domestically, Freeland is seen as a capable but polarizing figure. While praised for her work on international agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), she has faced criticism over Canada’s economic challenges.
“Chrystia is a mixed bag for me,” said Rod Matheson, a 66-year-old retiree. “She did a great job negotiating the USMCA. But as finance minister, the deficit and debt were out of control.” Another Canadian, Doug Gillis, expressed skepticism about her suitability as Liberal leader, saying, “I blame her as she was in charge of finances. I wouldn’t think she’d be the right person.”
Freeland’s association with Trudeau’s government, which has seen declining approval ratings, could prove challenging as she vies for leadership. Polls show the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, holding a commanding lead over the Liberals. “The Liberals are more than 20 points behind the Conservatives,” said Nik Nanos. “There’s a wave of change in the country right now.”
Challenges Ahead
As Trudeau resigned, he suspended Parliament until March 24. This delay gives the Liberal Party time to choose a new leader. However, the next leader will likely face immediate challenges, including a potential confidence vote upon Parliament’s reconvening.
Wiseman predicts that any new prime minister from the Liberal Party might seek to delay elections. “There will be no incentive, in my opinion, for the new prime minister to reconvene Parliament, because then she’d be going into an election in which she had been defeated,” he explained. Instead, the new leader could request the governor general to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh elections.
Economic issues will likely dominate the next election. Rising inflation, high living costs, and ongoing tensions with the U.S. over trade and immigration are key concerns. Canada’s record immigration levels have also sparked debates, with Freeland suggesting in a CBC interview that immigration should be managed in an “organized, systematic way.”
Rebuilding the Liberal Party
Regardless of who leads the Liberals, the road ahead will be arduous. Analysts suggest the party needs a complete overhaul to regain public trust. “I don’t think anybody expects that the Liberals are going to come first in the next election,” said Lori Turnbull, a professor at Dalhousie University. “The question is really about who’s going to rebuild the party.”
Freeland’s extensive experience and international profile position her as a strong contender, but her association with Trudeau’s government could hinder her prospects. Her leadership would likely involve balancing economic reforms with addressing voter dissatisfaction.
The upcoming general election will be a pivotal moment for Canada, determining the country’s political and economic direction. Whether Freeland or another leader takes the helm, the Liberals face an uphill battle to regain their footing and counter the Conservatives’ growing momentum.