Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Monday morning that she is resigning from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, hours before the federal government is scheduled to release its fall economic statement.
In a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau posted on his social media accounts, Freeland wrote: “On Friday, you informed me that you no longer wanted me to serve as your finance minister and that you would offer me another position in your cabinet. He told me,” he wrote.
“After much consideration, I have concluded that the only honest and viable path forward is to resign from the Cabinet,” Freeland added.
It is unclear what impact Freeland’s resignation will have on the federal government’s autumn economic statement, which is expected to be released later today.
A senior federal government official told CBC News that Freeland’s announcement today was not expected. It is not clear who will issue the autumn economic statement.
Freeland said in the letter that Canada “faces significant challenges,” citing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose punitive tariffs of 25 per cent on all Canadian products.
“That means we can keep our fiscal fire under control today and have the reserves we need for the upcoming tariff war,” Freeland wrote. “We don’t have that luxury, and that means avoiding expensive political maneuvering that would make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of this moment.”
Freeland did not specify in his letter what he meant by “expensive political gimmick.”
The finance minister also called for working “honestly and humbly” with provincial and territorial premiers to build a “true Team Canada response.”
“I know Canadians will recognize and respect such an approach,” Freeland wrote. “They know when we are working for them and equally know when we are focused on ourselves.
“Inevitably, our time in government will come to an end,” Freeland continued. “But how we respond to the threats our country faces now will define us for a generation, and perhaps even longer. When we are strong, smart and united, Canada will prevail.” Dew.”
All 13 of Canada’s prime ministers are currently in Toronto for a meeting of the Federation Council, chaired by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Freeland said she will “continue to be grateful” for the opportunity to serve in government and will “always be proud” of the Liberal government’s work on behalf of Canada and Canadians.
This will continue in the future.
