In what is about to be a seismic event in Canadian politics, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Monday that she is resigning from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. She made her resignation public hours before releasing the government’s autumn economic statement.
This is the text of her letter.
Dear Prime Minister,
It has been the honor of my life to serve in government and work for Canada and Canadians. We have accomplished a lot together.
On Friday, you said you no longer wanted me to serve as finance minister and offered me another position in your cabinet.
After much consideration, I have come to the conclusion that resigning from the Cabinet is the only honest and viable course.
To be effective, ministers must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister with full confidence. You have made it clear that I no longer enjoy that confidence and the authority that comes with it when making decisions.
In recent weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada.
Our country faces significant challenges today. The incoming US administration is pursuing aggressive economic nationalist policies, including threatening to impose 25% tariffs.
We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means creating fiscal space today to secure reserves that may be needed for the upcoming tariff war. We don’t have that luxury, and that means avoiding expensive political gimmicks that make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of this moment.
That means resisting “America First” economic nationalism with a determined effort to fight for capital and investment and the jobs they bring. That means working honestly and humbly with the premiers of the provinces and territories of this great, diverse country to build a truly Team Canada response.
I know Canadians recognize and respect such an approach. They know when we are working for them and equally know when we are focused on ourselves. Inevitably, our time in power will come to an end. But how we respond to the threats our country faces now will define our country for a generation, and perhaps even longer. If we are strong, smart and united, Canada will win.
This belief has been the driving force behind my vigorous efforts this fall to manage spending in a way that gives us the flexibility we need to meet the serious challenges our nation presents.
I have always been grateful for the opportunity to serve in government, and I have always been proud of the work it does on behalf of Canada and Canadians.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as a Liberal MP and am determined to run for the Toronto seat again in the next federal election.
With gratitude,
HRH Chrystia Freeland, PC, Member of Parliament
