Trouble for Trudeau: Chrystia Freeland resigns ahead of fiscal update

What happened?

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, announced her resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“On [Dec. 13], you told me you no longer want me to serve as your finance minister and offered me another position in the cabinet,” Freeland’s letter to Trudeau reads.

“Upon reflection, I have concluded that the only honest and viable path is for me to resign from the cabinet. To be effective, a minister must speak on behalf of the prime minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence.”

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The bombshell announcement came just hours before Freeland was set to table the fall economic statement.

She added that she’ll stay on as a “Liberal Member of Parliament” and is “committed” to running again in the next federal election.

See my letter to the Prime Minister below // Veuillez trouver ma lettre au Premier ministre ci-dessous pic.twitter.com/NMMMcXUh7A

— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) December 16, 2024

Colleagues stunned

Transport Minister Anita Anand told reporters on her way to a cabinet meeting that “this news has hit me really hard.”

“Chrystia Freeland is a good friend—someone I work with very closely,” Anand said as she tried to catch her breath.

“I’ll reserve further comment until I’ve had time to process [her resignation.]”

Indigenous Minister Patty Hajdu also spoke with media outlets—wishing Freeland “all the best.”

“These are deeply personal decisions. Obviously she’s made this decision and I respect her for it.”

Larger-than-promised deficit

Freeland’s resignation didn’t stop the Department of Finance from releasing its fall economic statement, which revealed a $61.9-billion for 2023-2024.

Last year, the former finance minister pledged to keep the deficit below the $40.1-billion target.

However, the statement claims that the federal government will achieve the declining debt-to-GDP ratio it promised.

Trudeau’s next move

After hours of deliberations, the prime minister chose Dominic LeBlanc to take over as finance minister.

LeBlanc has served as the minister of public safety, democratic institutions, and intergovernmental affairs since 2023.

Thinking about resigning? Review these resources first

• Resignations in Ontario: Rights for non-union workers
• What Albertans need to know about resignations
• Resigning in B.C.: What non-unionized employees need to know
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-time insights on your rights

Workplace issue? Contact us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C., our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.