Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned on Monday in a surprise move after disagreeing with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the country?s response to US President-elect Donald Trump?s planned tariffs on Canadian imports. Freeland also stepped down as Finance Minister, marking the first open dissent from within Trudeau?s cabinet. Her resignation could pose a significant challenge to Trudeau?s leadership, especially as his Liberal Party lags behind the Conservative Party in public opinion polls, trailing by 20 points.
In her resignation letter, Freeland said, ?Our country today faces a grave challenge,? referring to Trump?s planned 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. She expressed concern that the tariffs could spark a "tariff war" with the United States, Canada?s largest trading partner. Freeland revealed that she and Trudeau had been at odds over the best way forward on this issue. She also disclosed that Trudeau had considered reshuffling her to a different cabinet position, which she rejected. ?I have concluded that the only honest and viable path is for me to resign from the cabinet,? Freeland wrote.
Freeland has long been a prominent figure in Canadian politics, having held key positions including Trade and Foreign Minister before becoming Finance Minister. She played a crucial role in free trade negotiations with the United States and the European Union. Her resignation comes as the Canadian government faces growing concerns over the country?s fiscal outlook, with reports indicating the government is set to exceed deficit projections.
Her exit is seen as a blow to Trudeau?s leadership, with political analysts describing it as a ?crisis of confidence? within his cabinet. Freeland?s departure could make it harder for Trudeau to retain support, especially as the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, have been gaining momentum. Freeland?s resignation also coincided with the announcement by Housing Minister Sean Fraser that he would be quitting politics.
Despite the turmoil, Freeland stated that she would run in the next federal election, which is expected to take place in 2025.
