Chrystia Freeland formally resigns as MP, triggering Toronto byelection

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the House of Commons takes effect today, ending more than a decade representing the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale. Freeland is leaving federal politics to take on a voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government focused on economic development.

Her departure reduces the Liberal caucus to 170 seats, leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney two seats short of a majority in the 338 seat House of Commons. Opposition parties collectively now hold 172 seats, including 142 Conservatives, 22 Bloc Québécois MPs, seven New Democrats and one Green MP.

A byelection will be required in University–Rosedale, a riding long considered a Liberal stronghold. Under the Canada Elections Act, the writ must be issued between 11 and 180 days after the Speaker of the House notifies Elections Canada of the vacancy, placing the earliest possible vote in March. The local Liberal riding association has not yet indicated who may seek the nomination to replace Freeland.

Freeland’s exit follows months of transition. She stepped away from cabinet last fall to serve as Prime Minister Carney’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction, before later announcing plans to become chief executive officer of the Rhodes Trust beginning July 1. She is expected to relocate to Oxford, U.K. for that role. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed her appointment as an adviser on economic development, prompting criticism from opposition MPs who argued she should have resigned her Commons seat sooner.

In a public statement, Freeland said the advisory position is unpaid and that she consulted the federal ethics commissioner before accepting it. She described serving in Parliament since 2013 as “an immense honour,” adding that she intends to continue supporting Canada while advocating internationally for Ukraine, where she has been a prominent voice since Russia’s invasion.

Freeland’s political career includes senior cabinet roles under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including foreign affairs, deputy prime minister and finance minister. Her resignation as finance minister in 2024 helped set off a leadership transition that ultimately led to Trudeau’s departure and Carney’s rise to the Liberal leadership and the Prime Minister’s Office.