Chrystia Freeland to step down as MP and advise Zelensky

Former Canadian deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland said she will leave parliament to become an unpaid economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Freeland said she will also take up the role of chief executive of the Rhodes Trust in the UK from July.

She confirmed she will resign as the MP for Toronto’s University–Rosedale and step down as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Ukraine is at the forefront of today’s global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic adviser.

Chrystia Freeland said.

Zelensky said Freeland brings extensive experience in investment and economic reform to the advisory role.

Her appointment prompted criticism from opposition politicians, who argued a Canadian MP cannot advise a foreign government.

One cannot be a Canadian MP and an adviser to a foreign government.

Michael Chong said.

Freeland previously served as finance minister, foreign minister and trade minister under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

She has been a long-time supporter of Ukraine and was banned from entering Russia in 2014.

Freeland said she will formally leave parliament in the coming weeks.