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#REDIRECT ] |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} |
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{{Infobox event |
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{{Redirect category shell| |
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| title = Resignation of Chrystia Freeland |
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| image = Chrystia Freeland with Justin Trudeau in Lima, Peru - 2018 (40793939784) (Cropped).jpg |
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| caption = Freeland and Trudeau in 2018 |
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| date = {{Start date and age|2024|12|16}} |
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| cause = Freeland's opposition to Trudeau's fiscal policy |
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On December 16, 2024, ], the incumbent ] and ] of ] resigned from her position in ] prior to the release that day of the government's fall economic statement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=16 December 2024 |title=Chrystia Freeland resigns from Trudeau's cabinet and sources say Dominic LeBlanc will replace her |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/chrystia-freeland-resigns-from-trudeau-s-cabinet-and-sources-say-dominic-leblanc-will-replace-her-1.7411380 |website=cbc.ca}}</ref> Later the same day she was replaced as Minister of Finance by ], while the position of Deputy Prime Minister remained vacant. |
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The events "sent shockwaves" through Canadian politics,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Darren |date=16 December 2024 |title=Chrystia Freeland's unexpected resignation sparks stunned reactions from all sides |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/politicians-react-freeland-resignation-1.7411497 |website=cbc.ca}}</ref> with opposition leader ] calling for a ], and ] leader ] calling for Trudeau to resign from office.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ljunggren |first1=David |last2=Shakil |first2=Ismail |date=2024-12-16 |title=Canada finance minister quits after clash with Trudeau over Trump tariffs, spending |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-finance-minister-resigns-2024-12-16/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> The reactions raised doubts about Trudeau's ability to win a confidence vote in the ], where his ] ] depends on the concurrence at least one opposition party to survive each confidence vote. By ], losing a confidence vote would spell the end of the current government, to be replaced by a government commanding the confidence of the House most likely after ]. |
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== Background and context == |
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Chrystia Freeland, who was appointed Canada's ] in 2019, following the ], and the nation's first female finance minister in 2020, was often nicknamed the "minister of everything", and widely seen as a potential successor to Trudeau for the leadership of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor-Vaisey |first=Nick |date=2020-03-05 |title=The minister of everything, Chrystia Freeland, takes on the coronavirus |url=https://macleans.ca/politics/the-minister-of-everything-chrystia-freeland-takes-on-the-coronavirus/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Macleans.ca |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chrystia Freeland's roles in Trudeau's Liberal government |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chrystia-freelands-roles-trudeaus-liberal-government-2024-12-16/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> Freeland was seen as exceptionally loyal to Trudeau.<ref>{{cite news |author1=] |title=Opinion: Freeland's political estrangement from Trudeau is both shocking and understandable |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opinion/article-chrystia-freelands-political-estrangement-from-justin-trudeau-is-both/ |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=] |date=16 December 2024 |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=] |title=Opinion: Chrystia Freeland's years of loyalty culminate in a humiliating and tragic end |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-chrystia-freelands-years-of-loyalty-culminates-in-a-humiliating-and/ |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=16 December 2024 |language=en-CA}}</ref> |
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, by then in power for nine years following his 2015 election victory, had headed off a caucus revolt in October 2024 over concerns about his unpopularity amid Canada's cost-of-living crisis and rising ] poll numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trudeau says he's staying on as Liberal leader after caucus revolt - National {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10828342/justin-trudeau-leadership-questions-will-stay-on/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> Furthering his unpopularity was his handling of Covid19 restrictions, percieved by many to be draconian and illegal in nature. |
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The weeks leading up to Freeland's resignation saw two other members of Trudeau's cabinet resign. On November 20, 2024, Alberta MP ] resigned from the Cabinet following allegations that he ran a business seeking federal contracts and ] to be ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=November 20, 2024 |title=Boissonnault out of cabinet after shifting claims about Indigenous heritage |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/boissonnault-leaves-cabinet-1.7388674 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |work=CBC News}}</ref> On December 15, 2024, Housing Minister ] announced his intention to leave the federal cabinet, citing personal reasons.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cochrane |first=David |date=December 15, 2024 |title=Sean Fraser to leave federal cabinet as PMO pushes to add Mark Carney |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sean-fraser-leaving-cabinet-1.7411260 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |work=CBC News}}</ref> |
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Freeland's resignation happened following the ], amid the prospect of the upcoming ] threatening to impose ] upon Canada, with Freeland writing to Trudeau that Canada faces a grave challenge due to this.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bowden |first=Olivia |date=2024-12-16 |title=Canada's deputy PM resigns from cabinet as tensions with Trudeau rise over Trump tariffs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/16/chrystia-freeland-resigns-canada-trump |access-date=2024-12-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> It occurred within the context of reports about a rift between the prime minister and deputy prime minister for the previous week, with Freeland opposing the Trudeau government's recent promise of $250 cheques to working Canadians who earned $150,000 or less in 2023 (a measure that did not pass due to a lack of NDP support because of a dispute over how many Canadians should receive the cheques).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-10 |title=Trudeau avoids addressing tensions with Freeland over spending on GST holiday, $250 cheques |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-freeland-signals-government-will-miss-deficit-target-ahead-of/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> In her letter, Freeland implicitly referred to this proposal as a "costly political gimmick" and argued that the Canadian government should " our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=FULL TEXT Canadian finance minister's resignation letter to PM Trudeau |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/full-text-canadian-finance-ministers-resignation-letter-pm-trudeau-2024-12-16/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> The resignation was seen as a "clear rebuke" of Justin Trudeau,<ref name=":1" /> with speculation arising as to the future of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Stevis-Gridneff |first1=Matina |last2=Austen |first2=Ian |date=16 December 2024 |title=Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Resigns, in Blow to Trudeau's Hold on Power |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/world/canada/chrystia-freeland-resigns-canada-finance-minister.html |website=The New York Times}}</ref> The economic statement was eventually released at 4:11 PM ] that same day, and presented in the ] by government House leader ]. The statement showed a deficit of $61.9 billion for 2023-24, exceeding Freeland's target of $40.1 billion or less, and left Trump's tariff threats largely unaddressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Dyk |first=Spencer |date=2024-12-16 |title=Amid political shakeup, feds deliver fall economic statement with $61.9B deficit for 2023-24 |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/amid-political-shakeup-feds-deliver-fall-economic-statement-with-61-9b-deficit-for-2023-24-1.7146688 |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> |
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According to Freeland's letter, Trudeau had made clear to her on Friday, December 13, over the ] platform ] that he no longer wished for her to serve as his finance minister and that she would be offered another Cabinet position; she instead decided to resign altogether from his Cabinet, saying that "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."<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last1=Seal |first1=Thomas |last2=Thanthong-Knight |first2=Randy |last3=Laura Dhillon |first3=Kane |date=18 December 2024 |title=Trudeau finally addresses Freeland's shocking resignation. Here's what Canada's PM said |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/trudeau-freeland-resignation |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The National Post}}</ref> According to Freeland, Trudeau was planning to replace her with former ] governor ] during a potential cabinet shuffle that week.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ha |first=Stephanie |date=2024-12-15 |title=Housing Minister Sean Fraser set to leave Trudeau cabinet, as shuffle looms |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/housing-minister-sean-fraser-set-to-leave-trudeau-cabinet-as-shuffle-looms-1.7146612 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> Mark Carney had been floated in media reports as a possible successor to Trudeau as Liberal leader, with him "taking steps" towards running for political office.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fife |first1=Robert |last2=Walsh |first2=Marieke |date=2024-12-12 |title=Trudeau makes fresh bid to recruit Mark Carney amid tensions with Freeland |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-mark-carney-freeland-tensions/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Craig |first=Lord |date=22 October 2024 |title=Mark Carney says he's 'taking steps' for possible electoral run |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10824065/mark-carney-electoral-run/ |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=Global News}}</ref> |
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Chrystia Freeland stated that she plans to run for re-election to her Toronto riding ] as a Liberal MP.<ref name=":2" /> Political analyst and former NDP leader ] speculated that Freeland is "setting herself up to run against Trudeau" for the Liberal leadership.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAEFjFMTi0k |title=Freeland setting herself up to run against Trudeau: Mulcair |date=2024-12-16 |last=CTV News |access-date=2024-12-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |
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== Reactions and political fallout == |
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Freeland's resignation and its subsequent political fallout was covered by news outlets both within and outside of Canada. |
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=== Liberal Party === |
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* Sources reported on the afternoon of December 16 that Prime Minister Trudeau was considering ] or even resigning.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=Trudeau considering his options as leader |url=https://www.cp24.com/video/2024/12/16/trudeau-considering-his-options-as-leader/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref> At a speech at a Liberal fundraiser on the evening of December 16, he remarked, "it was an eventful day, not an easy day."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SptyP-JI6UU |title="Not an easy day": Trudeau addresses Freeland resignation for the 1st time {{!}} FULL |date=2024-12-16 |last=Global News |access-date=2024-12-17 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |
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* Ontario Liberal MP ] said after the Liberal fundraiser on the evening of December 16 that the Liberal caucus is "not united" on the issue of Trudeau's continued leadership of the party, and said that he believes "the only path forward for us is to choose a new leader, and to present a new plan to Canadians with a different vision," while Quebec Liberal MP ] said he believes "the prime minister has passed shelf life" and should resign.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Chaya |first1=Lynn |last2=Caruso-Moro |first2=Luca |last3=Lee |first3=Michael |date=2024-12-16 |title=Trudeau considering his options as leader after Freeland quits cabinet, sources say |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-considering-his-options-as-leader-after-freeland-quits-cabinet-sources-say-1.7146952 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> Fellow Ontario MP ] agreed with Housefather and said that Trudeau "just doesn't represent what I want to see in a leader", while New Brunswick MP ] called Freeland's decision to leave cabinet "bold" and "a devastating blow" for the Prime Minister that should convince him to resign. At a caucus meeting earlier that day, it was reported that Liberal MPs gave Freeland a standing ovation.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=2024-12-16 |title='We're not united': Liberal caucus meets, as PM Trudeau faces fresh calls to resign in light of Freeland's departure |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/we-re-not-united-liberal-caucus-meets-as-pm-trudeau-faces-fresh-calls-to-resign-in-light-of-freeland-s-departure-1.7147577 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> Several other Liberal MPs called on Trudeau to resign, including British Columbia MPs ] and ], New Brunswick MPs ], ], and ], Newfoundland and Labrador MP ], Ontario MPs ] and ], Prince Edward Island MP ], Quebec MP ], and Yukon MP ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=2024-12-17 |title=Some Liberal MPs repeat calls for Trudeau to quit after Freeland debacle — but he still has defenders |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-renew-calls-trudeau-resign-1.7412642 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CBC News |language=en}}</ref> Ontario Liberal MP ], on the other hand, told reporters that Trudeau retained the confidence of the caucus, while chief government whip ] said Trudeau still had her "full support".<ref name=":4" /> |
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=== Opposition parties === |
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* Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre had made reference to reports of the Trudeau-Freeland rift the previous week during ] on Tuesday, December 10, remarking that Trudeau had "lost control of his own cabinet" and rhetorically asking "which one of is going to win?", while Deputy Opposition Leader and Ontario Conservative MP ] accused Trudeau of "bullying his female finance minister".<ref name=":5">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGwBazuofLI |title=Freeland denies claims she's at odds with Trudeau over GST holiday: "We are united" |date=2024-12-10 |last=Global News |access-date=2024-12-17 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Freeland responded by stating that "the only would-be bullies in this House are directly opposite ," insisting that she and Trudeau were "united" and denying claims of the rift.<ref name=":5" /> After Freeland's resignation six days later on December 16, Poilievre claimed Trudeau had "lost control, yet clings to power."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trudeau has lost control but 'clings to power,' Poilievre says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6593839 |website=CBC News}}</ref> |
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* Bloc Québécois leader ], whose party had already voted alongside the Conservatives to oust the Trudeau government in the last of multiple unsuccessful motions of non-confidence, remarked on December 16 that "the Trudeau government is done."<ref>{{Cite web |title='The Trudeau government is done': Blanchet |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=3048429 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="bq-pension">{{Cite news |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=October 29, 2024 |title=Bloc leader to push for early election after government doesn't pass pension hike bill |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/bloc-bring-down-government-1.7366655 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=CBC News}}</ref> |
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* NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, whose party had until earlier that year been in a ] with the Liberal minority government and even afterward had continued to support the government in confidence votes, said that Trudeau's Liberals "are focused on themselves" and that Trudeau "has to go," marking the first time he called for Trudeau's resignation. He nonetheless said that "all options are on the table", when asked whether he would vote no confidence in the government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Uday |title=Trudeau 'has to go,' NDP's Singh says in call to 'resign' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10920638/jagmeet-singh-calls-justin-trudeau-to-resign/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Global News |language=}}</ref> |
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* Green Party leader ] called December 16 an "unprecedented day" in Canadian politics and said she was "shocked by the events of today." She added, "it’s a damn shame when someone as qualified and brilliant as Chrystia Freeland is fired by the prime minister on a Friday."<ref name=":3" /> |
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=== Provincial === |
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* Alberta Premier ] said that there had been "rumours" of Freeland's resignation in the days before it was announced, adding "you can’t really put your name on a document you don’t support."<ref name=":3" /> |
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* Ontario Premier ] said Freeland's resignation was unexpected during a meeting of Canada's premiers in Toronto, calling it "chaos" and reiterating his call for national unity: "I think we all are , but again, this is a time for the premiers to step up — which we're going to and project unity across the country."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petz |first=Sarah |date=2024-12-16 |title=Chrystia Freeland's resignation from cabinet leaves Toronto constituents stunned |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/freeland-resignation-toronto-reaction-1.7411972 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CBC News |language=en}}</ref> |
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* When asked, Québec Premier ] avoided saying whether he still had confidence in the Prime Minister or the Trudeau government following Freeland's resignation. Since September he has asked the Bloc Québécois to withdraw support from the Liberal minority government. To questions he stated "Today, it is up to the people in the House of Commons to decide how they will vote in the coming weeks, the coming months. It is not up to me to tell them what to do."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laberge |first=Thomas |date=2024-12-16 |title=Crise à Ottawa: Legault évite de dire s'il a encore confiance en Justin Trudeau |url=https://lactualite.com/actualites/tarifs-de-trump-et-demission-de-freeland-ford-prone-lunite-des-provinces/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The Canadian Press |language=fr}}</ref> |
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* Saskatchewan Premier ] in speaking at a ] meeting stated "I talked with Chrystia Freeland late last week as well and have appreciated always working alongside her, She was our engagement point at this table for a number of years."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prisciak |first=David |date=2024-12-16 |title=Premier Scott Moe reacts to Freeland resignation as premiers meet to discuss U.S. tariff threat |url=https://regina.ctvnews.ca/premier-scott-moe-reacts-to-freeland-resignation-as-premiers-meet-to-discuss-u-s-tariff-threat-1.7147865 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== International === |
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* President-elect of the United States ] praised Freeland's departure by posting "The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!" on his social media platform, ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Panetta |first=Alexander |date=17 December 2024 |title=Trump trash talks Freeland in blast from her political past |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-freeland-post-1.7412270 |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=]}}</ref> |
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=== Media === |
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* The editorial board of the ], which endorsed Trudeau's Liberals in all three elections in which he led them,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mastracci |first=Davide |date=2021-09-20 |title=Documenting The Past 40 Years Of Media Election Endorsements |url=https://www.readthemaple.com/election-endorsements/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The Maple |language=en}}</ref> called for Trudeau's resignation on the evening of December 16.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Toronto Star Editorial Board |date=2024-12-16 |title=Star Editorial Board: It's time for Justin Trudeau to resign |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/it-s-time-for-justin-trudeau-to-resign/article_23865ec6-bc01-11ef-a55f-534351a90181.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Freeland, Chrystia}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Freeland, Chrystia}} |
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