Chrystia Freeland has thrown her hat into the ring to become the next leader of the Liberal Party, setting up what could be a dramatic showdown with former central banker Mark Carney.
The former journalist and finance minister announced her resignation on Friday through social media, emphasizing her commitment to Canada’s future.
Freeland plans to outline her full campaign during an official launch event scheduled for Sunday.
“I’m running to fight for Canada,” Freeland said in a statement posted to Twitter/X.
Freeland resigned as finance minister in December after a disagreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over fiscal policy.
In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized what she called "costly political gimmicks" and emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal restraint.
Freeland speaks fluent Ukrainian and previously spent two decades as a journalist.
Since winning her Toronto riding of University-Rosedale in 2015, Freeland has managed several significant files, including the successful renegotiation of NAFTA during the previous Trump administration.
Freeland also had roles in foreign affairs and intergovernmental relations.
Freeland has been involved in Canada's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing on her personal connection to the region through her Ukrainian mother and studying in Kyiv.
The leadership race has taken an intriguing turn with the launch of Mark Carney's campaign for Liberal leader.
Carney has close personal ties to Freeland because he is the godfather of Freeland's son.
Though long rumoured as a potential successor for her finance minister position, Carney will now face his friend as a rival for the Liberal Party's top job.
