Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland to step down from cabinet

OTTAWA —  Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to resign from cabinet Tuesday, marking the first departure from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.

Multiple sources confirmed to National Post that Freeland, who was deputy prime minister and finance minister for Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau, is leaving her cabinet post, with many suggesting she would be appointed to an international role related to Ukraine.

Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent and a staunch supporter of the country amid its war with Russia, travelled to Ukraine late last week and attended a conference titled “How to end the War?”. She moderated a panel on “Reforms And Fighting Against Corruption.”

One source suggested Freeland’s transport and internal trade portfolios would be reassigned among current cabinet members instead of a new one being appointed to replace her.

Carney is meeting with cabinet on Tuesday morning. The announcement of Freeland’s departure from cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Freeland was a major player in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government but also a key part of Trudeau’s resignation in January.

Her searing resignation as finance minister on Dec. 16 is widely seen as the straw that broke the camel’s back of Trudeau’s leadership, ultimately leading to Trudeau’s stepping down as prime minister and the election of Mark Carney.

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment Tuesday morning.

More to come.

National Post

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