Carney says Freeland's decision to accept Ukraine advisory role is consistent with planned resignation

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Chrystia Freeland’s acceptance of an economic advisory role to Ukraine’s president aligns with her plan to resign as a member of Parliament, and she has said she will step down in the “coming weeks,” which will trigger a by-election in University–Rosedale.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Chrystia Freeland’s decision to accept a role as an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is consistent with her plan to leave Parliament. He said the position is similar to the work she carried out as his special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Ms. Freeland has said she will step down from Mr. Carney’s post and resign as an MP in the "coming weeks." President Zelensky announced her appointment publicly ahead of a major gathering in Paris. Key points: - Mr. Carney said taking the Ukrainian advisory role was "consistent" with resigning as an MP and he welcomed her decision. - Ms. Freeland had been Mr. Carney’s special representative for reconstruction after resigning as transport and internal trade minister in the fall. - Ms. Freeland has stated she will resign as an MP in the "coming weeks," which will trigger a by-election in University–Rosedale. - The Carney government is one seat short of a majority, and a vacancy in the House of Commons could make it more difficult to win votes until the seat is filled. - Conservative MPs said Ms. Freeland should have resigned when she accepted the post due to a potential conflict of interest; neither Ms. Freeland nor Mr. Carney has publicly addressed that criticism. Summary: Ms. Freeland’s planned resignation will prompt a by-election in her Toronto riding; no date has been announced. The vacancy may affect parliamentary voting dynamics while the seat remains empty given the government’s one-seat shortfall.