Canada’s Finance Minister resigns after clash with Trudeau over Trump tariffs and spending
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned on Monday after weeks of disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The dispute centered around how to address potential U.S. tariffs and the government’s spending plans. Following a meeting on Friday, where Trudeau suggested Freeland take a lesser role, she chose to step down.
Dominic LeBlanc, a close ally of Trudeau, was quickly appointed as the new finance minister for the minority Liberal government. Freeland’s resignation marks a significant crisis for Trudeau, as it leaves him without a key ally ahead of a likely defeat in the upcoming election.
Disagreements and Tensions
Freeland and Trudeau had disagreed over various issues, including a government proposal for temporary tax breaks. Freeland, in her resignation letter, expressed concern over the threat of new U.S. tariffs and stressed the need for fiscal restraint. She argued that Canada must be prepared financially for a potential tariff war.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the government for its chaos and divisions, especially with the looming risk of tariffs. He stated that Canada cannot afford such instability during a critical time for the economy.
Trudeau Faces Growing Pressure
Trudeau’s leadership is under increasing pressure, with polls indicating that the Liberals are struggling ahead of the 2025 election. Freeland, who served as trade and foreign minister before becoming finance minister in 2020, had been a central figure in managing Canada’s economic response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freeland’s resignation follows a series of other departures within Trudeau’s government, including Housing Minister Sean Fraser. The growing number of resignations has fueled speculation about a leadership crisis within the Liberal Party.
As Freeland steps down, the Canadian political landscape faces uncertainty, with opposition parties gaining ground. Trudeau’s future as prime minister is now in question, as his party deals with internal strife and declining public support.
