Liberal Member of Parliament Chrystia Freeland is set to relocate to Oxford, England, next summer to assume a new role overseeing the Rhodes Trust, a renowned educational charity. The trust, well-known for its esteemed Rhodes Scholarship program that enables students worldwide to study at the University of Oxford, has appointed Freeland as the Chief Executive Officer and warden of Rhodes House, effective July 1.
Confirmation of Freeland’s move to Oxford for the position was provided by Rhodes Trust spokesperson Babette Littlemore via phone. While Freeland has not officially declared her resignation from Parliament, she has indicated that she does not plan to seek re-election.
Details regarding Freeland’s transition, including her departure and potential candidate nomination processes for a by-election in her University-Rosedale riding in Toronto, were not available from her local Liberal riding association. Moreover, no additional information was provided by the Prime Minister’s Office or the House of Commons Speaker’s office.
In a press release announcing her appointment, Freeland expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with her alma mater, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Rhodes Scholarship program on her personal and professional development. With a background in Slavonic studies, Freeland earned her degree from the University of Oxford in the early 1990s.
Formerly serving as the finance minister and deputy prime minister, Freeland gained recognition for her advocacy for Ukraine and efforts to support the country in its conflict with Russia. She stepped down from her cabinet roles in September to take on a specialized role related to Ukraine’s reconstruction under the Carney government.
Throughout her career, Freeland has built a reputation as a strong advocate for Ukraine, leveraging her experience as a journalist in Kyiv and Moscow for prominent publications. As a five-time Member of Parliament, she has been actively involved in Canadian politics since her election to the House of Commons in 2013.
Freeland’s contributions to Canadian politics include her role in securing trade agreements, navigating international trade negotiations during the Trump administration, and overseeing significant fiscal policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure included key positions such as deputy prime minister and the first female federal finance minister.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Freeland is married to New York Times journalist Graham Bowley and is a parent to two daughters and a son.
