Reaction to Chrystia Freeland’s resignation and the Liberal chaos

Article content

Within minutes of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation Monday morning, colleagues, political opponents, premiers and business leaders reacted. The following are some of their immediate thoughts.

Article content

“This is a serious moment. It’s time for the government’s mandate to come to an end. This cannot go on.” ­— Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

Article content

“Chrystia Freeland is a good friend. This news has hit me really hard, and I’ll reserve further comment until I’ve had time to process it.” — Treasury Board President Anita Anand

“When the general is losing his most loyal soldiers on the eve of a (tariff) war, the country desperately needs a new general.” — former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said in a post on X. She resigned from cabinet in 2019 amid her own conflict with the prime minister.

“It certainly adds another layer of uncertainty as we likely enter a period of volatility with the upcoming U.S. administration.” — Dominique Lapointe, director at Manulife Investment Management

“We’ll look at each vote and we’ll make a decision, but now all options are on the table.” — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, saying Justin Trudeau should resign but refusing to say whether he was willing to vote to bring down the government.

“This government remains very strong with a number of very capable ministers and the prime minister.” — Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon

“Mr. Trudeau’s government is over. He must acknowledge that and act accordingly.” — Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, adding that Trudeau should ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament in the new year.

Article content

“It’s chaos right now up in Ottawa and it’s time that what we do every single day, the premiers: we step up and we’ll make sure that we tell the world that there is stability here.” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has threatened to terminate energy exports to the United States if Donald Trump hits Canada with 25 per cent tariffs.

“All my strength and support to @cafreeland. Since 2015 she has more than earned my trust and friendship. … I have written to caucus chair Brenda Shanahan asking her to convene a national Liberal caucus meeting within the next 24 hours.” — Liberal MP Anthony Housefather in two posts to X

“How was this allowed to unfold the way it is on the day of the fall economic statement? This is a total unmitigated disaster.” — NDP MP Charlie Angus

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here.

Share this article in your social network