Canada's government faces uncertainty as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns, leaving the country vulnerable to looming U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.
Canada’s government is facing political turmoil after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly resigned on Monday, leaving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration adrift just weeks before the inauguration of a U.S. administration that has threatened severe tariffs on Canadian exports.
Freeland stepped down after Trudeau offered her a lesser role in cabinet, citing disagreements over the prime minister's push for increased spending. She warned that excessive spending could weaken Canada’s ability to withstand the economic fallout from potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
As the head of a special cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations, Freeland had been instrumental in coordinating with Canada’s 10 provinces to prepare a unified response to Trump’s trade policies.
Her departure came as a shock, particularly to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who criticized the government for leaving provincial leaders blindsided. Smith revealed that premiers learned of Freeland’s resignation halfway through a critical meeting about Canada-U.S. relations.
The resignation has further deepened internal divisions within Trudeau’s ruling Liberal Party. Disgruntled legislators, some of whom have been urging Trudeau to resign for months, gathered in Ottawa to express their frustration over the party’s declining popularity.
With national elections due no later than October 2025, the Liberals are trailing in the polls, putting Trudeau under increasing pressure to step aside.
Freeland’s departure comes at a precarious time for Canada’s economy. During Trump’s first presidency in 2017, he threatened to dismantle the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a move that could have devastated Canada’s U.S.-dependent economy.
Freeland, then foreign minister, played a pivotal role in renegotiating the deal, helping to secure the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
With Trump poised to return to power and hinting at renewed tariffs, Canada now finds itself without one of its most experienced negotiators at a crucial moment. Trudeau's government faces mounting pressure to stabilize the leadership vacuum and reassure Canadians that the country is prepared to navigate the economic and political challenges ahead.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, focusing on energy security, strengthening trade ties, and regional stability.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday welcomed a U.S. trade court ruling that blocked most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, many of which targeted Canadian exports.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Canada could contribute about $61 billion to the proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system, part of a larger $175 billion project to build a space-based shield against missile threats.
King Charles arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a two-day visit seen as symbolical, reaffirming his role as Canada’s constitutional monarch amid ongoing political debate fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestions about annexing Canada.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
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Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
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