When Chrystia Freeland was appointed as Canada’s Minister of Finance in August 2020, she made history as the first woman to hold the position. This milestone in Canadian politics is just one in a long list of achievements for Freeland, who has been breaking barriers and making waves since the start of her career. Born in Peace River, Alberta, Freeland was raised in a family of Ukrainian immigrants and was instilled with a strong work ethic and a passion for education. After graduating from Harvard with a degree in Russian and Soviet Studies, she embarked on a successful career as a journalist and author. Her keen insights into international politics and economics caught the attention of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recruited her as his Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2015.
During her time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Freeland played a pivotal role in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Her sharp negotiating skills and determination resulted in the successful signing of the new agreement, now known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This achievement, along with several others, cemented Freeland’s reputation as a strong and capable leader on the global stage.
Now, as Minister of Finance, Freeland faces the daunting task of steering Canada
