Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair has issued a stark call for Chrystia Freeland to resign her seat in Parliament immediately, arguing that her recent appointment as an unpaid adviser to Ukraine creates an untenable conflict of interest. Mulcair's critique centers on Freeland's plan to leave her Toronto riding of University—Rosedale "in a couple of weeks" rather than at once.
A Logical Appointment, A Problematic Timeline
The controversy began over the weekend of January 6, 2024, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Freeland's new role as an adviser on economic development. This followed her existing position as the Canadian government's special representative for Ukraine's reconstruction, a role appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Mulcair acknowledges that Freeland, with her economic expertise and deep ties to Ukraine, is an ideal candidate for such work. However, he stresses that the unpaid nature of the position is irrelevant to the core issue. The fundamental problem, he contends, is that a sitting Member of Parliament cannot simultaneously be duty-bound to promote the interests of another nation, even a close ally like Ukraine.
Failure to 'Read the Room' After Foreign Interference Inquiry
Mulcair points to the recent epic commission of inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian politics as a critical backdrop. He argues that after such a thorough examination, Canadians expect clear lines and no mixed messages about whom their elected officials serve. He expected Freeland's immediate resignation announcement upon accepting Zelenskyy's offer.
Instead, Freeland's statement came late Monday, January 8, following strong criticism from opposition parties. She announced she would step down from her Canadian government role but would only leave her parliamentary seat "in the coming weeks." Mulcair calls this situation "intolerable" and her position "untenable," noting she cannot collect an MP's salary and accrue a pension while advising a foreign government.
Respect for Institutions Demands Immediate Action
While expressing respect for Freeland's commitment and brilliance, Mulcair asserts that discernment is lacking. He suggests that Prime Minister Carney, who publicly praised Freeland, may not have been fully aware of her plan to remain as an MP for weeks. Mulcair emphasizes that while federal ethics rules and cooling-off periods exist, they shouldn't need to be invoked.
For the sake of her own legacy and out of respect for the Canadian democratic institutions she has served, Mulcair concludes that Freeland must "immediately do the right thing" and resign her seat purely and simply. He believes delaying the departure only compounds the error and clouds an otherwise stellar career.
