Chrystia Freeland to become Canada’s first female finance minister

OTTAWA, ON., Aug. 18, 2020 — Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland will become Canada’s first female finance minister during a ceremony to be held this afternoon at Rideau Hall.

While several sources say Dominic LeBlanc will take over Freeland’s intergovernmental affairs role. LeBlanc is a Canadian lawyer and politician who has been the MP for the New Brunswick riding of Beauséjour since 2000.

This announcement comes on the heals of Bill Morneau’s resignation as finance minister and as the MP for Toronto Centre on Monday, afternoon.

Morneau cited that because he wasn’t planning on running in the election now is the best time to for a new minister to navigate Canada through its post-pandemic economic recovery.

Both Bill Morneau and Prime Minister Trudeau are being investigated by the Ethics Commissioner after it was discovered that the federal government gave WE Charity a $43.5-million contract to administer their student grant program while both Trudeau and Morneau have ties to WE.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford applauded the appointment of Chrystia Freeland and was very quick to thank Bill Morneau for all that he has done for Canada and the provinces to help them financially through the COVID-19 pandemic. “I wish him very well. He helped so many Canadians,” said Ford.

Regarding the appointment of Freeland, Ontario’s Premier told CityNews, “I absolutely love Chrystia Freeland. I don’t know how she is going to do it, she is working around the clock now… but there is no one that would be better in that role than Chrystia…I will help her and way we can,” said Premier Ford.

Prime Minister Trudeau tweeted about Morneau’s resignation:

“Since he was first elected and became Canada’s Finance Minister, Bill has worked tirelessly to support all Canadians and create an economy that benefits everyone…And thanks to his unwavering leadership and commitment to service throughout the pandemic, our government has laid the groundwork for a strong economic recovery. I have counted on his leadership, advice, and close friendship over the years and I look forward to that continuing…Bill, you have my deepest gratitude and I want to thank you for everything you have done to improve the quality of life of Canadians. I know you will continue making great contributions to our country in the years to come,” said Trudeau.

Also today, multiple sources are saying that Prime Minister Trudeau plans to prorogue this session of Parliament. Trudeau must seek permission from Gov. Gen. Julie Payette and CBC has reported that “Trudeau will hold a cabinet retreat in September and then have a speech from the throne in October to begin a fresh session of the House of Commons.”