Zelensky appointed former Chancellor of Canada Freeland as advisor on economic development.

According to ТСН: The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Chrystia Freeland, a former Canadian public servant, as an advisor on economic development.

He announced this on social media, emphasizing that Freeland possesses professional knowledge in the economic sphere and significant experience in attracting investments and implementing reforms.

“Today I appointed Chrystia Freeland as advisor on economic development. Chrystia is professionally versed in such matters and has substantial experience in attracting investments and implementing economic transformations,”

The President also stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine's internal resilience for the country's recovery and defense enhancement.

Biography of Chrystia Freeland

Chrystia Freeland is a Canadian writer, journalist, and politician of Ukrainian descent. She was born on August 2, 1968, in Peace River, Alberta. Since November 20, 2019, she served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, and from August 18, 2020, to December 16, 2024, she headed the Ministry of Finance.

On July 26, 2013, Freeland ended her journalism career, planning to participate in the by-election to the Canadian Parliament from the Liberal Party. On November 25, she received a parliamentary mandate.

In November 2015, Freeland became the Minister of International Trade, and in January 2017, she became the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In November 2019, she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and starting August 18, 2020, she served as the Minister of Finance of Canada.

On December 16, 2024, Freeland resigned from the position of Minister of Finance due to disagreements with the Prime Minister's policies against the backdrop of a tariff war threat with the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In September 2025, she was appointed as Canada's special representative for the recovery of Ukraine, but by November of the same year, it was reported that she was leaving this position to head the Cecil Rhodes Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships for studying at Oxford University.

Support for Ukraine

In 2018, Freeland publicly advocated for the release of Ukrainian filmmaker and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov.

She has repeatedly visited Ukraine as a representative of the Liberal Party of Canada, meeting with officials and leaders of the Ukrainian community.

Freeland was included in a list of thirteen Canadian citizens who were banned from entering Russia in March 2014 due to sanctions imposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On August 23, 2022, she was awarded the Order of Princess Olga of the I degree for her significant contributions to the development of intergovernmental cooperation, support for Ukraine's sovereignty, and promotion of its state in the world.

Furthermore, Volodymyr Zelensky also appointed Serhiy Kyslytsia as the first deputy head of the President's Office, where he will be responsible for communication with partners and the development of bilateral relations.

This appointment indicates the intensification of Ukraine's efforts towards economic development and attracting international investments, which is crucial for the country's recovery after prolonged trials. Chrystia Freeland's experience in this area may become an important factor in achieving these goals.