Ottawa- The Liberal government is facing a significant shake-up as two high-profile cabinet ministers step back from federal politics. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned from Cabinet, while Housing Minister Sean Fraser announced he will not be running in the next federal election, citing family reasons.
Fraser made the announcement at a news conference in Ottawa earlier today, joining a growing list of Liberal cabinet ministers exiting politics. Fraser, a Nova Scotia MP who served as both Immigration Minister and Housing Minister, said his decision was a personal one and not tied to any future political ambitions.
“I’m not making any plans,” Fraser said when asked recently about leading the Nova Scotia Liberals following their electoral collapse last month. “I’ve got a job to do up here and I’m focused on doing that job well.”
Fraser, elected in 2015, was considered a rising star for the Liberals and a strong communicator, though he often faced criticism from Conservatives over the government’s housing and immigration policies. In response to Freeland’s resignation, Fraser said, “I consider her a friend, and that friendship will continue long after my time in politics.”
Freeland’s resignation comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau removed her from the Finance Minister role. In a letter addressed to Trudeau, Freeland said the only “honest and viable path” was to step down entirely, noting she could no longer effectively serve without the Prime Minister’s full confidence.
Freeland, a key architect of the Trudeau government’s economic policies, raised concerns about Canada’s ability to navigate mounting fiscal and international challenges, including protectionist policies from the incoming U.S. administration. She confirmed her intention to remain a Liberal Member of Parliament and run for re-election in Toronto.
The exits of both Freeland and Fraser highlight a period of transition and uncertainty for the Liberal government as Trudeau prepares to chair a cabinet meeting on Monday. With an election looming, the departures raise questions about the party’s future leadership and strategy heading into the next campaign.