Justin Trudeau names Chrystia Freeland as Canada’s first woman finance minister amid ethics scandal
- Predecessor Bill Morneau was embroiled in controversy over payments from WE Charity and had clashed with PM over how to reboot economy
- Parliament suspended as Trudeau prepares Covid-19 recovery plan
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tapped Chrystia Freeland to be Canada’s first woman finance minister on Tuesday as an ethics scandal that clipped her predecessor’s wings reverberates through the government.
Freeland received a standing ovation after being sworn in at a small ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Governor General Julie Payette in Ottawa. Guests socially distanced, wore face masks and Freeland greeted Trudeau with an elbow bump after taking the oath of office.
Freeland, 52, has held key posts in the Liberal government including deputy prime minister – a role she keeps – and previously as foreign minister, as well as leading free trade talks with the US and Mexico.
The former journalist, first elected in 2015 and well-respected by her peers, takes on the top finance job as Canada goes through its worst economic crisis since the Second World War.
After five years in the post, Bill Morneau – under pressure from opposition parties – announced his surprise resignation from politics late Monday.
