Liberal Member of Parliament Chrystia Freeland is set to relocate to Oxford, England, in the upcoming summer to assume a new role overseeing the Rhodes Trust, a renowned educational charity. The Trust is widely recognized for its prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program, offering students worldwide the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford.
In an announcement made on Wednesday evening, the Rhodes Trust disclosed that Freeland has been appointed as the CEO of the organization and will also serve as the warden of Rhodes House, a prominent building on the university campus, starting from July 1st. Babette Littlemore, a spokesperson, confirmed Freeland’s move to Oxford for the position.
While Freeland has not officially declared her resignation from her parliamentary role, she has indicated that she does not plan to run in the next election. Her office did not respond to inquiries on Thursday. The local Liberal riding association in Toronto’s University-Rosedale constituency, where she represents, had no details regarding her new responsibilities, potential departure, or arrangements for a by-election candidate nomination process.
The press release from the Rhodes Trust announcing her appointment includes a statement from Freeland expressing her honor in taking on this role with her alma mater. She highlighted the transformative impact of the Rhodes Scholarship program on her personal and professional development, having earned a degree in Slavonic studies at the University of Oxford in the early 1990s.
Previously serving as the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Freeland vied for the leadership of the Liberal Party earlier this year, advocating for a robust stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies towards Canada. Eventually, she lost the leadership race to Mark Carney, who assumed the role of Prime Minister in March. In Carney’s cabinet, Freeland held dual positions as the Minister of Internal Trade and Transport, leading efforts to reduce internal trade barriers within Canada.
Freeland stepped down from her cabinet roles in September to take on a specialized role representing the government on matters related to the reconstruction of Ukraine. Known for her strong advocacy for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, she played a key role in international efforts to support the country’s recovery. Freeland’s diverse background includes journalism stints in Kyiv and Moscow for prominent publications, fluency in Ukrainian and Russian, and editorial roles in Canada.
Having been elected as a Member of Parliament in 2013, Freeland has been an influential figure in Canadian politics, spearheading key initiatives such as trade agreements and economic policies. Her tenure as Canada’s first female Finance Minister saw her navigate significant challenges, including managing emergency spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freeland’s decision to relocate to Oxford marks a significant transition in her career, aligning with her commitment to education and international relations. Her family life includes her marriage to New York Times journalist Graham Bowley, with whom she shares two daughters and a son.