Tue Dec 17 15:29:28 UTC 2024: ## Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland Resigns
**OTTAWA** – In a surprise move just hours before delivering the annual budget, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned from both positions. This marks the first public display of dissent within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.
Reports suggest the resignation stems from disagreements over a recent policy proposal to provide every Canadian with a CAD 250 cheque. While details of the disagreement remain unclear, the differing views on this economic stimulus measure appear to have been the breaking point.
Freeland, a long-time prominent figure in Trudeau’s Liberal Party and Finance Minister since 2020, cited the looming threat of potential US tariffs as a significant challenge in her resignation letter. US President Donald Trump’s previous threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports is believed to have played a role in her decision. Economists have warned that such tariffs would severely impact the Canadian economy.
Despite her resignation, Freeland remains a Liberal Member of Parliament and intends to contest the next Canadian federal election. She has also instructed that Canada’s financial reserves be kept in reserve.
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