Chrystia Freeland, who remains the Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of University-Rosedale, has not commented on her next steps, but sources say she wants to continue as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine.Evan Buhler/Reuters
Chrystia Freeland is taking over the leadership of the organization that provides the venerable Rhodes Scholarship, in a move that may set the stage for a life after politics.
The former deputy prime minister, who is now a Canadian special envoy for the reconstruction of Ukraine, will become the chief executive officer of the Rhodes Trust, based in Britain.
“It’s a full-time position and it is based in Oxford, U.K.,” Rhodes Trust spokesperson Babette Littlemore said in an e-mail Thursday.
However, Ms. Littlemore said some aspects of the position that Ms. Freeland is taking, which begins next July, are still being worked out.
Ms. Freeland remains the Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of University-Rosedale, and lives in Toronto with her husband and children.
She did not comment on Thursday on her next steps, though sources close to Ms. Freeland said that she wants to remain the special envoy.
The Globe and Mail is not naming the sources who were not authorized to speak publicly on her behalf.
The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide any comment on Thursday to questions about Ms. Freeland’s future as envoy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney touted Ms. Freeland’s professional credentials for the envoy role when he announced the appointment in mid-September as Ms. Freeland left her cabinet posts of transport and internal trade.
“As a former G7 Minister of Finance, Foreign Affairs and International Trade with deep relationships and understanding of Ukraine and its economy, Chrystia is truly uniquely positioned for this timely and essential work towards a better future for Ukrainians and peace in Europe,” Mr. Carney said in a statement.
He also said Ms. Freeland would continue as an MP when she left cabinet. If Ms. Freeland were to leave as an MP, it could present a challenge to the minority Carney government, which is two seats shy of a majority.
Ms. Freeland was elected in 2015 as the Liberals won government and has since served in top cabinet posts.
Ms. Freeland studied at Oxford as a Rhodes scholar in 1991.
Prior to entering politics, Ms. Freeland worked as a journalist for several publications, including The Globe, where she served as deputy editor.
Chrystia Freeland will move to Oxford, England, to take on a new position next summer administering the Rhodes Trust educational charity famous for its prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, which offers students from around the world the chance to study at the University of Oxford.
The Canadian Press