Canada's Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland Resigns

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, citing fundamental disagreements over how to respond to President-elect Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. In her resignation letter, Freeland stressed the need for fiscal discipline and warned against 'costly political gimmicks' at a time when Canada faces serious economic challenges. Business leaders have expressed concern about the lack of experienced leadership in navigating trade relations with the U.S., particularly given Freeland's previous successes during NAFTA renegotiations. Trudeau's government has now lost two finance ministers in just over four years, raising questions about its economic strategy. Freeland's resignation comes after a rift with Trudeau on key policy decisions, including a controversial proposal for direct cash payments to Canadians. Analysts warn that the incoming U.S. administration's economic nationalism poses significant risks for Canada's economy.