What Chrystia Freeland brings to the table as Canada’s finance minister — from a former insider: podcast
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There was little surprise when Chrystia Freeland was announced as the new Minister of Finance last week, after her predecessor Bill Morneau abruptly resigned.
Freeland was already deputy prime minister, already considered the second most powerful role in cabinet, and her responsibilities have been continuously growing during the past few years: She took the lead in negotiating a new trade agreement with the U.S., and has been orchestrating the country’s response as the U.S. reasserts tariffs on Canadian aluminum in the first signs that another trade war is brewing with our closest ally.
Still, critics contend Freeland’s previous career as a financial journalist does not equate to work experience in finance, and that to achieve the most in her new role, she will need to gain the confidence of Bay Street.
To help break down the news, Down to Business interviewed Rebekah Young, director of fiscal and provincial economics at Scotiabank, who has been keeping a close eye on the state of Canada’s recovery.
