Canadian Finance Minister Resigns Amid Ukrainian "Nazi-grandad" Scandal
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down from Justin Trudeau’s cabinet on Monday, issuing a sharp letter. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Canada’s finance minister and deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, announced her resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet on Monday, citing differences in policy and concerns regarding the prime minister's economic direction. This decision follows recent scrutiny of her family’s history, particularly regarding her grandfather’s connections to Nazi collaboration in Ukraine.
Freeland, who has held prominent positions in Trudeau’s Liberal government since 2013, expressed her criticism in a resignation letter that highlighted her belief that the prime minister was favoring “costly political gimmicks” over sound fiscal management amid potential threats of tariffs from the United States. She specifically disagreed with Trudeau's plans for a sales tax holiday and $175 direct payments to Canadians, labeling them as financially irresponsible.
“We need to take [U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s] tariff threats seriously,” Freeland wrote. “That means keeping our fiscal powder dry… and avoiding wasteful spending that undermines Canadians’ trust in our leadership.”
In response to Freeland’s departure, Trudeau quickly appointed Dominic LeBlanc, the former public safety minister and a longtime ally, as her successor. LeBlanc was sworn in that same day and promised to address inflation and improve U.S.-Canada relations.
Freeland’s exit has also brought renewed attention to her family’s historical controversies. Her maternal grandfather, Michael Chomiak, was an editor of a Nazi-controlled Ukrainian newspaper that spread anti-Semitic propaganda during World War II. Although public records have substantiated his involvement, Freeland has previously dismissed these revelations as Russian disinformation.
The issue first gained traction in 2017 when investigations uncovered Chomiak's connections to Nazi operations. Freeland defended her grandfather’s legacy by claiming he fled from Soviet persecution, but various sources, including national and international media, have revealed his role in disseminating propaganda during the Holocaust.
A new book by Peter McFarlane, titled “Family Ties: How a Ukrainian Nazi and a living witness link Canada to Ukraine today,” which was released this fall, seeks to expose efforts to conceal Chomiak’s Nazi involvement.
Freeland has not directly confronted the full scope of her grandfather’s actions during the war, instead asserting that her family's history showcases “the complex history of Europe in the 20th century.” Detractors contend that her reluctance to acknowledge these facts has harmed her credibility.
Her resignation occurs as Trudeau faces declining popularity amid economic challenges and discontent within his party. With rising inflation and criticism of his policies becoming more pronounced, some opposition leaders and members of his own party are urging him to avoid seeking a fourth term.
Freeland, however, has stated her intention to continue serving as a Liberal MP and to run for re-election in Toronto.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
Freeland, who has held prominent positions in Trudeau’s Liberal government since 2013, expressed her criticism in a resignation letter that highlighted her belief that the prime minister was favoring “costly political gimmicks” over sound fiscal management amid potential threats of tariffs from the United States. She specifically disagreed with Trudeau's plans for a sales tax holiday and $175 direct payments to Canadians, labeling them as financially irresponsible.
“We need to take [U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s] tariff threats seriously,” Freeland wrote. “That means keeping our fiscal powder dry… and avoiding wasteful spending that undermines Canadians’ trust in our leadership.”
In response to Freeland’s departure, Trudeau quickly appointed Dominic LeBlanc, the former public safety minister and a longtime ally, as her successor. LeBlanc was sworn in that same day and promised to address inflation and improve U.S.-Canada relations.
Freeland’s exit has also brought renewed attention to her family’s historical controversies. Her maternal grandfather, Michael Chomiak, was an editor of a Nazi-controlled Ukrainian newspaper that spread anti-Semitic propaganda during World War II. Although public records have substantiated his involvement, Freeland has previously dismissed these revelations as Russian disinformation.
The issue first gained traction in 2017 when investigations uncovered Chomiak's connections to Nazi operations. Freeland defended her grandfather’s legacy by claiming he fled from Soviet persecution, but various sources, including national and international media, have revealed his role in disseminating propaganda during the Holocaust.
A new book by Peter McFarlane, titled “Family Ties: How a Ukrainian Nazi and a living witness link Canada to Ukraine today,” which was released this fall, seeks to expose efforts to conceal Chomiak’s Nazi involvement.
Freeland has not directly confronted the full scope of her grandfather’s actions during the war, instead asserting that her family's history showcases “the complex history of Europe in the 20th century.” Detractors contend that her reluctance to acknowledge these facts has harmed her credibility.
Her resignation occurs as Trudeau faces declining popularity amid economic challenges and discontent within his party. With rising inflation and criticism of his policies becoming more pronounced, some opposition leaders and members of his own party are urging him to avoid seeking a fourth term.
Freeland, however, has stated her intention to continue serving as a Liberal MP and to run for re-election in Toronto.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
