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Chrystia Freeland in Conflict of Interest — WEF Forum
What You Didn't Know
World Economic Forum and Chrystia Freeland
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland was asked whether she would be willing to reconsider her position in the role if she found out that her husband, Brian Freeland, was also a cabinet minister.
She initially refused to comment on the question before eventually saying, "I'll consider every job opportunity for what it is — a chance to serve my country and advance its interests." With all due respect, Ms. Freeland, you cannot understand accurately what your current or future positions mean in Canada's government if you refuse to answer questions about them.
The reason is simple: The Canadian government has slid into an unprecedented state of political chaos in recent months — one so complicated and muddled that it borders on the impossible to understand. In many ways, this has been a story of two governments negotiating their way out of a politically-charged situation.
Ministerial spouses often face awkward questions about their allegiances and conflicts of interest. Still, only some understand how difficult it can be for those who find themselves at odds with their colleagues and the media.
