Trudeau Says Freeland Was ‘Incredible Political Partner,’ Hoped She Would Stay On as Deputy PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland arrive to deliver the federal budget in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 28, 2023. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented for the first time on the resignation of Chrystia Freeland on Jan. 6, saying he had hoped she would have remained as his deputy after removing her from the finance portfolio.

Trudeau made the comments as he was announcing his plan to resign as Liberal Party leader and prime minister after a new leader is chosen.