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Chrystia: From Peace River to Parliament Hill
The intriguing, in-depth story of the most powerful woman in Canadian politics.
Catherine Tsalikis traces Chrystia Freeland’s remarkable journey from the northwestern Alberta town of Peace River to Moscow, London, and New York, where she spent two decades as a journalist, to the halls of Parliament Hill as deputy prime minister and finance minister in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. Ambitious and talented with a work ethic to match, Freeland has had an impressive run since she entered politics in 2013: spearheading major trade negotiations, expertly navigating relations with an erratic US president, speaking out about human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, and standing up to Vladimir Putin’s aggressions in Ukraine.
With her impeccable research, seasoned perspective, and accessible style, Tsalikis brings Freeland’s story to life. The defining moments and experiences that shaped Freeland’s particular worldview illuminate the answers to larger social how to live a good, useful life; how to hold fast to guiding principles; how to break through glass ceilings. This is a unique behind-the-curtains look at Canadian politics through the story of a trailblazing woman.
Catherine Tsalikis traces Chrystia Freeland’s remarkable journey from the northwestern Alberta town of Peace River to Moscow, London, and New York, where she spent two decades as a journalist, to the halls of Parliament Hill as deputy prime minister and finance minister in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. Ambitious and talented with a work ethic to match, Freeland has had an impressive run since she entered politics in 2013: spearheading major trade negotiations, expertly navigating relations with an erratic US president, speaking out about human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, and standing up to Vladimir Putin’s aggressions in Ukraine.
With her impeccable research, seasoned perspective, and accessible style, Tsalikis brings Freeland’s story to life. The defining moments and experiences that shaped Freeland’s particular worldview illuminate the answers to larger social how to live a good, useful life; how to hold fast to guiding principles; how to break through glass ceilings. This is a unique behind-the-curtains look at Canadian politics through the story of a trailblazing woman.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 8, 2025
As Canada prepares for some turbulent times south of the border, it would be remiss not to talk about some of the political fallout within our own borders as well. An election is sure to occur by October 2025 and I wanted to do a little Election Prep for Canada, as I have done for US presidential elections in years past. We have a prime minister who has resigned due to some really poor polling numbers and a salivating Leader of the Opposition wanting to topple the tower right away for his own benefit. This entire experience could be extra fun, as there are whispers from high in Washington that the upcoming election could be the last for Canada as a sovereign country before we become the 51st state. Let’s see where this reading journey takes us!
Catherine Tsalikis delivers this great biography of a woman who has not only been a stalwart in recent Canadian politics, but also serves to educate on some of the themes are are prevalent in today’s geopolitical clashes. Christina “Chrystia” Freeland came from small-town Alberta, but rose to prominence and paved the way for women and the Ukrainian community across Canada. As Tsalikis delves into the aspects and nuances of Freeland’s life, she is able to explore key themes that keep the reader curious throughout. A well-paced piece that had me wondering what’s next for this leader in Canadian politics.
Christina ‘Chrystia’ Freeland has deep roots in both her small Alberta community and major world centres across the globe. Growing up in Peace River, Alberta, she was surrounded by hard working family members and embued with generations of Ukrainian heritage that helped define her. As Christina Tsalikis explored in this biography, Freeland was much more complex that a girl who loved the farm and singing folk songs in the fields.
After a great academic career that saw her able to explore the world, Freeland landed at Harvard, an accomplishment no one in her family could have expected. Passionate to learn and yet also willing to teach about her Ukrainian heritage, Freeland rubbed elbows with many great thinkers and doers, which opened new doors at a time when geopolitical walls were crashing down. She brought with her a love of people and a passion to share with them, all of which was essential to her work when she became a journalist at a prestigious newspaper and began shaping world views.
As Tsalikis pushes the narrative forward, she develops a passion on Freeland's part to serve her country well. Freeland was pulled in to play a role in the new Liberal Party of Canada. Amongst some of the other well-established women who had made Canada their home, Freeland was to give back and make her mark as a women in the political arena. While government Members of Parliament targeted Freeland while she sat in opposition, she did not give up, nor did she let these closed-minded views shape her sense of honour. Rather, much like many of the other hurdles she had faced before, Chrystia Freeland used it as a launching point to larger things.
After the Liberals flooded the 2015 election and were sent to the government benches, Freeland joined a fresh-faced Justin Trudeau to help change Canada for the better. While there were issues and slow reveals, Freeland was able to shape Canadian trade and international relations effectively, while the world shifted its tectonic plates around her. When, as a badge of honour, Crystia Freeland was handed the roles of Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, she used these to shape her international prowess once more. While she had been a stellar world-renowned journalist, she now had politics in her quiver and used the soap box provided to shape Canadian policy for the world to see.
In the latter few chapters of the book, Tsalikis finally pulls back the curtain to explore Freeland in depth, as well as how her political choices pushed Canada to effectively draw lines in the sand. Be it through trade talks with a fiery Trump—something that has turned dramatic in 2025–to standing against Putin’s authoritarianism in Ukraine—again poignant today—-and even trying to wrest control of the country’s finances during a pandemic, Freeland has made her mark and not always left those around her in agreement. What Tsalikis does in these chapters is pave the way for Freeland’s national leadership, though makes no promises at the time of publication. Canadians always wait to see how she will use the next chapter in her life to further enrich the country she loves while never forgetting the roots from whence she came!
There is no doubt that Christina Tsalikis sought to develop a wonderfully detailed and impactful biography with this piece, as there was more than just glitz to offer the curious reader. From her deeply seeded roots as a Ukrainian-Canadian, Freeland made her mark on the world with her passion never to give up. The book provided a strong sense of accomplishment and that there was nothing too tough that Freeland could not overcome. Switching gears from academia to the professional world, Tsalikis keeps the reader enthralled as each chapter pushes the story forward a little more. While all this is good, I love good biography that gets into the depths of things, tossing around detailed stories and backroom dealings, rather than an overview. Tsalikis does well in creating a primer, though does not get to the deep and confrontational aspects of Crystia Freeland's life, save for a peppering in the latter few chapters. I sought this, particularly as she enters a new and intense chapter in Canada's life, showing how Freeland would help beat back the horrors of Washington's nightmare dictator, or even those who join him in trying to dismantle international borders. Still, I could not dislike the detailed analysis that Christina Tsalikis provides here, serving to open the door to further understanding and trying to pave the way to better things. Chapters full of great detail and highly educational moments, Tsalikis feeds the curious reader with so much information and shapes Freeland's life in such a way that it is well worth the time learning. No matter what happens in the coming years, I can only hope that Chrystia Freeland plays a role and serves Canada with all her knowledge to push it into the direction of being a country that leads, rather than follows.
Kudos, Madam Tsalikis, for this insightful piece.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Catherine Tsalikis delivers this great biography of a woman who has not only been a stalwart in recent Canadian politics, but also serves to educate on some of the themes are are prevalent in today’s geopolitical clashes. Christina “Chrystia” Freeland came from small-town Alberta, but rose to prominence and paved the way for women and the Ukrainian community across Canada. As Tsalikis delves into the aspects and nuances of Freeland’s life, she is able to explore key themes that keep the reader curious throughout. A well-paced piece that had me wondering what’s next for this leader in Canadian politics.
Christina ‘Chrystia’ Freeland has deep roots in both her small Alberta community and major world centres across the globe. Growing up in Peace River, Alberta, she was surrounded by hard working family members and embued with generations of Ukrainian heritage that helped define her. As Christina Tsalikis explored in this biography, Freeland was much more complex that a girl who loved the farm and singing folk songs in the fields.
After a great academic career that saw her able to explore the world, Freeland landed at Harvard, an accomplishment no one in her family could have expected. Passionate to learn and yet also willing to teach about her Ukrainian heritage, Freeland rubbed elbows with many great thinkers and doers, which opened new doors at a time when geopolitical walls were crashing down. She brought with her a love of people and a passion to share with them, all of which was essential to her work when she became a journalist at a prestigious newspaper and began shaping world views.
As Tsalikis pushes the narrative forward, she develops a passion on Freeland's part to serve her country well. Freeland was pulled in to play a role in the new Liberal Party of Canada. Amongst some of the other well-established women who had made Canada their home, Freeland was to give back and make her mark as a women in the political arena. While government Members of Parliament targeted Freeland while she sat in opposition, she did not give up, nor did she let these closed-minded views shape her sense of honour. Rather, much like many of the other hurdles she had faced before, Chrystia Freeland used it as a launching point to larger things.
After the Liberals flooded the 2015 election and were sent to the government benches, Freeland joined a fresh-faced Justin Trudeau to help change Canada for the better. While there were issues and slow reveals, Freeland was able to shape Canadian trade and international relations effectively, while the world shifted its tectonic plates around her. When, as a badge of honour, Crystia Freeland was handed the roles of Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, she used these to shape her international prowess once more. While she had been a stellar world-renowned journalist, she now had politics in her quiver and used the soap box provided to shape Canadian policy for the world to see.
In the latter few chapters of the book, Tsalikis finally pulls back the curtain to explore Freeland in depth, as well as how her political choices pushed Canada to effectively draw lines in the sand. Be it through trade talks with a fiery Trump—something that has turned dramatic in 2025–to standing against Putin’s authoritarianism in Ukraine—again poignant today—-and even trying to wrest control of the country’s finances during a pandemic, Freeland has made her mark and not always left those around her in agreement. What Tsalikis does in these chapters is pave the way for Freeland’s national leadership, though makes no promises at the time of publication. Canadians always wait to see how she will use the next chapter in her life to further enrich the country she loves while never forgetting the roots from whence she came!
There is no doubt that Christina Tsalikis sought to develop a wonderfully detailed and impactful biography with this piece, as there was more than just glitz to offer the curious reader. From her deeply seeded roots as a Ukrainian-Canadian, Freeland made her mark on the world with her passion never to give up. The book provided a strong sense of accomplishment and that there was nothing too tough that Freeland could not overcome. Switching gears from academia to the professional world, Tsalikis keeps the reader enthralled as each chapter pushes the story forward a little more. While all this is good, I love good biography that gets into the depths of things, tossing around detailed stories and backroom dealings, rather than an overview. Tsalikis does well in creating a primer, though does not get to the deep and confrontational aspects of Crystia Freeland's life, save for a peppering in the latter few chapters. I sought this, particularly as she enters a new and intense chapter in Canada's life, showing how Freeland would help beat back the horrors of Washington's nightmare dictator, or even those who join him in trying to dismantle international borders. Still, I could not dislike the detailed analysis that Christina Tsalikis provides here, serving to open the door to further understanding and trying to pave the way to better things. Chapters full of great detail and highly educational moments, Tsalikis feeds the curious reader with so much information and shapes Freeland's life in such a way that it is well worth the time learning. No matter what happens in the coming years, I can only hope that Chrystia Freeland plays a role and serves Canada with all her knowledge to push it into the direction of being a country that leads, rather than follows.
Kudos, Madam Tsalikis, for this insightful piece.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 22, 2024
A book for those who think Kim Campbell and Freeland are good role models.
probably the only reason this book will sell more than 300 copies is stuff like this
...........
Freeland would eventually become known as the only Western journalist who had the direct phone numbers of some of Russia’s most powerful men, the oligarchs.
One of her secrets was to turn on her feminine charm to disarm her interviewees. “She was a wonderful interviewer. She would quite famously say that she put on her shortest skirt when she interviewed them,” said former FT Moscow bureau chief John Lloyd.
..........
Her first challenge would be to convince all European member countries to sign onto the Canada-EU trade deal, known as CETA, but a tiny francophone state in Belgium called Wallonia voted to reject the deal — thus leaving the entire agreement up in the air.
Freeland and Steve Verheul, Canada’s chief trade negotiator, arrived in Belgium to try to solve the impasse but with no success. Verheul suggested that they take a break and advised it was time to step away from the negotiating table in a dramatic fashion.
“Chrystia knew that pulling out of the negotiations, especially as a fairly new minister, would draw a lot of attention and would be disruptive to the entire negotiation process,” reads the book.
When was time to face the press, Freeland seemed to fight back tears. She told the press that she would be heading home and expressed disappointment that the EU was unable to come to an agreement with “a country as nice and patient as Canada.” “The only good thing that I can say is that tomorrow morning I will be home with my three children.”
Canadian officials, including Trudeau himself, were taken by surprise by the strategy. In the end, it worked, and Wallonia ended up approving the deal. In reflecting on the turn of events, Verheul said that Freeland “was always prepared to make bold moves.”
.............
a gal with popularity ratings lower than Trudeau
trying to get this biography released before the Titanic sinks
December 28, 2024
This book is timely, and both well-written and well-researched. It covers Freeland’s life up until 2019 in a detailed and in-depth way, giving context for her more recent actions. However, her life post-2019 (as Finance Minister) is mostly skimmed over. While there are many details provided about the decisions she made as Foreign Affairs Minister, the section about her tenure as Finance Minister lacks the same detail. That is representative of the limitations of a book like this - with the information coming from pre-existing interviews and sound-bites, instead of interviews with the subject herself.
May 26, 2025
Chrystia came into my view during the endless press conferences of 2020, during the pandemic. From that time on I stayed aware of her work in the federal government. This book covers the story of how she came to be in the position she was. At times it wanders into “the weeds” with a lot of detail. That said it provides a glimpse into the life and career of a very k treating political figure in Canada during the 2020s.
May 23, 2025
Started off really slow and took some time for me to get into it but the 2nd half was more interesting about her career and changes Chrystia has made on the global market.
December 23, 2024
This timely biography on Chrystia Freeland tells an impressive upbringing, background, and professional rise of Canada's first female Finance Minister - who also resigned from post recently.
Freeland began her career in journalism, a stringer for the Financial Times, The Economist and Washington Post. She is a self-proclaimed 'Russophile' and her works have been subjected to high-level study by the KGB and she is even banned from Russia.
As minister of various portfolios, she negotiated tricky trade/economic files successfully from Canada-EU Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA), CUSMA (former NAFTA) to the interprovincial agreements on a national childcare program.
In a non-partisan way, her journey has trailblazed the way in journalism, the space on economic analyses (which tend to be male-dominated) and political pathways for young women.
There is no denying that this biography outlines she is more than qualified for the positions she served in Cabinet. She is a skillful negotiator - and an honest broker driven by constructive consensus building.
The biography does a fair job at compilation of dissent/disagreements and negative perception of her work and approaches.
Unlike autobiography or memoirs, I would like to read her own words on her work. But she was likely bound by cabinet confidence and her role up until recently.
Freeland began her career in journalism, a stringer for the Financial Times, The Economist and Washington Post. She is a self-proclaimed 'Russophile' and her works have been subjected to high-level study by the KGB and she is even banned from Russia.
As minister of various portfolios, she negotiated tricky trade/economic files successfully from Canada-EU Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA), CUSMA (former NAFTA) to the interprovincial agreements on a national childcare program.
In a non-partisan way, her journey has trailblazed the way in journalism, the space on economic analyses (which tend to be male-dominated) and political pathways for young women.
There is no denying that this biography outlines she is more than qualified for the positions she served in Cabinet. She is a skillful negotiator - and an honest broker driven by constructive consensus building.
The biography does a fair job at compilation of dissent/disagreements and negative perception of her work and approaches.
Unlike autobiography or memoirs, I would like to read her own words on her work. But she was likely bound by cabinet confidence and her role up until recently.
November 24, 2024
As a historical piece of writing it is decent. The book really goes into her Ukrainian background and we learn about how Ukraine is in its current state. The life of Chrystia and the amount of time she spent in Russia and Ukraine was interesting.
Seeing the path she took to hold an important office for Canada makes her a role model for women across the country.
Those are the positives.
On the negative side….
There were a number of sections that could easily be skimmed. Far too detailed, you could skip pages and still know what is going on.
Without discussing politics, I believe Canada needs to vote a woman to lead this country, and I would have no problem if this was that person. I think she is brilliant, and would likely do a good job.
BUT
getting back to the book, at this point, she just isn’t significant enough for me to care about the book…..I hope that doesn’t sound harsh. What I mean is, when I pick up a biography, I’m looking at Gretzky, John Lennon or Obama. This book plays out so much better if one day she is the 1st woman to be voted in as Prime Minister of Canada (yes Kim Campbell was PM but not voted in).
Seeing the path she took to hold an important office for Canada makes her a role model for women across the country.
Those are the positives.
On the negative side….
There were a number of sections that could easily be skimmed. Far too detailed, you could skip pages and still know what is going on.
Without discussing politics, I believe Canada needs to vote a woman to lead this country, and I would have no problem if this was that person. I think she is brilliant, and would likely do a good job.
BUT
getting back to the book, at this point, she just isn’t significant enough for me to care about the book…..I hope that doesn’t sound harsh. What I mean is, when I pick up a biography, I’m looking at Gretzky, John Lennon or Obama. This book plays out so much better if one day she is the 1st woman to be voted in as Prime Minister of Canada (yes Kim Campbell was PM but not voted in).
January 19, 2026
Listened to the audiobook via Libby.
The book covers Chrystia's life, in varying detail, up until 2024, prior to her resignation as Minister of Finance.
This is the first political biography I've read and it was certainly interesting. The author seemed extremely positive of Chrystia to the point that it seemed a bit like propaganda. Regardless, I learned a lot and don't have major complaints. I had no idea about how strong her links were to Ukraine, and this makes her move to consult for the Ukrainian government more clear. It was also very interesting to hear how sincere she is, potentially to a fault, as the book makes clear she was heavily relied upon by Trudeau, widely regarded as the exact opposite.
I wish we had more detail about her thoughts and motivations in more recent years, but as she was not interviewed directly for this book, the author was limited to the available information. I look forward to eventually reading about Trudeau, hearing about Chrystia from that perspective, and reconciling the information.
The book covers Chrystia's life, in varying detail, up until 2024, prior to her resignation as Minister of Finance.
This is the first political biography I've read and it was certainly interesting. The author seemed extremely positive of Chrystia to the point that it seemed a bit like propaganda. Regardless, I learned a lot and don't have major complaints. I had no idea about how strong her links were to Ukraine, and this makes her move to consult for the Ukrainian government more clear. It was also very interesting to hear how sincere she is, potentially to a fault, as the book makes clear she was heavily relied upon by Trudeau, widely regarded as the exact opposite.
I wish we had more detail about her thoughts and motivations in more recent years, but as she was not interviewed directly for this book, the author was limited to the available information. I look forward to eventually reading about Trudeau, hearing about Chrystia from that perspective, and reconciling the information.
April 26, 2025
I digress from what appears to be to be a majority opinion of the quality of the authorship of this biography. The writer did a fair amount of research, while clearly possessing nominal journalistic skills. The execution, however falls short. The background history reads like disjointed research notes cobbled together directly without cohesion, or, might I add, editing. This should have been caught by the publisher, but clearly not. It unfolds like an unpolished first draft - my English professors would have crucified this effort.
The writing integration improves once the author begins university level description of Freeland’s life, as well as her remaining resume.
Based on the actual life history of this extraordinary woman I would say that this biography does her a marked injustice, leaving an avenue open for someone with far superior authorship skills.
The writing integration improves once the author begins university level description of Freeland’s life, as well as her remaining resume.
Based on the actual life history of this extraordinary woman I would say that this biography does her a marked injustice, leaving an avenue open for someone with far superior authorship skills.
January 29, 2025
Catherine Tsalikis' detailed examination of the life and career of Chrystia Freeland is a great read for anybody interested in the Liberal "minister of everything" and how much she has accomplished in both Canada and abroad. It is also an excellent book for anybody who wants insight into the Liberal government of Canada from 2015 to 2025. Easy to read, clear, with plenty of quotes from a number of interviewees this book doesn't just flatter Freeland but also offers critiques that show she is a nuanced human being who is both exceptional and flawed.
October 1, 2025
The timing of events in the career of Chrystia Freeland did not work in this book's favour as she resigned as Finance Minister in December 2024, near the time of the publication of the book. Notwithstanding that unfortunate timing, I enjoyed learning more about her upbringing and background and her work ethic. The early parts of the book were more interesting to me as so much of her political career was reported on in the news as events were taking place.
It will be interesting to see what Chrystia Freeland does next.
It will be interesting to see what Chrystia Freeland does next.
June 23, 2025
This book isn't just well researched, it's also very well-written by an author with an engaging writing style. What I found most impressive is Tsalikis' very personal way of setting the stage on wherever her subject was at that moment in her life - and Chrystia has spent most of her life in various parts of the world.
This is how biographies should be written, and I am excited to read what Catherine Tsalikis releases next.
This is how biographies should be written, and I am excited to read what Catherine Tsalikis releases next.
November 11, 2025
I picked up this book to learn more about what makes Chrysthia tick. I found it very informative esp. how she became a Ukrainian specialist and a journalist. The best parts of Freeland's years @ Harvaird and as a Rhodes Scholar. Great stories, wonderful anecdotes. Oddly, this background made it easy to understand her decision to leave Cabinet and become a Special Representative for the Rebuilding of The Ukraine. Great references and footnotes to discover more.
January 9, 2025
Interesting read of a very powerful woman. Her family background, career, global contacts, unbounded energy and drive and lots of smarts. She resigned from Cabinet Dec 16, 2024, this book was published Dec 20, 2024 and Trudeau announced his resignation Jan 6, 2025. We obviously will need a sequel! It will be fascinating to see where she will land.
March 27, 2025
I couldn't put this book down. The author does a great job highlighting the many significant accomplishments Christia Freeland has achieved. At the same time, she has shared the difficult and controversial times leaders ultimately face. No matter your political stance, it is clear Canada is very fortunate to have a person like this working on our behalf.
January 24, 2025
Gives a candid insight into the background and experiences of who Chrystia is. Most of it reads easily. Appropriate for the time that I’m reading it in January 2025 with what is happening in the leadership of the Liberal party
February 11, 2025
An interesting, well written and well researched book about Chrystia Freeland (before her exit from cabinet). An amazing woman, talented, brilliant and a true Canadian through and through. Is she the next Prime Minister? Maybe.
March 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this biography. It’s excellently researched, beautifully written, and fairly analyzed. I highly recommend it.
Full review on my blog: https://worldliteratour.com/03-06-25-...
Full review on my blog: https://worldliteratour.com/03-06-25-...
March 28, 2025
This biography was a good read. Unfortunately, it ends before the Conservative leadership race of 2025. Would love to know the inside scoop on that, and how Chrystia dealt with losing. Having the prize snatched away from her seems to be a lifelong pattern.
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It had good bio info about chrystia. I found she did a lot in her life so far. It was a interesting book to read.
January 21, 2025
An amazing life story still in full swing. A must read for any Canadian.
January 31, 2025
Courageous, creative, intelligent, social, superior networking skill, capable. Enjoyed this book although I did skim some sections
Read
February 15, 2025DNF
February 17, 2025
Chrystia Freeland would like to be our next Prime Minister. A timely book. Must good read for Canadians about a capable woman.
March 1, 2025
Great book. Also wow Freeland has done so much!!
April 9, 2025
Not bad
Wanted to learn more about this amazing woman
Interesting background for sure
Wish there were more quotes from Chrystia
But good
Wanted to learn more about this amazing woman
Interesting background for sure
Wish there were more quotes from Chrystia
But good
April 23, 2025
Limited time to read this library book, had to return it with people waiting. Read to p 46.
April 23, 2025
So interesting to read the details of a remarkable life dedicated to trying to make the world a better place.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews