Chrystia

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 questions: 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.

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 questions: 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.

Published By House of Anansi Press Inc — Feb 4, 2025
Specifications 360 pages | 6 in x 9 in
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Written By

CATHERINE TSALIKIS is a writer and journalist based in Toronto, covering foreign policy, politics, and gender equality. After completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, she worked as an editorial assistant for The World Today magazine, published by Chatham House, and as a politics producer for London’s Sky News. Most recently, she was the senior editor for OpenCanada.org, an award-winning international affairs site.

Written By

CATHERINE TSALIKIS is a writer and journalist based in Toronto, covering foreign policy, politics, and gender equality. After completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, she worked as an editorial assistant for The World Today magazine, published by Chatham House, and as a politics producer for London’s Sky News. Most recently, she was the senior editor for OpenCanada.org, an award-winning international affairs site.


“Chrystia should be read by anyone searching for a role model and for hope in our current bleak political landscape.” —Kati Marton, author of The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

“Gracefully written, well-researched, and candid … essential reading for those interested in the tragedies of Ukraine and Russia and for Canadians seeking to understand these puzzling and turbulent times.” —John English, author of Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau

“A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities of the interconnected world we are living in.” —Serhii Plokhy, author of Chernobyl Roulette: War in the Nuclear Disaster Zone