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.

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.

Catherine Tsalikis' profile page