As Chrystia Freeland prepares to leave her role in public service, she expresses concern that the nation may again succumb to a narrow focus on safety and affordability. In her farewell remarks, she acknowledged the potential criticisms of her legacy, stating, "You can show me the figures on GDP-per-capita or homicide rates or average rental prices, but is this a nation or a collection of economic and social figures?" Freeland emphasized that future Canadians will not measure her success by economic metrics but by how she made them feel about themselves.

Freeland recalled her journey over the past 12 years, reflecting on her past as a newspaper editor and bestselling author. She noted that while Canada was prospering, it was also a place that often prioritized insular goals over broader aspirations. "Canadians had become a scared people who sought insular, unsophisticated goals such as 'historically low crime,' rather than pursuing a bolder vision," she said.

During a cabinet retreat after the 2015 election, Freeland realized her differences from her colleagues when they ordered expensive drinks while she opted for a simple bottle of water. She shared her roots in Peace River, Alberta, and expressed excitement about returning to a simpler life, stating, "I am unapologetically excited about returning to my simple, country-girl roots."

Freeland acknowledged the disconnect that can come with public service, saying, "People think I can’t see the coach section on the Air Canada flight, but I know it’s there." She reflected on her experiences with everyday Canadian life, including her appreciation for the humble treats from Tim Hortons.

She argued that a leader's role is to rise above the immediate desires of their constituents. "The miracle of democracy is that the elected representative becomes able to rise above the petty reflexes of their voters," she said. Freeland noted that while it would have been easier to focus on short-term gains, her administration aimed to tackle more complex issues.

Looking back at her upbringing in Peace River, Freeland recalled the women who inspired her to pursue public service. She noted that while there were women in leadership roles in her community, they were often the exception. "As my Peace River mother used to tell me, 'Chrystia, they’ll let you into the halls of power, but only if you’re perfect,'" she said. Freeland expressed pride in her efforts to pave the way for future generations of women leaders.