Chrystia Freeland, Canada's deputy prime minister, recently replaced Bill Morneau as the country's federal finance minister in a much publicized move. 

Freeland has held many titles throughout her political career, however this one is particularly impressive as she is the first female finance minister in Canadian history.  

However, upon her swearing in on Tuesday, some pointed out that she does not have the "Bay Street experience" her predecessor does.

Being finance minister isn’t like being an accountant. It’s evident that Chrystia Freeland has the experience necessary and questioning that seems sexist. Whether she will have the confidence of Bay Street in the way that most previous ministers have had is a separate question.

— Stephen Maher (@stphnmaher) August 19, 2020

In fact a CBC article titled "Freeland doesn't have the same Bay Street experience as Morneau. Does it matter?" was published the next day.

Morneau was previously the CEO of a large Canadian human resource firm, Morneau Shepell, which - yes, you guessed it - has an office on Bay Street, the centre of Toronto's financial district. 

Now, many Canadians are expressing their frustration for the criticism Freeland is receiving while pointing out that she has tons of political experience instead. 

I find it amusing but also disturbing that conservatives are criticizing Freeland’s qualifications in a way they have not criticized other Finance Ministers. Maybe they should compare her qualifications to the @CPC_HQ Finance Critic. pic.twitter.com/ZmwoZIYloj

— Jim Meaney (@MeaneyJim) August 20, 2020

"She’s Harvard educated, worked for the Economist, The Financial Times, was the Deputy Editor of the Globe and Mail, has written books on Russia’s change from communism to oligargists (sic) and speaks five languages," someone else wrote. 

I might not be on the same page as Chrystia Freeland when it comes to policy issues, but questioning her abilities because she isn't a stooge of Bay Street is ridiculous. Reducing her accomplishments by describing her as 'a journalist with a BA degree in Russian, ...

— Riani de Wet (@DewetNdp) August 20, 2020

Others added that the way Freeland is being judged is actually quite misogynistic and would not be happening if she were a man. 

I swear to god if these idiots keep this “Bay Street experience” shite
going my head is going to explode. Looking at you John Ivison et al. Also there is army of us coming for you. Covid has made one thing really clear for me. Not taking this shite any more. https://t.co/hAqaRRcBlY

— Mary Hart 🐓🍷 (@citymice4) August 19, 2020

"Screw this narrative. Do we ask this when men take these positions? No. Scheer was a failed insurance clerk and no one said he couldn’t run the country. #Freeland," another Twitter user said. 

Why does a woman get questioned so stridently about her qualifications and any old white guy simply slides into position with no resistance?
Poilievre?
Whatshisname...oh yeah, Scheer?
Any UCP politician?

— AppyDancer (@PennyCameron7) August 20, 2020

Prior to taking on this new role, Freeland worked in editorial positions at the Financial Times, The Globe and Mail, and Thomson Reuters where she was the managing director.

She was elected to the House of Commons in 2013 and appointed to the cabinet in 2015. In 2017, she became the minister of foreign affairs.