Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, announced that she will step down early next year. Her exit comes at a sensitive time, as trade talks between the US and Canada remain stalled.
Hillman shared the update on X on Monday night. She wrote that there is never a perfect moment to leave a role like this but thanked both countries for trusting her leadership “as the Canada-US relationship is being rewritten.”
A Key Diplomat During Major Trade Shifts
Hillman has served as ambassador since March 2020. Before that, she helped renegotiate the free trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico in 2017. The deal—known as CUSMA—is now undergoing a mandatory review. President Donald Trump recently suggested he might let the agreement expire.
In her resignation message, Hillman said she will remain available to Canada’s negotiating team as the review continues. She explained that stepping aside now allows a new team to take the agreement “through to its conclusion.”
Praise From Both Sides of the Border
Hillman, a trade lawyer and career diplomat, received warm praise from US and Canadian officials. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called her “a class act” and said he does not expect her resignation to disrupt negotiations. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described her as “a real patriot” who helped strengthen the economy and resolve trade disputes.
Speaking to CTV on Monday, Hillman confirmed the decision was her own. “It’s time for me to start a new chapter,” she said.
Potential Successor Emerges
Mark Wiseman—a financier and close friend of Prime Minister Mark Carney—is being floated as a likely replacement.
Hillman’s time as ambassador included major international challenges. She navigated the Covid-19 pandemic and worked with US and Chinese officials to help free Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were detained in China.
Trade Tensions Shape Her Final Months in Office
In recent months, Hillman played a lead role in trade negotiations after President Trump imposed several tariffs targeting Canada. The levies cover Canadian metals, lumber, and automotive products. Trump also introduced a broad 35% tariff on all imported goods, though CUSMA shields most Canadian exports from the full impact.
Talks suffered a major setback in late October. Trump paused negotiations after Ontario aired an anti-tariff advertisement in the US, sparking tensions.
CUSMA Review Underway as Uncertainty Grows
The mandatory CUSMA review process began with public hearings and consultations in December. Canada, the US, and Mexico will decide whether to renew the pact or let it expire. Both Canada and Mexico have expressed strong support for keeping the deal. Many US businesses shared that opinion during the hearings.
Still, Trump said he is open to letting CUSMA expire—unless all three countries agree to a new deal.
