Canada’s ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, announced her departure from the pivotal diplomatic post in Washington, effective in early 2026. Her planned exit arrives as the two countries prepare for the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact critical to the North american economy. Hillman, the first woman to serve in the role, has been a key figure in strengthening the bilateral relationship during a period of economic and political shifts. Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun the search for her replacement.
Canada’s ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, will conclude her six-year term in Washington in early 2026, marking a significant transition as the countries prepare for crucial trade agreement negotiations.
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Hillman, the first woman to hold the pivotal diplomatic post, announced her departure in a two-page letter shared on social media. Her exit comes at a critical juncture as Canada, the U.S., and Mexico prepare to review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will now begin the process of selecting a new ambassador to lead the Canadian delegation during the upcoming USMCA review. Hillman was initially appointed by Carney as Canada’s chief negotiator during efforts to secure a trade and security agreement with the Trump administration in June.
After more than eight years in Washington, including six as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, I have informed the Prime Minister that I will conclude my assignment in the United States in the new year.
Excerpt from Kirsten Hillman’s letter
“Serving and representing Canada and Canadians during this defining period in our bilateral relationship has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Hillman stated. “While there is never a perfect time to step down, the time has come to put in place a team to carry the USMCA review to completion.”
In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Carney praised Hillman’s tenure and contributions. The appointment of a new ambassador will be closely watched by businesses and investors with significant cross-border interests.
“With her intelligence, determination, and diplomacy, Ambassador Hillman has significantly contributed to establishing a new economic and security relationship with the United States, and has laid the groundwork for Canada as we approach the next USMCA review,” Carney said.
“She is one of the longest-serving ambassadors to the United States in our history, forging constructive and diverse relationships across all branches of the U.S. government, as well as with numerous American and Canadian leaders, delivering concrete results for Canadians,” he added.
“Throughout a period of profound change in the relationship between our two countries, Ambassador Hillman has consistently championed Canadian values and interests, while working to secure a better future for workers who rely on stable trade, families who depend on border security, and businesses navigating a period of global uncertainty.”
Bloomberg News reported that businessman Mark Wiseman is being considered as a potential replacement for Hillman in the U.S. capital.
PHOTO KLEET BRONSON, TIRÉE DE WIKIPÉDIA
Mark Wiseman
Wiseman is a co-founder and chair of the Century Initiative, which has advocated for significantly increasing immigration levels to grow Canada’s population to 100 million by 2100.
