Name: Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. resigns
Uploaded: 2025-12-10T04:01:42.502Z
Duration: 2 min 4 s
Description: Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirstin Hillman announced she will leave the post in the new year. Hillman was adamant the decision was hers and the prime minister was aware ahead of time.

Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirstin Hillman announced she will leave the post in the new year. Hillman was adamant the decision was hers and the prime minister was aware ahead of time.

Ottawa

Kirsten Hillman has resigned as Canada’s ambassador to the United States, a move considered unexpected given her recent promotion and key role in ongoing trade issues. Hillman, who was appointed in 2020 and recently served as Canada’s lead trade negotiator, steps down as Canada faces stalled trade talks and an upcoming review of the Kuzma agreement.

Sources indicate Hillman had planned to leave in 2026 but opted to step down earlier to allow for a transition ahead of an intense year in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly considering Mark Wiseman as her replacement, though no final decision has been made.

Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. resigns

Katie, it seems somewhat unexpected. Yeah, especially because it's a difficult moment in the Canada-U.S. relationship. Trade talks are stalled and the Kuzma review starts next year. Now the person with the most experience, expertise and the most history with the Trump administration is stepping down. Kirsten Hillman has been in this role since 2020, appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She was asked to stay on when Prime Minister Mark Carney was elected. She was even promoted this summer. Hillman was given additional duties, named Canada's lead trade negotiator, and she is respected across partisan lines in both Canada and the U.S. A source with direct knowledge of the situation tells me Hillman had expressed to the Prime Minister she wanted to leave in 2026 and by leaving now, there's enough time for a transition to ensure that a new team is in place at the embassy for what is going to be a very intense year. It's not unusual for a new prime minister to change up an ambassador. It is somewhat unexpected because of that promotion she was recently given. However, she has done this job for a really long time. Before this, she served as deputy ambassador and she had a lead role in the Kuzma negotiations during Trump's first term. It's a job that has become increasingly difficult given the unpredictable environment. Yeah, no kidding. And Katie, heading into 2026, that environment is expected to be even more volatile. Yeah, Canada is pushing to restart talks to get U.S. tariffs removed or at least lowered. Those talks stalled after Donald Trump was upset by that anti-tariff ad run by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. And then separately, you have the Kuzma review, the possible renegotiation of the most important trade deal in the country. The U.S. is looking to make changes to squeeze concessions out of Canada. Reports tell CBC News Carney is considering a longtime friend to replace Hillman, Mark Wiseman, who he added to his Canada-U.S. advisory council earlier this year. However, that decision is not yet final. OK, thanks very much. That is Katie Simpson reporting from Washington.

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