It has been a roller coaster ride for outgoing Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, who is leaving Washington this month after six eventful years as Ottawa’s top envoy to the United States. Stepping into her role in 2020, Hillman faced a unique set of challenges, from navigating a volatile political climate to leading hard-hitting trade negotiations with the U.S. and Mexico during President Trump’s first term. But despite the obstacles, Hillman has truly excelled as a diplomat, leaving a lasting impact on the relationship between Canada and its southern neighbor.
Hillman’s tenure as Ambassador has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving Canada’s best interests and promoting strong bilateral ties with the U.S. Her sharp intellect, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills have proven to be invaluable assets in her role. From her first days in office, Hillman hit the ground running, wasting no time in building strong relationships with key decision-makers in the U.S. government, including members of Congress, the White House, and state governors.
During her time in Washington, Hillman has been at the forefront of navigating Canada’s relationship with the U.S. under the Trump administration. This has not been an easy task, as the former President’s unconventional approach to foreign policy often created a tense and unpredictable environment. But Hillman’s steady leadership and calm demeanor have helped to strengthen the bond between the two countries during these challenging times.
One of the defining moments of Hillman’s tenure was her involvement in the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As the U.S. pushed for significant changes to the trade agreement, Hillman played a crucial role in representing Canada’s interests and advocating for a fair and balanced deal. Her efforts were met with success, as the resulting United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) proved to be a win for all three countries.
But it was not just in the political realm where Hillman made a difference. She also worked tirelessly to promote Canadian interests in the areas of energy, the environment, and border security. Her deep understanding of the issues at hand and her ability to foster meaningful dialogue have helped to overcome longstanding challenges and pave the way for greater cooperation between Canada and the U.S.
Aside from her impressive diplomatic achievements, Hillman’s charm and warmth have made her a beloved figure in Washington. Countless colleagues and counterparts have praised her for her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for people. She has been a true ambassador for Canada, representing the country with grace, intelligence, and authenticity.
As she prepares to step down from her role, Hillman leaves behind a strong legacy that will continue to shape the relationship between Canada and the U.S. for years to come. Her contributions and tireless efforts have not only strengthened the bond between the two countries, but they have also brought a new level of understanding and cooperation to the table.
As Canadians and Americans bid farewell to Kirsten Hillman, we thank her for her exemplary service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. She has truly made a difference in the world of diplomacy and has left an indelible mark on Canada-U.S. relations. As we look to the future, we can confidently say that the friendship between these two great nations is in good hands, thanks to the hard work and dedication of leaders like Ambassador Hillman.
