Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, announced her decision to conclude her tenure in Washington, D.C., in the upcoming year. In a statement shared on social media, Hillman emphasized the importance of assembling a new team to manage the negotiations concerning the renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.

Although Hillman will officially step down, she expressed her commitment to remain supportive of Canada’s negotiating team during the transition period that lies ahead. "It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to have served and represented Canada and Canadians during this critical period in Canada-U.S. relations," said Hillman in her statement.

During her time as deputy ambassador, Hillman played a key role in the renegotiation of the continental free trade agreement under U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017. She was appointed ambassador in 2019 and officially began her duties in March 2020. Earlier this year, she took on the role of chief negotiator for Canada, as the country aims to establish a new trade and security agreement with the United States.

Hillman has expressed her intentions to assist the incoming ambassador in acclimating to the role, indicating her commitment to fostering a seamless transition. She is eager to share more about her next endeavors upon returning to Canada, stating, “I look forward to coming home and sharing more.”

In her statement, she expressed gratitude for the friendships and partnerships she forged with Americans across the country, acknowledging their dedication to strengthening the Canada-U.S. relationship. “The work of strengthening Canada’s relationship with the United States is never finished, and I know that our team will continue to approach it with dedication, integrity, and creativity,” she noted.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his appreciation for Hillman’s service in a media statement, stating that she proudly defended Canadian values and interests during a transformative period in Canada-U.S. relations. “As one of the longest-serving Ambassadors to the United States in our history, her wide-ranging and constructive engagement has yielded crucial results for Canadians,” Carney remarked.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who appointed Hillman to the ambassadorial role, also praised her contributions, calling her a “real patriot.” Trudeau noted their collaboration on his first official trip as prime minister, where she was leading Canada’s negotiations for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a vital trade deal with ten countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

“As ambassador, Kirsten worked tirelessly to build up our economy and resolve multiple trade disputes,” Trudeau stated, acknowledging her efforts in promoting North American security, combating climate change, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, and facilitating the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were detained by China after Canada arrested a Huawei executive at the behest of the United States.