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Prime Minister Carney Appoints Kirsten Hillman as Chief Negotiator in US Trade Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked Kirsten Hillman to remain as Canada's ambassador to Washington and take on the role of chief negotiator in tense trade and security talks with the Trump administration, despite expectations that she would be replaced after the election. Hillman has agreed to serve for at least another year but not for an extended period of time. The appointment comes as Canada and the US engage in delicate talks to reach a deal that would end a 3 1/2-month trade war, sparked in March by protectionist US tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to Washington since 2017, has been appointed as chief negotiator in US trade talks, in addition to her ongoing commitment to serve as ambassador.
  • Hillman's expanded role aligns her as the counterpart to the US Trade Representative in bilateral talks, emphasizing her skills as a diplomat, strategic thinker, and hard-nosed negotiator.
  • Hillman has deep experience in trade negotiations, serving as a key member of the team that worked to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Canada's chief negotiator for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
  • Hillman and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc have been leading the Canadian team in talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • The talks are at a delicate stage, with a deadline of mid-July to reach an economic and security deal that would end the trade war, sparked in March by US tariffs.
  • Canada has not yet retaliated against higher US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, with Prime Minister Carney planning to make a decision on July 21.

Statistics:

  • 6 years: The duration of Kathleen Hillman's tenure as Canada's ambassador to Washington.
  • 6 years: The duration of Hillman's experience in trade negotiations.
  • 3 1/2 months: The duration of the trade war sparked in March by US tariffs.
  • 25 per cent: The current tariff rate on US steel and aluminum imports to Canada.
  • 50 per cent: The current tariff rate on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to the US.

Sources:

  • [The Globe and Mail]
  • [The Toronto Globe and Mail]

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