Friday December 26, 2026 | NATIONAL [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Starting in the new year, Canada will have a new Ambassador to the United States.
After more than five years in that significant diplomatic post stationed in the US Capitol, Kirsten Hillman will leave the job and Canada’ new Ambassador Mark Wiseman will begin in that role.
With a background in law and having been the assistant deputy minister with Global Affairs Canada, Hillman began in the ambassadorial post in 2019 on an acting basis as then former Ambassador David MacNaughton was leaving the job. Fully in the post starting March 26, 2020 Hillman saw Canada’s interests in Washington through the pandemic and then the start of the trade war that the US launched against Canada this year.
Hillman had been appointed by then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She came to the post from civil service career, not poltiics.
Also not a politician, Wiseman comes to the diplomatic post of Ambassador of Canada to the United States by way of the world of finance. He has been appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, himself from the world of banking and investment finance.
The job starting Feb 15:
Wiseman starts in the job as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States on February 15, 2026.
“Mr. Wiseman will be a key contributor to the government’s efforts to advance Canada-U.S. priorities, including secure borders, a strengthened trade and investment relationship, and cooperation between Canada and the United States on global challenges,” said the Prime Minister’s office in a news release on December 22.
Background:
“Mark Wiseman brings immense experience, extensive contacts, and deep commitment at this crucial time of transformation of our relationship with the United States. As a core member of our negotiating team, he will help advance the interests of Canadian workers, businesses, and institutions, while building opportunities for both Canada and the United States,” said Carney the December 22 PMO news release.
Wiseman’s career spans three decades in law, business, and finance, with what the PMO describes as “deep experience with both countries’ economies, financial markets, and institutions. He has a strong track record of unlocking new opportunities for Canadians, including as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, and as a current member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations”.
“Mark Wiseman brings immense experience, extensive contacts, and deep commitment at this crucial time of transformation of our relationship with the United States. As a core member of our negotiating team, he will help advance the interests of Canadian workers, businesses, and institutions, while building opportunities for both Canada and the United States,” says Carney.
Thanking Hillman:
The Prime Minister extends his deep gratitude to Kirsten Hillman for her immense contributions as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States.
“In addition to deepening Canada-U.S. ties, Ambassador Hillman has resolutely defended Canadian values and interests and promoted a stronger future for Canadian workers who depend on stable trade, families who count on a safe and secure border, and businesses who must navigate new global uncertainties,” the PMO states.
About CUSMA:
- The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) came into force on July 1, 2020, for a 16-year term. It includes a commitment for all parties to jointly review the agreement starting on the sixth anniversary of its entry into force, on July 1, 2026. This first joint review will provide the opportunity to reaffirm CUSMA’s success, ensure it remains fit for purpose in a changing global landscape, and extend the agreement term for another 16 years, if all parties agree.
- CUSMA has allowed more than 85% of Canada-U.S. trade to be tariff-free and moves more than $3.5 billion of goods and services across the Canada-U.S. border every day.
- In September, the Government of Canada launched public consultations with Canadian workers and businesses on the review of CUSMA. This marked the second formal public consultation on CUSMA, following an initial round in 2024. The feedback received as part of these consultations is informing Canada’s ongoing preparations for the joint review of the agreement.
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NEWS SECTIONS: BANKING & FINANCE | CANADA-USA | TARIFFS & TRADE