The prestigious residence of Canada's ambassador to the United States will have a new occupant early next year. This follows the announcement that Ambassador Kirsten Hillman – the first woman to hold the top diplomatic post in Washington – is stepping down from her role.
A Seasoned Diplomat Departs
Hillman informed Prime Minister Mark Carney last spring of her plan to resign ahead of next summer's pivotal joint review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Appointed in March 2020, Hillman had previously served as acting ambassador and deputy ambassador.
Her tenure was marked by significant challenges and achievements. She led the initial renegotiation of CUSMA during President Donald Trump's first term and played a key role in securing the release of the "Two Michaels" – Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – who were detained in China for nearly three years on espionage allegations.
Her departure has drawn praise and concern. Jamie Tronnes, executive director of the Center for North American Prosperity and Security, called her a "national hero" worthy of high honour. Meanwhile, Andrew Hale, a senior policy fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., believes this is a poor time for a change, suggesting Carney should urge Hillman to stay for continuity and expertise.
The Presumed Successor: A Financial Titan, Not a Diplomat
While an official announcement is pending, multiple reports indicate the post will go to Mark Wiseman, a close friend of Prime Minister Carney. Reuters reported last week that Carney appointed Wiseman and received cabinet approval.
Wiseman is a heavyweight in the financial world, with a resume including:
- Chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) board.
- Senior managing director at global investment firm BlackRock.
- President and CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).
He was also appointed earlier this year to Carney's advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations. However, Wiseman has no formal diplomatic experience, a point causing apprehension among some observers.
Potential Points of Contention
Analysts and political figures have raised specific concerns about Wiseman's background and past statements. Some are wary of his past critiques of Canada's supply management system, which regulates dairy, poultry, and egg production. This system is often a sensitive point in trade talks with the U.S.
Additionally, Conservatives have questioned his suitability, partly due to his role as a co-founder of the Century Initiative. This group advocates controversially for increasing Canada's population to 100 million by the year 2100.
The coming year is critical for the bilateral relationship, with the CUSMA review looming in summer 2026. The central question dividing analysts is whether Wiseman's financial acumen and close ties to Carney will be an asset in navigating complex trade and diplomatic waters, or if his lack of traditional diplomatic pedigree will be a liability in maintaining Canada's interests.
