Where do we go from here?

What happens in Washington matters here. With the U.S. midterm elections happening soon, Canadians are asking what comes next for trade, security and the cross-border relationship. How should we navigate it?

President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch hosts a special live recording of UM’s award-winning podcast, What’s the Big Idea?, featuring Kirsten Hillman [BA/89], former Canadian Ambassador to the United States.

Join us on Nov. 26 as Ambassador Hillman shares a diplomat’s perspective on what the recent U.S. midterm election results mean for Canadians. Following the conversation, there will be an audience Q&A.

Reserve your spot now. 

Event Details

• What: Where do we go from here? Kirsten Hillman in conversation with President Michael Benarroch
• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
• Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, event begins at 7 PM
• Location: Desautels Concert Hall, Fort Garry Campus, 150 Dafoe Rd. 
• Cost: Free, registration required. 

With a 30-year career as a trade lawyer, policy expert and negotiator, Ambassador Hillman is one of Canada’s foremost experts on trade, diplomacy and international affairs. She has advised three Canadian prime ministers and held some of the country’s most senior diplomatic and policy roles, including serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. The first woman—and Bison—appointed to the role, and one of the longest serving, her tenure spanned three U.S. administrations, two Canadian governments and a pandemic, during which she was one of Canada’s foremost strategic voices in Washington.

Prior to that, Hillman was Canada’s Deputy Ambassador in Washington, where she played a central role in renegotiating NAFTA and securing ratification of CUSMA in 2020. She has also served as Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator and Chief Negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, among other senior roles.

Check out the full What's the Big Idea? series