Ambassador Kirsten Hillman [BA/89] joins President Benarroch to discuss the Canada–U.S. relationship and what lies ahead.
What happens in Washington matters here. Under President Trump, the Canada–U.S. relationship has been marked by considerable change and uncertainty. Tariffs, trade tensions, threats to our sovereignty and shifting political dynamics in Washington have tested the relationship over the past two years.
Now, with Democrats having won control of both the House and Senate in the U.S. midterm elections, the balance of power in Washington has shifted. What does this mean for President Trump's agenda, Canada's economic and security interests, and the future of one of our most important international relationships?
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 the forces shaping the Canada–U.S. relationship, including the implications of the U.S. midterm results, the future of trade between the two countries and the challenges and opportunities ahead for Canada.
Following the conversation, there will be an audience Q&A.
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.
The University of Manitoba is proud to be the alma mater to Bisons who are at the centre of advancing national and international conversations, and action on issues that matter.
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