Photo: Sean Kilpatrick The Canadian Press Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman
Published yesterday at 8:51 a.m. Updated yesterday at 1:38 p.m.
Canada’s ambassador to the United States tells Americans about the importance of the relationship between the two countries as Democrats shape their foreign policy and unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris at the party’s national convention.
Kirsten Hillman is at the Chicago convention and talks to Democrats about how Canada is making America stronger, more resilient, safer and more prosperous.
Thousands of party loyalists and politicians have descended on Chicago for the four-day event to build on the enthusiasm for Harris since she quickly rose to the top of the fall election platform last month.
Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance Monday night to thank Joe Biden, before the president delivered a speech reflecting on his administration’s legacy and handing over the reins to his vice president.
Democrats say the speeches will contrast a bright future under Harris with what the party sees as Republican nominee Donald Trump’s plan “to take America backwards.”
Meanwhile, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will hold a rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday, hoping to shore up their base in the swing state as the presidential race heats up. Harris is expected to return to Chicago late in the evening.
Ambassador Hillman is among a handful of Canadians seeking to connect with as many elected officials as possible during this week's Democratic convergence in Chicago. Liberal MP John McKay, co-chair of the Canada-U.S. inter-parliamentary group, is also at the convention.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also plans to make new contacts and attend meetings during the large partisan gathering.
Speeches at the convention have so far made it unclear whether Harris will take a different approach to trade with Canada, but experts expect she will likely follow Biden’s lead.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000“The challenge for Canada is, as it has always been, to make sure that Americans know that the job creation policy in the United States is not being reinforced by less efficient supply chains with Canada,” Hillman said Monday night.
On the contrary, she added, deepening supply chains and bilateral relationships make both economies more resilient, self-reliant and efficient.
Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last month, where she met with senators, representatives and members of Mr. Trump’s previous administration.
The looming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in 2026 looms large for Canadian observers of this American presidential campaign.
During his presidency, Mr. Trump forced a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Ms. Harris was among 10 U.S. senators who voted against the new agreement, because it did not adequately protect American workers or the environment.
Mr. Trump has threatened to impose more tariffs and cut aid to Ukraine if he returns to the White House.
While Mr. Biden’s tenure has brought some stability to relations with Canada, there have also been tensions over his administration’s protectionist “Buy American Act” rules.
Softwood lumber and Canada’s digital services tax are major bone of contention for Republicans and Democrats.
According to the Canadian ambassador, Ms. Harris and, especially, her running mate, Tim Walz, have a specific understanding of the relationship between the United States and Canada.
Mr. Walz’s home state of Minnesota shares an 885-kilometre border with Canada, south of Ontario and Manitoba. Ms. Hillman said he was going to the Canada Day celebrations in her state. “He’s a huge Canada enthusiast.”
Ms. Harris, for her part, spent part of her youth in Montreal and has a strong connection to Canada.
“She has a very good understanding of our country and that’s important,” Ms. Hillman said. It doesn’t solve all the problems—it never will—but it certainly helps.”
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