PM says new envoy to U.S. will have window to prepare for next phase of trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives to a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick (Sean Kilpatrick)

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s next ambassador to Washington will have a window to prepare for the next phase of trade relations with the United States.

Carney notes Canada has finished its consultations on renewing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, while the United States is beginning its work.

Carney says the review process will “gather force” in the new year.

Kirsten Hillman said Tuesday she will end her tenure as Canada’s representative in Washington early in 2026.

The prime minister did not comment on speculation he is considering experienced business executive Mark Wiseman to be ambassador.

Carney says there will be an announcement in coming weeks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2025.

With a file from David Baxter

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press