The Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, today issued the following statement on the appointment of Kirsten Hillman as Ambassador of Canada to the United States:

“In challenging times, as we battle a pandemic unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes, it is more important than ever that Canada’s Ambassador to the United States be steady, calm, competent, and wise.

“So I am delighted, professionally and personally, that the Prime Minister has decided to appoint Ms. Hillman as our country’s new Ambassador in Washington, D.C.

“Ms. Hillman is exactly the person Canada needs as point person in Washington right now. Her work on trade, on the new NAFTA, as Acting Ambassador, and most recently on our cross-border response to COVID- 19, makes her the obvious, outstanding candidate for this role.

“As the Prime Minister has said, Ms. Hillman is a brilliant lawyer, skilled diplomat, and gifted team leader. I also note, with pride, that Ms. Hillman is the first woman in Canadian history to be appointed to this key diplomatic post.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Ms. Hillman since November 2015. She offered wise counsel in my first days at International Trade – and continues to do so to this day. She is among the most reliably kind, smart, and effective people I know – and we are fortunate to have her in this critically important job at this time.”