Canada’s ambassador to the United States is telling 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 convention in Chicago and is speaking with Democrats about how Canada is making America stronger, more resilient, safer and more prosperous.
Thousands of party loyalists and politicians descended on Chicago for the four-day event to build on the enthusiasm for Harris that has built since she quickly rose to the top of the fall election platform last month.
Mme 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.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the convention on Tuesday, and Democrats say the speeches will contrast a bright future under Mr. Obama’s leadershipme Harris with what the party sees as Republican nominee Donald Trump’s plan to take America backwards.
The convention speeches did not make it clear whether Mr.me Harris would take a different approach to trade with Canada, but experts said she would likely follow the path set by Mr. Biden.
“The challenge for Canada is, as it has always been, to make sure that Americans know that the policy of creating jobs in the United States is not reinforced by cutting off efficient supply chains with Canada,” said Mr.me Hillman, Monday evening.
On the contrary, she added, deepening supply chains and bilateral relationships makes both economies more resilient, self-reliant and efficient.
Mme Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last month, where she met with senators, congressmen and members of Mr. Trump’s previous administration.
The imminent revision of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in 2026 weighs heavily on Canadian observers of the presidential campaign.
During his presidency, Mr. Trump forced the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mme Harris was among 10 U.S. senators to vote against the trade deal, saying it did not do enough to protect American workers or the environment.
Mr Trump has threatened to impose more tariffs and cut aid to Ukraine if he wins a second term.
While Mr. Biden’s tenure has brought some stability to relations with Canada, there have also been tensions over his administration’s “Buy American Act” rules.
Softwood lumber and Canada’s digital services tax are key areas of contention for Republicans and Democrats.
Mme Hillman argued that Mr.me Harris and, especially, her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have a specific understanding of the U.S.-Canada relationship.
Mr. Walz’s state shares an 885-kilometre border with Canada, south of Ontario and Manitoba.me Hillman said he was heading to Canada Day celebrations in his state.
Mme Harris, for his part, spent part of his youth living in Montreal and maintains an important relationship with Canada.