CHICAGO — Canada’s ambassador to the United States says she is telling Americans about the important relationship between the neighbors as Democrats develop their foreign policy and build unity behind Vice President Kamala Harris at the national convention.
Kirsten Hillman is at the party’s convention in Chicago and says she is talking to Democrats about how Canada is making the United States stronger, more resilient, safer and more prosperous.
Thousands of party supporters and politicians have flocked to Chicago for the four-day event to build excitement around Harris since she quickly rose to the top of this fall’s ballot list last month.
Harris made a surprise appearance Monday night to thank Joe Biden before the president delivered a speech reflecting on his administration’s legacy and passing the baton to his vice president.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at the convention today, and Democrats expect their speeches to contrast a hopeful future under Harris with what the party says is Republican nominee Donald Trump’s plan to take America backward.
It was not clear from speeches at the convention whether Harris would approach trade with Canada differently, but experts say she is likely to follow the path taken by Biden.
“The challenge for Canada, as always, is to make it clear to Americans that job creation policies in the United States will not be furthered by disrupting effective supply chains with Canada,” Hillman said Monday evening.
On the contrary, Hillman added, deepening supply chains and bilateral relations will make both economies more resilient, independent and efficient.
Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, where she met with senators, congressmen and members of Trump’s previous administration.
The upcoming review of the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement in 2026 is weighing heavily on Canadian observers of the presidential election campaign.
During his presidency, Trump forced the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Harris was one of ten U.S. senators who voted against the trade deal because they felt it did not do enough to protect American workers or the environment.
Trump has threatened further tariffs and cuts in aid to Ukraine if he wins a second term.
While Biden’s term in office brought some stability to relations with Canada, it also led to tensions over his administration’s “Buy American” procurement rules.
Softwood lumber and Canada’s digital tax are key points of contention for Republicans and Democrats.
Hillman said Harris and especially her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have a special understanding of U.S.-Canada relations.
Walz’s state has a 885-kilometre border with Canada, south of Ontario and Manitoba. Hillman said he is attending Canada Day celebrations in his state.
“He’s a huge enthusiast when it comes to Canada,” Hillman said.
Harris spent part of her youth in Montreal and has a close connection to Canada.
“She has a great understanding of our country and that’s important,” Hillman said. “It doesn’t solve all the problems and it never will, but it certainly helps.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 20, 2024.
Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
