Canada’s new top envoy to Washington takes up his post

By Canadian Press on February 17, 2026.

WASHINGTON — Canada’s new top diplomat in Washington presented his credentials to U.S. President Donald Trump today, officially taking on the role of ambassador to the United States at a turbulent moment in Canada-U.S. relations.

Mark Wiseman, a global investment banker and pension fund manager, will be looking to help Canada find tariff off-ramps and stability ahead of a review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.

Wiseman is a longtime friend of Prime Minister Mark Carney.

He replaces Kirsten Hillman, who served at the embassy in Washington for eight years, six as ambassador.

Carleton University international affairs professor Fen Osler Hampson says it’s crucial for Wiseman to develop relationships with Trump’s key advisers, including U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Hampson says he expects Wiseman will be able to forge connections because “he’s a businessman, he is a deal maker.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2026.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press