Podcast Summary: Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan
Extended Interview: Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman
Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This extended interview features Margaret Brennan, host of CBS's "Face the Nation," in conversation with Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. The discussion centers on recent tensions and changes in U.S.-Canada relations, shifting global alliances, trade disputes, defense commitments, and the evolving rules-based international order. Ambassador Hillman provides frank insights into how Canada is responding pragmatically to uncertainty in U.S. policy and new global realities, all while striving to protect Canadian interests and values.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Current State of U.S.-Canada Relations

• Not a "Divorce," But a "Change"

  • Hillman acknowledges the relationship is not breaking down but undergoing significant challenges as foundational understandings are tested, leading to a period of adaptation for Canada.
  • Quote: "We're not in the middle of a divorce, but we are in the middle of a change...the foundations that have governed our relationship...are being tested." (01:00)

• Shifting Priorities

  • Canada is prioritizing its own stability, economy, and security while maintaining close ties to the U.S., despite increased tensions at the political level.

2. Board of Peace Controversy at Davos

• Public Snub

  • President Trump announced a “Board of Peace” focused on Gaza, initially including Canada, but later disinvited the country.
  • Hillman downplays the impact, emphasizing Canada’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace through multiple international fora, including the UN and NATO.
  • Quote: "We have always and will always be promoting peace and stability and human rights around the world." (02:26)

• Alternative to the U.N.?

  • Canada remains deeply supportive of the United Nations, seeing it as a vital forum despite its imperfections.
  • Quote: "We are deep supporters of the United Nations...having a place where the whole world can get together...is vital." (03:02)

3. Generational Divide & Political Rhetoric

• Response to Trump’s Comments at Davos

  • Trudeau’s national address rebuked Trump’s claim that “Canada lives because of the United States,” asserting Canadian agency and resilience.
  • Quote: "Canadians know that Canada lives because of Canadians, because what Canadians do for Canada." (04:13)

• Concerns Over Authoritarianism

  • Brennan points to the Prime Minister’s warning about “authoritarianism and exclusion,” implicitly referencing U.S. leadership. Hillman underscores the need to uphold norms and be pragmatic without losing principles.
  • Quote: "There are concerns globally...that we have institutions and norms, rules that have governed our countries...that are really being tested." (05:19)

4. U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade and Uncertainty over USMCA

• USMCA’s Future

  • Hillman remains optimistic about the survival of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), citing broad support across business communities.
  • Quote: "It is not doomed...Job number one is to do no harm to this agreement, which is the economic foundation of our continental partnership." (06:26)

• Bilateral vs. Trilateral Trade

  • While acknowledging some bilateral elements, she stresses the advantages of a trilateral approach to supply chains and economic efficiency.

• Globalism and Canada-China Relations

  • Brennan notes the shifting rhetoric against globalism and Trudeau’s remark that relations with China are “more predictable” than with the U.S. because of recent American tariffs on Canadian goods.
  • Quote: “There’s no question that the last number of months have been unpredictable for us in our relationship with the United States.” (08:24)

5. Canada-China Economic Arrangements

• Recent Trade Agreement
  • Hillman clarifies that the new agreement with China is “focused and surgical,” aiming to de-escalate tariffs on Canadian agricultural and fisheries exports, and mirrors similar U.S. actions with China.
  • She rebuts fears of growing Chinese influence through imports, noting that the deal restores previous import levels rather than expanding them.
  • Quote: "This isn't a revolutionary new thing. This is really just trying to roll back or de escalate what had been escalated." (10:22)

6. Domestic Canadian Politics & Outside Intervention

• Alberta Secession Rumors
  • Brennan raises concerns that U.S. officials are fueling separatist sentiment in Alberta. Hillman firmly asserts these are matters for Canadians alone.
  • Quote: "I think it's important to let Albertans and Canadians manage their own very delicate domestic politics themselves." (11:05)

7. Trudeau’s Davos Speech and the Future of International Order

• Trudeau described the global order as “ruptured” and labeled the present reality as “predatory,” warning against assuming the rules-based order still works as intended.
• Notable Quote (Trudeau at Davos, read aloud by Brennan):
  • "Stop invoking rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised. Call it what it is, a system of intensifying great power rivalry..." (11:57)
• Hillman supports this assessment, calling for resilience and pragmatism while upholding core principles and broadening partnerships.
• Quote: "We can't walk away from our principles...but at the same time, we have to be pragmatic and...resilient." (12:17–13:43)

8. Defense, Arctic Security & "Golden Dome"

• Missile Defense and Arctic Security
  • Responding to Trump’s social media claims that Canada “voted against” the Golden Dome missile defense over Greenland, Hillman says she’s unaware of rejection and highlights Canada’s $80 billion commitment to Arctic defense, including new radar systems.
  • Quote: "Canada is investing over $80 billion over the next five years in our defense...and a big part of that is Arctic defense." (14:27)
  • Canada prioritizes interoperable but sovereign defense systems, working with the U.S. for regional protection.

9. NATO Solidarity and Afghanistan

• Brennan challenges Trump’s minimization of Canadian (and NATO) contributions in Afghanistan, noting the deaths and injuries Canadians endured.
• Hillman counters with pride in Canadian sacrifices and mutual respect between the U.S. and Canadian armed forces.
• Quote: "Your American armed forces are deeply respectful and deeply appreciative of having stood side by side with Canadians in those...difficult fights. We know that to be true. They know that to be true." (16:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S.-Canada Tensions:
  • "We're not in the middle of a divorce, but we are in the middle of a change...I have no doubt...we will adapt." – Kirsten Hillman (01:00)
• On Canada’s Global Posture:
  • “We have always and will always be promoting peace and stability and human rights around the world.” – Hillman (02:26)
• On Authoritarianism and Exclusion:
  • "There are concerns globally...rules...are really being tested. And I think what matters is how we react in the face of these tests." – Hillman (05:19)
• On U.S. Trade Unpredictability:
  • "There’s no question that the last number of months have been unpredictable for us in our relationship with the United States." – Hillman (08:24)
• On Defining Canada’s Interests:
  • "Canada is trying to make sure that it is the most resilient it can be for our own benefit." – Hillman (13:47)
• On NATO Solidarity:
  • "Your American armed forces are deeply respectful...having stood side by side with Canadians...we know that to be true." – Hillman (16:36)

Key Timestamps

• [00:24] – Start of interview, Brennan welcomes Hillman
• [01:00] – Are U.S. and Canada in the middle of a “divorce”?
• [02:04] – Discussion of Board of Peace and Canada’s exclusion
• [03:01] – Board of Peace as alternative to United Nations
• [04:13] – Trudeau rebuts Trump’s claim “Canada lives because of the United States”
• [05:19] – Discussion of authoritarianism and exclusion
• [06:12] – Trump’s stance on USMCA and prospects for the deal
• [08:24] – Canada’s frustrations with new U.S. tariffs
• [09:15] – Context for Canada’s recent trade agreement with China
• [10:08] – Concerns about Chinese EVs, Hillman explains agreement limitations
• [11:05] – Alberta’s secession rumors and U.S. intervention
• [11:57] – Trudeau’s Davos speech, “the end of a nice story”
• [12:17] – Hillman’s reflection on realpolitik and rules-based order
• [14:27] – The alleged Golden Dome missile defense “rejection”
• [16:07] – NATO, Afghanistan, and Trump’s minimization of allies’ sacrifice
• [17:01] – Conclusion and farewell

Conclusion

Ambassador Kirsten Hillman’s extended interview offers a candid window into Canada’s diplomatic posture amid rising tensions and unpredictability in the U.S.-Canada relationship. While pragmatic in navigating present-day challenges—including trade disputes, shifting alliances, and defense issues—Hillman repeatedly grounds her positions in principles of resilience, pragmatism, and the enduring connections between Canadians and Americans. The episode is an informative, clear-eyed look at the changing dynamics at one of the world’s most consequential borders.