Canada’s woman in Washington opens up before her departure

After eight years in Washington, Canada's U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman is coming home. Over that time, she has seen Canada's relationship with the United States transform, for better and for worse. As she prepares to step down from her ambassadorship, she explains in an extended interview with host Catherine Cullen how she’s built critical connections in the U.S. capital — and whether she believes there’s a limit to what Trump can do.

Plus, author and former presidential speechwriter David Frum believes the American empire is in decline. He reflects on what Canadian democracy can learn from this moment and why he believes a stronger sense of national pride is critical for Canada’s future.

This episode features the voices of:

• Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States
• David Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic