Opposition parties warn PM not to appoint Mark Wiseman ambassador to U.S.
Conservative and Bloc Québécois MPs raise concerns over potential ambassador appointment
Opposition parties are cautioning Prime Minister Mark Carney against selecting a longtime friend and wealthy financier, Mark Wiseman, as Canada’s ambassador to Washington. The U.S. envoy position became available after Ambassador Kirsten Hillman announced her departure from Canada’s most crucial diplomatic role in the upcoming year.
A source disclosed to The Globe and Mail that Canadian financier Mark Wiseman, a close associate of Mr. Carney, is under consideration to succeed Ms. Hillman. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, was not authorized to discuss the matter.
Controversial tweet sparks debate
During a session in the House of Commons, Conservative and Bloc Québécois MPs highlighted comments made by Mr. Wiseman in his capacity as the co-founder of the Century Initiative. The organization advocates for increasing Canada’s population to 100 million by 2100 through immigration.
The MPs referenced a tweet from May 2023, where Mr. Wiseman shared a post suggesting that Quebec should accept a population of 100 million, even if it caused dissent within the province.
Concerns over qualifications and policy alignment
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre argued that Mr. Wiseman’s alleged disregard for Quebec should disqualify him from the ambassadorial role, stating that he cannot effectively represent the province. Bloc MP Christine Normandin echoed similar sentiments, questioning Mr. Wiseman’s ability to safeguard Quebec’s interests in Washington.
Government officials have clarified that the Century Initiative’s population target is not government policy and reiterated their commitment to controlling immigration levels. The recent immigration targets released by the government indicate a significant reduction in temporary residents and a freeze on new permanent residents over the next few years.
Supply management and trade negotiations
The Conservatives raised concerns about Mr. Wiseman’s stance on supply management, a long-standing policy governing dairy, poultry, and eggs in Canada. The government has affirmed its position on maintaining supply management and resisting negotiations on the matter with the United States, despite President Donald Trump’s desire for increased market access for American farmers.
While the Prime Minister did not address questions about Mr. Wiseman’s potential appointment, he emphasized the imminent selection of Canada’s next ambassador to Washington. Mr. Wiseman, although lacking diplomatic experience, boasts a successful career in institutional investing and was recently appointed to the council of advisers on Canada-U.S. relations.
Ms. Hillman stressed the importance of swiftly establishing connections with key U.S. stakeholders and navigating the complex landscape of U.S.-Canada trade relations. She emphasized the need to engage with Mr. Trump’s administration and allies to advance Canada’s interests effectively.
