Keeping her ‘eye on the ball’: Hillman reflects on her time as top diplomat in D.C.

WASHINGTON — Kirsten Hillman hasn’t written her autobiography yet, but the 57-year-old career diplomat — soon to be Canada’s former ambassador to the U.S. — may already have a title picked out: “Diplomacy is a contact sport.” One glance at her CV tells you why. She has been the underdog staring down centre ice as the world’s largest economy looks to tear up Canada’s critical trade pact. She’s been the quarterback directing plays to keep trade moving during a global pandemic. And she’s been the goalie, deflecting shots as U.S. President Donald Trump calls for Canada’s annexation and addresses its…