The Canadian ambassador to the United States said she tells Americans about the important relationship between neighbors as Democrats develop their foreign policy and build unity behind Vice President Kamala Harris at the party's national convention.

Kirsten Hillman is attending the convention in Chicago and says she is talking to Democrats about how to make Canada and the United States stronger, more resilient, safer, and more prosperous.

Thousands of party followers and politicians have descended on Chicago to attend the four-day event to build on the excitement surrounding Harris since her rapid rise last month to the top of the ballot this fall.

Harris made a surprise appearance Monday night to thank Joe Biden before the president delivered a speech reflecting on his administration's legacy and passing the baton to his vice president.

Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at the convention today, and Democrats say the speeches will compare the hopeful future under Harris's leadership to what the party says is Republican candidate Donald Trump's plan to take America backward.

The convention speeches did not provide insight into whether Harris would take a different approach to trade with Canada, but experts said she is likely to follow the path paved by Biden.

Hillman said Monday night, "The challenge Canada faces, as always, is making sure that Americans know that the job-creating policy in the United States is not being enhanced by severing effective supply chains with Canada."

On the contrary, Hillman added, deepening supply chains and bilateral relationships makes both economies more resilient, self-sufficient, and effective.

Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, where she met with senators, congressional representatives, and members of the former Trump administration.

The upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Trade Agreement in 2026 looms over Canadian observers of the presidential campaign.

During his presidency, Trump forced a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Harris was one of 10 U.S. senators who voted against the trade agreement, saying it did not do enough to protect American workers or the environment.

Trump threatened further tariffs and cuts to aid for Ukraine if he won a second term in office.

While Biden's term has brought some stability to the relationship with Canada, there has also been tension over his administration's Buy American rules.

Softwood lumber and the Canadian digital services tax are key areas of disagreement for both Republicans and Democrats.

Hillman said Harris, especially her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has a specific understanding of the relationship between the United States and Canada.

Walz shares an 885-kilometer border with Canada, south of Ontario and Manitoba. Hillman said he attends Canada Day celebrations in his state.

She added, "He is very enthusiastic when it comes to Canada."

Harris spent part of her youth living in Montreal and has a significant relationship with Canada.

Hillman said, "She has a high level of understanding of our country and that matters. It doesn't solve all the problems, and it never will, but it certainly helps."