The federal government has announced a significant reshuffle of Canada’s diplomatic leadership across the United States, appointing a new team of consuls general to key American cities as Canada prepares for an important phase in its economic and trade relationship with its southern neighbour.
Among the most notable appointments is former Brampton West Member of Parliament Kamal Khera, who has been named Canada’s Consul General in Los Angeles. A registered nurse by profession, Khera first entered Parliament in 2015 and went on to serve in several ministerial portfolios under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau before briefly serving in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first cabinet. Although she was defeated in the 2025 federal election, she now returns to public service in one of Canada’s most strategically important diplomatic assignments.
The government has also appointed Susannah Pierce, a former senior executive with Shell Canada, as Consul General in New York. Pierce brings extensive leadership experience from the energy sector and will succeed Tom Clark, who has served in the role since 2023. Clark’s tenure drew public attention following controversy surrounding the purchase of an official residence for the consul general, a property that was later sold by the federal government after parliamentary scrutiny.
Further strengthening Canada’s diplomatic presence in the United States, Claire Kennedy, a former director at the Bank of Canada, has been appointed Consul General in Chicago, while veteran diplomat Andrea Clements will take up the same position in Detroit.
The diplomatic appointments come at a critical time as Canada and the United States navigate an evolving trade relationship. Earlier this month, the United States declined to extend the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), initiating a formal review process that could eventually lead to renegotiation of the trade pact. Under the agreement’s review mechanism, discussions among the three member countries will continue until a consensus is reached or the treaty expires in 2036, with any participating country retaining the option to withdraw under the agreement’s provisions.
The latest appointments reflect the Carney government’s effort to position experienced political, diplomatic and business leaders in key U.S. missions to strengthen Canada’s economic, political and strategic engagement with its most important trading partner during a period of significant policy and trade negotiations.