"I have had the pleasure of working closely with David MacNaughton since the day the Prime Minister appointed him as Canada's Ambassador to the United States.
"At a time when our country faced unprecedented economic uncertainty, David was a steady hand to guide us through these challenges. Our country would not have succeeded in the negotiation of the new NAFTA or in securing the removal of the U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum without David's leadership, wisdom, and hard work.
"The new NAFTA is an updated, modernized North American trade agreement that is good for Canada and good for Canadians. It protects more than $2-billion a day in cross-border trade. It is the result of Canada being tough at the negotiation table, united at home, and committed to getting the job done. Throughout these challenging negotiations, David never took his eye off of what mattered most: good, well-paying jobs for Canadians and opportunities for our businesses.
"Over these past few years I have come to rely on David's insight, intelligence, and grit as a negotiator, so it is with immense personal appreciation - and a degree of sadness - that I mark his departure from this key diplomatic post. I would like to echo David's fond words of recognition for his wife, Leslie, and their entire family.
"I have also known and worked with Kirsten Hillman since I was first appointed to Cabinet. She is an exceptional diplomat and trade negotiator and I have absolute confidence in her leadership in Washington."
"David, you are a dear friend. Thank you."
