David MacNaughton stepping down as Canada's ambassador to U.S.

David MacNaughton, who helped see Canada through the difficult NAFTA renegotiations, is leaving his position as Canada's ambassador to the United States at the end of the month.
In a statement, MacNaughton called the decision "bittersweet." 
"Serving as Canada's ambassador in Washington, at this pivotal time in our country's history, has been the greatest honour of my life," he said.
"I cannot help but recall the dire situation we faced in early 2017, with Canada's most important trading relationship in grave peril. And hundreds of thousands of Canadians' livelihoods hanging in the balance."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement said he accepted MacNaughton's resignation with "great affection and gratitude — and of course, considerable regret."
"David has long been and remains a trusted adviser, friend and counsellor. But he is more than that: he is a Canadian patriot, one whose honesty, moderation and wisdom were pivotal to Team Canada in our successful renegotiation of NAFTA in 2017 and 2018. For this, he has earned every Canadian's gratitude," he said in a statement...
This was excerpted from the 8 August 2019 editon of CBC News.