Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke to Winnipeggers Wednesday afternoon, addressing a crowd of close to 2,000 guests at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the convention centre.
Tickets cost $275 each.
Clinton served as the 67th U.S. Secretary of State from 2009-2013.
Previously during her time as First Lady and New York State Senator, she was a champion of human rights.
Clinton said Wednesday it’s very much in the West's interest to help Ukraine.
She feels it's clear the Russian army is supporting Russian separatists.
She suggests economic help, offering training and equipment to help them defend borders.
But Russians still need to have a seat at the democratic table.
Clinton was also asked how she’d run things in the U.S.
"This is just a hypothetical question?" laughed Clinton.
Other times questions veered in the direction of her expected shot at the Democratic leadership.
She diplomatically skirted them, often laughing and wagging her finger at the host.
She congratulated Winnipeg on electing its first Metis mayor and said she plans to visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Clinton talked about a future of connecting more using technology and the need to work together.
"Hydro electricity from Manitoba connects across the border with clean energy from our side. Maybe we can come up with a way to power the future?" she asked.
She spoke about threats online involving terrorist influences.
"Canada and U.S., unlike most places in the world, are nations built by immigrants." She then spoke on the need to enrich the lives of new immigrants.
"I am absolutely convinced that the future belongs to vibrant democracies like ours,” said Clinton.
