Bob Rae
Bob Rae is a Canadian politician, lawyer, diplomat and author who served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 and as interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013.
Bob Rae is a Canadian politician, lawyer, diplomat and author who served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 and as interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013. He later served as Canada’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York from 2020 to 2025. He has also held federal and provincial elected office and worked on humanitarian, governance and Indigenous issues.
Early life and education
Bob Rae was born in Ottawa in 1948. He studied modern history at the University of Toronto, attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and later graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
Political career
Rae entered elected politics in 1978 and served in both federal and provincial legislatures. He became Premier of Ontario in 1990 and later served as interim leader of the federal Liberal Party from 2011 to 2013.
Diplomatic and public-policy roles
After leaving Parliament, Rae worked on legal, humanitarian and governance issues. He was appointed Canada’s special envoy to Myanmar in 2017, special envoy on humanitarian and refugee issues in 2020, and ambassador to the UN in 2020.
Writing and honours
Rae is an author and commentator who has written books and policy reports. He has been recognized as a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario and a Privy Councillor.
Key facts
- Rae was elected 11 times to federal and provincial parliaments between 1978 and 2013.
- He was the first New Democratic Party premier of Ontario.
- He later joined the Liberal Party of Canada and served as its interim leader from 2011 to 2013.
- He was appointed Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations in 2020 and served until 2025.
- He studied at the University of Toronto and at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
Bob Rae is a major figure in modern Canadian politics, with roles in Ontario, the federal Liberal Party, and Canada’s diplomatic representation at the United Nations.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- International Criminal Court Assembly of States Parties — https://asp.icc-cpi.int/sites/asp/files/asp_docs/PRs/ASP19R.VPASP.BR.CV.ASP.ENG.pdfSupports: Biography, education, political offices, honours, family, and UN ambassador role.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/robert-keith-bob-raeSupports: Birth, political career, premiership, Liberal interim leadership, envoy and ambassador appointments.
- Prime Minister of Canada — https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2017/10/23/biographical-notes-bob-raeSupports: Birth, education, elections, legal work, teaching, and family details.
- Dalhousie University — https://www.dal.ca/dept/maceachen-institute/About/Distinguished-Fellows/bob-rae.htmlSupports: Premiership, interim Liberal leadership, UN ambassadorship, honours, and public-service summary.
- Simon & Schuster — https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Bob-Rae/484727032Supports: Elections, premiership, career after politics, authorship, and honours.