Bob Rae has served as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations since August 2020. In 2024, he was elected President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), becoming the second Canadian to hold this position. Previously, Rae was Premier of Ontario (1990–1995), interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada (2011–2013), and a federal and provincial parliamentarian for 35 years. Rae earned an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto, an M.Phil as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and a law degree from the University of Toronto. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1980 and named Queen’s Counsel in 1984. His legal career spanned firms specializing in advocacy, mediation, and indigenous law. Rae also led major organizational restructurings and served as Chief Negotiator for First Nations in Northern Ontario. A prolific writer, Rae authored six books and several government reports, including on the Rohingya crisis and global humanitarian challenges. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, holds honorary degrees worldwide, and is a Fellow of numerous institutions. Rae enjoys music, reading, and outdoor activities. Married to Arlene Perly Rae, they have three daughters and six grandchildren.
