Bob Rae’s Political Career: From Ontario Premier to UN Ambassador

If you’ve ever wondered whether Bob Rae served as prime minister of Canada, you’re not alone — it’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think. Rae has held some of the highest offices in the country: Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995, interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and most recently Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. This article traces his political journey, clears up a common misconception, and looks at where his career stands today.

Born: August 2, 1948 · Premier of Ontario: 1990 – 1995 · Interim Leader, Liberal Party of Canada: 2011 – 2013 · Canadian Ambassador to the UN: 2020 – 2025 · Years in Federal Parliament: 1978 – 1982, 2008 – 2013

Six key biographical facts, one pattern: every major role Rae has held — from Ontario premier to UN ambassador — was appointed or elected, but never the prime minister’s chair.

How long was Bob Rae prime minister?

Bob Rae never served as prime minister of Canada

• Despite holding high office, Bob Rae was never the prime minister of Canada. His highest federal role was interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013 (Prime Minister of Canada backgrounder).
• Many Canadians confuse the titles “premier” (head of a province) and “prime minister” (head of the federal government). The confusion often arises because Rae’s tenure as Ontario premier coincided with national political upheaval.

His highest elected office was Premier of Ontario (1990–1995)

• Rae served a single term as the 21st Premier of Ontario, leading the province’s first NDP government (Simon & Schuster author page).
• He was elected to the Ontario legislature in 1987 and became premier three years later when the NDP won a majority (TVO Today profile).

What is Bob Rae doing now?

Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations (2020–2025)

• In July 2020, Rae was appointed Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (Global Affairs Canada).
• During his tenure, he was elected president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2024 (Queen’s University).

Current activities after diplomatic service

• With his UN posting concluded in 2025, Rae has returned to academic ties. He previously served as a professor at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and as a fellow at Queen’s University (Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy).
• He continues to write and speak on international affairs, humanitarian issues, and Canadian politics.

Who is Bob Rae’s wife?

Arlene Perly Rae

• Bob Rae has been married to Arlene Perly Rae since 1980 (Library of Parliament profile).
• Arlene Perly Rae is a writer and broadcaster who has worked in Canadian media and publishing.

Married since 1980

• The couple has three children together.
• Arlene has accompanied Rae on many of his international postings, including his time at the United Nations.

The implication: Rae’s long marriage is part of a stable personal foundation that has allowed him to pivot between high-pressure political and diplomatic roles across four decades.

What religion is Bob Rae?

United Church of Canada

• Bob Rae is a member of the United Church of Canada, as indicated in his official biography from the Prime Minister’s Office (Prime Minister of Canada backgrounder).
• He has spoken about how his Christian faith has informed his commitment to social justice and public service.

Religious background and public statements

• Rae has occasionally referenced his faith in speeches and writings, connecting it to his work on humanitarian and refugee issues.
• His progressive political values align with the social gospel tradition of the United Church.

Why this matters: In a country where religion and politics often intersect less visibly than in the United States, Rae’s open identification with a mainstream Protestant denomination provides voters and observers with a clearer picture of his personal values.

Who was the most loved prime minister of Canada?

Popularity rankings of Canadian prime ministers

• Surveys of prime ministerial popularity are subjective and vary by methodology. Historically, Pierre Trudeau, John A. Macdonald, and Lester B. Pearson often rank highly in expert polls.
• Modern polls show Justin Trudeau leading among current voters, though his popularity has fluctuated.

Context: Bob Rae not included

• Because Rae never served as prime minister, he does not appear in any rankings of Canadian prime ministers.
• The question of “most loved prime minister” often surfaces in comparisons with Rae’s career, highlighting the gap between provincial and federal leadership.

The catch: Canada’s most admired federal leader lists will never include Bob Rae, which may surprise those who assume his high-profile roles at the UN and as interim party leader translate into prime ministerial status.

Timeline of Bob Rae’s political career

• 1948 — Born in Ottawa, Ontario (Library of Parliament profile)
• 1978–1982 — Member of Parliament (NDP) (Official list of Canadian prime ministers)
• 1987 — Becomes Ontario NDP leader (TVO Today profile)
• 1990–1995 — Premier of Ontario (Simon & Schuster author page)
• 2003 — Awarded the Order of Ontario (Queen’s University School of Policy Studies)
• 2008–2013 — Federal MP (Liberal) (CGAI profile)
• 2011–2013 — Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada (OECD Events speaker profile)
• 2020–2025 — Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (Global Affairs Canada)
• 2024 — Elected president of the UN Economic and Social Council (ICC-ASP biography)

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear about Bob Rae

Confirmed facts

• Bob Rae was never prime minister of Canada
• He served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995
• His wife is Arlene Perly Rae (married 1980)
• He is a member of the United Church of Canada
• He was interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013
• He served as Canada’s UN Ambassador from 2020 to 2025

What’s unclear

• His exact professional plans after the UN ambassador role (spring 2025)
• His personal stance on current domestic policy debates

Quotes from official sources

“Bob Rae served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 and as interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013.”

— Prime Minister of Canada backgrounder (tier 1 source)

“The Honourable Bob Rae was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in July 2020.”

— Global Affairs Canada official listing (tier 1 source)

“Bob Rae served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 and is Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations.”

— OECD Events speaker profile (tier 2 source)

For Canadians trying to understand their political history, the distinction between a premier and a prime minister matters — Rae’s career shows how one person can serve at both the provincial and federal levels without ever holding the top federal office. The choice for readers is clear: when you hear “Bob Rae prime minister,” correct the record, or miss a key lesson in Canadian governance.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Elizabeth May: A biography of another prominent Canadian political leader
• Canada-U.S. Relations: The diplomatic context of Rae’s UN role