Bob Rae, who served as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, acknowledged his tendency to deviate from the official messaging of Global Affairs Canada during his tenure. He expressed pride in creating a dynamic tension within the department, even at the cost of occasionally retracting tweets. Rae humorously recalled receiving a desk plaque labeled 'Hurricane Bob,' which reflected his non-conformist approach.
Rae's five-year term, which concludes on November 17, encompassed significant global events, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a diplomatic crisis with India, and the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. While he refrained from highlighting a singular achievement, Rae emphasized Canada's consistent engagement with UN issues, including less-publicized matters like women's rights in Afghanistan and reforming the global finance system for developmental purposes.
Despite challenges within the bureaucratic framework of Global Affairs Canada, Rae attempted to raise awareness through innovative means, such as proposing a podcast that would showcase discussions on Canadian UN policies. His proposal was rejected, leading him to utilize Twitter, now known as X, to express his views. Rae confirmed he faced requests to delete some posts, but he often resisted, believing in the value of his outspokenness.
Throughout his time, there were tweets that stirred controversy. For instance, in 2023, Rae characterized the Armenian exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh as 'a complete failure of global diplomacy in the face of ethnic cleansing,' a term that had not been officially used by Ottawa. In another instance, he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's missile defense proposal as a 'protection racket' and called out perceived injustices regarding the International Criminal Court, leading to the deletion of another tweet that contradicted Canadian policy on relations with the U.S.
Despite these instances, Rae maintained a productive relationship with both the department and the Prime Minister's Office under Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau. He sometimes found himself at odds with officials, but he viewed these differences as opportunities for dialogue. Rae often expressed views that aligned with the government’s eventual direction, believing this could serve as a gauge for public sentiment towards potential policy changes.
Looking ahead, Rae expressed confidence in his successor, David Lametti, to continue advocating for human rights and Canada’s longstanding values on the international stage. He expressed skepticism about Canada abandoning its bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and noted that upcoming federal budget announcements would clarify Canada’s foreign policy direction.
Rae also commented on Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand's speech at the UN General Assembly, which intertwined themes of security, economic resilience, and human rights, signifying Canada’s commitment to multilateralism. He remarked that this commitment is crucial in addressing the profound 'empathy deficit' in today's global landscape.
During his leadership of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), ending in August, Rae deepened his understanding of the challenges nations face, particularly regarding the enduring impacts of colonization and the struggle to establish functional systems for citizens amid geopolitical instability and climate crises. Rae criticized affluent countries for hoarding COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting the tension between self-interest and global empathy.
In summary, Rae's observations reflect a broader concern for how advanced economies are increasingly focused on domestic issues while failing to address international responsibilities. He observed that public sentiment in developed nations may hinder their governments' ability to engage fully in global humanitarian efforts, presenting a significant challenge for international cooperation and aid.
