Who Is Bob Rae? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bob Rae, a prominent Canadian politician and diplomat, was born on August 2, 1948. As of 2025, he is 77 years old and has had a distinguished career spanning several decades in public service. Before entering politics, Rae was well known for his academic background and legal career. He has served as the 21st Premier of Ontario and has held various roles in federal politics, including his current position as Ontario's Special Envoy on the 2021-2025 crisis.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1948 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Bob Rae's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Bob Rae stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 178 pounds (81 kg). His fit physique reflects his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even at this age. Rae's body measurements reveal a slender and active build, demonstrating his involvement in community and civic engagements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Bob Rae is in a committed relationship with his long-time partner, who remains private about their personal life. Rae has been married previously and is the father of three children. His family often supports his various endeavors and philanthropic work, making them an essential pillar in his life.
His parents were Lois Esther (George) and Saul Rae, an eminent Canadian career diplomat who had postings in Washington, Geneva, New York, Mexico, and The Hague. Rae's paternal grandparents immigrated from Scotland, and his mother had English ancestry. Rae was raised as an Anglican.
As an adult, he found out that his paternal grandfather was Jewish and was from a family of Lithuanian immigrants to Scotland.
Net Worth and Salary
Bob Rae's estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $5 million. His wealth primarily stems from his long-standing career in politics, as well as his work as a consultant and speaker. Rae's salary as a public servant varies with his roles within government and board positions, significantly contributing to his financial portfolio.
The Progressive Conservatives were defeated in a no-confidence motion on June 18, 1985, and Lieutenant-Governor John Black Aird asked Peterson to form a new government. Rae himself moved the motion of non-confidence, as he had done in the defeat of Joe Clark's government six years earlier.
With support from Rae, Peterson's minority government implemented socially progressive legislation on matters such as pay equity, brought an end to extra-billing by doctors, and established campaign spending limits. Rae often criticized Peterson's approach to specific issues, but never moved to bring down the government.
Career, Business and Investments
Bob Rae's career encompasses various roles, from being a lawyer and an academic to serving multiple terms in the Canadian Parliament. His political journey has also included significant contributions to civil society organizations and think tanks. Rae has invested in several ventures related to public policy and has written extensively on topics regarding Canadian governance and international relations.
Rae was a New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament from 1978 to 1982. He then moved to provincial politics, serving as leader of the Ontario NDP from February 7, 1982, to June 22, 1996.
After leading his party to victory in the 1990 provincial election he served as the 21st Premier of Ontario from October 1, 1990, to June 26, 1995, and was the first person to have led a provincial NDP government east of Manitoba.
While in office, he brought forward a number of initiatives that were unpopular with many traditional NDP supporters, such as the Social Contract. Rae's subsequent disagreement with the leftward direction of the NDP led him to resign his membership. In 2006, he joined the Liberals; he had previously been a Liberal in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In 2006, Rae was a candidate for the leadership of the Liberals, finishing in third place on the third ballot. He returned to the House of Commons of Canada on March 31, 2008, as a Liberal MP after winning a March 17, 2008 by-election, holding the riding that had previously been held by Liberal Bill Graham.
He was re-elected in the 2008 general election. Rae ran again as a candidate for the party leadership but withdrew on December 12, 2008.
He was re-elected in the Toronto Centre riding in the 2011 general election and was named interim leader of the Liberal Party weeks later, replacing Michael Ignatieff; he served in that position until Justin Trudeau's election as party leader in early 2013.
Social Network
Bob Rae is active on social media, with a notable presence on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. He uses these networks to engage with constituents, share insights on political occurrences, and promote community initiatives, following the trends of modern politicians who leverage digital platforms for communication.
Peterson's minority government was very popular during its two years in office, and the Liberal Party won a landslide majority government in the 1987 provincial election, called after the conclusion of the Liberal-NDP accord.
The NDP was reduced to nineteen seats and Rae was nearly defeated in his own riding, defeating high-profile Liberal challenger Alan Tonks by only 333 votes. The Progressive Conservatives under Larry Grossman suffered an even more serious defeat, falling to only sixteen seats.
As a result, Rae became Leader of the Opposition once the legislature resumed.
Education
Bob Rae attended the University of Toronto, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. He subsequently attended Harvard Law School, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1975. Rae's educational background in political science and law has been a crucial factor in shaping his career and public contributions.
Rae graduated with honours from University College, University of Toronto, where he also later received his law degree. Michael Ignatieff, who later became Rae's rival for the Liberal Party leadership, was his roommate for a time.
He first became involved in politics by volunteering on Trudeau's 1968 Liberal leadership campaign, and later worked on Liberal Charles Caccia's campaign in the 1968 federal election. Rae and Caccia have remained personal friends through their political careers.
During his final year as an undergraduate, Rae was a student representative on the Bissell Commission on University Government.
