On November 3, 2026, the Honourable Bob Rae, formerly Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations and recently appointed Chair of the International Development Research Centre, gave the Edith Holtom Peace Lecture at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa to an overflowing audience. The title of his energizing talk was: What is the Direction for Canada post-Davos? Among other points, Ambassador Rae argued that the United Nations is “only as strong or weak as we make it. It does not have the power to tax. It doesn’t have an army to enforce its decisions. The UN depends on the commitment of states to give of themselves.” In terms of Canadian foreign policy, he cautioned that it is not enough to ask only what we can do for ourselves. “Don’t join the festival of self-interest,” he advised. Canada must use its development assistance and diplomacy to work for the public good. To watch the lecture, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpo1ZH3Qgkc To order Bob’s new book, Reclaiming Canadian Sovereignty in a Ruptured World, check your local bookstore or order online: https://www.amazon.ca/Reclaiming-Canadian-Sovereignty-Ruptured-World/dp/1459420918?th=1
