OTTAWA, Ont. – Surrey Centre MP Randeep Sarai, in his role as Secretary of State (International Development), has announced the appointment of Bob Rae as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Rae recently served as ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations, where he worked on humanitarian, development and global governance issues. His career includes serving as premier of Ontario and as interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Global Affairs Canada said.
The IDRC is a federal Crown corporation that supports research and innovation contributing to sustainable development around the world, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. The department said Rae’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and evidence-based policy making aligns closely with the centre’s mission.
“At a time when global challenges demand collaboration, innovation and strong leadership, I am pleased to welcome Bob Rae as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the IDRC,” Sarai said. “His commitment to multilateral cooperation and his understanding of the issues facing communities around the world will be tremendous assets to the centre as it advances its mission of supporting research that creates lasting development impacts.”
IDRC president Julie Delahanty also welcomed the appointment, saying Rae’s leadership, international experience and commitment to evidence-based policy making will bring valuable insights to the centre’s work.
Sarai, first elected to represent Surrey Centre in 2015, serves in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government as the secretary of state responsible for international development, the junior ministerial role that oversees Canada’s development assistance and institutions such as the IDRC. The appointment was announced November 2 in Ottawa.
(Source: Global Affairs Canada news release, November 2, 2026)
