Bob Rae: Is Canada Entering an Orwellian World?
Former Canadian UN ambassador Bob Rae warned in a podcast interview that the global order is fragmenting into rival power blocs led by the United States, China and Russia, leaving traditional democratic alliances weakened and Canada increasingly sidelined. Rae said Canada is no longer treated as a close partner by Washington, citing U.S. unilateralism on Ukraine, dismissive rhetoric about Canadian sovereignty and a deteriorating bilateral relationship that is already hurting trade, tourism and business confidence. He argued that Canada’s heavy economic reliance on the United States has become a vulnerability, forcing Ottawa to urgently diversify trade toward countries such as India despite unresolved diplomatic tensions. Rae also criticized recent cuts to Canadian foreign assistance, saying they undermine Canada’s global influence at a time of rising geopolitical and economic instability. Overall, he portrayed a more dangerous and unpredictable world in which strained Canada–U.S. relations pose direct risks to Canada’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
