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Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Senior Canadian diplomat compares Trump's Golden Dome missile program to a 'protection racket'
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Canada's ambassador to the United Nations compared U.S. President Donald Trump's Golden Dome missile defense program to a 'protection racket' on Wednesday after Trump said America's northern neighbor could pay $61 billion to join the program or it could be free if the country agrees to annexation. Trump posted on social media on Tuesday that if Canada becomes the 'cherished 51st State' it won't have to pay to join the proposed U.S. missile defense system. Ambassador Bob Rae took exception to Trump's comments in two social media posts, comparting it to something organized crime does. 'In another context, this would (be) called a 'protection racket,'' Rae said of Trump's post. Rae later posted that both Canada and the U.S. signed the U.N. charter in 1945 that states: 'The Organization is based on the sovereign equality of all nations.' 'Threats to sovereign integrity also prohibited,' Rae noted. In his post, Trump said: 'It will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!' Trump made his comments on the same day King Charles III said Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous as he opened the Canadian Parliament with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by Trump. The king is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the Commonwealth of former colonies. Trump's repeated suggestion that Canada become the 51st state prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give a speech from the throne outlining the Liberal government's priorities for the new session of Parliament. Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. The king's visit clearly underscores Canada's sovereignty, Carney said. A spokesman for Carney responded to Trump's post on Tuesday by saying the prime minister 'has been clear at every opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent sovereign nation, and it will remain one.' 'Canadians gave the Prime Minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,' the statement said. 'To that end, the Prime Minister and his Ministers are having a wide ranging and constructive discussions with their American counterparts. These discussions naturally include strengthening NORAD and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome.' The newly elected Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump. He met with with Trump in the Oval Office earlier this month. 'Some places are never for sale,' Carney said to Trump and the media. Canada is one of them, he added, and 'it won't be for sale, ever.'
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
UN Warns Of $4 Trillion Shortfall Threatening Global Development Goals
28 April 2025 Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General António Guterres, General Assembly President Philémon Yang and Economic and Social Council President Bob Rae stressed the need for more resources and a global financial overhaul. Without an effective response, they stressed, the world risks falling even further behind on ending poverty, fighting climate change, and building new sustainable economies. They were addressing the ECOSOC annual forum on financing for development, which follows last week's World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings where global growth, trade tensions and the rising debt burden in developing countries were front and centre. Everyone loses in a trade war ' This year's ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time,' Mr. Guterres told delegates, warning that global cooperation itself is under threat. He pointed to rising trade tensions as a major risk, noting that while fair trade is a clear example of the benefits of international collaboration, the surge in trade barriers poses a 'clear and present danger' to the global economy – as seen in recent downgrades to global growth forecasts by the IMF, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and UN economists. ' In a trade war, everybody loses – especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest,' he said. We must shift into overdrive Mr. Guterres highlighted how many donors are pulling back from aid commitments while soaring borrowing costs drain public investments, putting the SDGs 'dramatically off track.' ' With just five years to reach the SDGs, we need to shift into overdrive,' he stressed, urging countries to deliver bold outcomes at the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville. 'Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.' Crushing debt burdens ECOSOC President Bob Rae echoed these concerns, emphasising that over three billion people live in countries where governments spend more on interest payments than on health or education. 'We desperately need a more affordable debt architecture – it's that simple,' he said, calling for urgent reforms that would allow countries a fair chance to repay what they owe while investing in their futures. He also sounded the alarm over rising trade barriers – citing recent moves by major economies, like the United States, to impose new tariffs. ' Trade is not a four-letter word,' Mr. Rae said, ' it is a positive way for countries to exchange goods and services and emerge from poverty.' He urged countries not to see trade as a zero-sum game – where there are only winners and losers – and embrace fair, open trading systems as a path to shared prosperity. Calls for reform General Assembly President Philémon Yang underscored the consequences of rising debts and shrinking fiscal space. In more than 50 developing countries, governments now spend over 10 percent of their revenues on debt servicing – and in 17 of them, over 20 percent – a clear warning sign of default, according to UN economists. 'Our inability to reform the international financial architecture is severely restricting capital access,' Mr. Yang warned, stressing that closing the financing gap – now estimated at over $4 trillion annually – is critical to achieving the SDGs. ' Time is of the essence. Let us use this ECOSOC Forum to bridge divides, build trust, and lay the foundation for success. ' Looking ahead to Seville As negotiations continue towards an agreed outcome in Seville, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted three priority areas – tackling unsustainable debt, strengthening multilateral development banks and unlocking new streams of sustainable finance. He called for mobilizing more domestic resources, innovative financing solutions, better controls on illicit financial flows and stronger partnerships with the private sector. ECOSOC President Rae added that the conversation must move beyond declarations to concrete, measurable action. ' We need innovation, creativity and partnerships that deliver lasting and transformative impact,' he said. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development – to be held from 30 June to 3 July in Seville, Spain – represents a critical opportunity to rebuild the global financial system to unleash the investments urgently needed to achieve the SDGs.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bob Rae says Donald Trump's goal in Canada is ‘theft by force'
Bob Rae, the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, says U.S. President Donald Trump's aggression towards isn't about fentanyl at the border, it's about stealing Canada's land and resources. In a post to X late Saturday, when all was relatively quiet on the Canada-U.S. trade war front, the politician turned diplomat posted a map of upper North America and the Arctic Circle abutting Russia and parts of northern Europe. By annexing Canada and Greenland, he said Trump would acquire 'massive wealth' and rule over the Northwest Passage and its surrounding waters. Rae reposted it 30 minutes later, emphasizing that the president's goal is 'a colossal land, water and resource grab' and that the tariffs are a means to weaken the economy and allow for an easier takeover, echoing warnings from other Canadian leaders. 'We're not talking 'purchase' or 'buying'. We're talking theft by force,' the 76-year-old wrote, adding, 'Fighting back will (be) hard, but it is the fight of our lives.' To emphasize, this is not about borders,l or fentanyl. This is about a colossal land, water and resource grab. The tariffs are intended to weaken so this theft can take place. We're not talking 'purchase' or 'buying'. We're talking theft by force. Fighting back will hard, but… — Bob Rae (@BobRae48) March 16, 2025 Earlier on Saturday, he re-shared a post from Arizona Senator and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly who shared a clip of Trump in the Oval Office saying 'Canada only works as a state.' In his post, Rae said Trump's comments 'are a direct attack' on Canada's sovereignty and the nations' existing relationship. On Sunday morning, the former NDP Premier of Ontario and two-time Member of Parliament, a one-time interim Liberal Party of Canada leader, reshared more content and opined that Trump administration's tactics are 'having the most profound effects on public opinion and attitudes in the rest of the world.' Ivison: UN ambassador Bob Rae denies Canada is an unreliable friend to Israel 'It's crazy': New PM Mark Carney rebuffs Marco Rubio's comments about Canada as 51st state Later, sharing an article from The Atlantic about previous failed American invasions, Rae said Canadians are united in their opposition to statehood. 'And a military annexation would be fought and resisted with every fibre in our being. To quote Jean Chretien 'Stop This Nonsense.'' Chretien made the plea during his remarks at the Liberal leadership convention where Mark Carney assumed the role. Also on Sunday, he thanked the Governor of Colorado for declaring March 15 as Colorado Canada Friendship Day. Thank you Governor - this means a lot. Our fight is not with the American people, whose friendship and solidarity are deeply appreciated — Bob Rae (@BobRae48) March 16, 2025 In addition to representing Canada, Rae is also the president of the UN's economic and social council. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Globe and Mail
19-02-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
A Historic Gala Celebrating Canada's Visionary Role in Advancing Urban SDGs - A Night of Leadership and Global Change
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / February 19, 2025 / The Urban Economy Forum (UEF), in partnership with The Almas Jiwani Foundation (AJF), hosted an extraordinary Gala at the World Urban Pavilion, powered by Regent Park, on Friday, February 7, to celebrate Canada's pivotal role in advancing the Urban Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This exceptional event marked a significant milestone in the global movement toward sustainable urban development, bringing together visionary leaders, innovators, and key members of the diplomatic, business, and global communities to recognize Canada's leadership as a trailblazer in advancing the Urban SDGs. The evening's highlight was the keynote address from The Honourable Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC and Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, who underscored Canada's central role in shaping the future of urban sustainability. Ambassador Rae emphasized the importance of collaborative action in addressing urban challenges and advancing the UN's SDGs through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. " Canada has long been a champion of peace, sustainability, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The Frontrunner Program exemplifies Canada's commitment to driving meaningful change through innovation, resilience, and international cooperation," said The Honourable Bob Rae. "This event reflects the global importance of Canada's leadership in advancing sustainable urban solutions that benefit cities around the world." A standout moment of the evening was the unveiling of The Canada Frontrunner Compendium, a groundbreaking initiative that positions Canada at the forefront of urban sustainability. Launched at the World Urban Pavilion, this initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Urban Economy Forum, UN-Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and The Daniels Corporation. Through this program, Canada is pioneering scalable solutions to urban challenges while advancing the global SDG agenda. "We are thrilled with the success of this Gala, which underscored the vital role of leadership in driving forward the Urban SDGs," said Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum. "The event demonstrated the immense power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the world's most pressing urban challenges. It was a clear reflection of Canada's leadership in fostering global partnerships for sustainable development. We are excited to continue working alongside our partners to build sustainable, resilient cities for the future and empower communities to thrive in an ever-evolving urban landscape." The Gala attracted a distinguished audience of CEOs, corporate executives, global partners, and diplomatic leaders, all united in their shared commitment to the Urban SDGs. Their collective efforts will continue to propel the agenda for urban sustainability and contribute to global solutions with far-reaching effects for future generations. As we look ahead, Canada's continued leadership in sustainable development, urban sustainability, and gender equality will shine as a guiding light for the world,' said Almas Jiwani, CEO of the Almas Jiwani Foundation. 'We are actively advancing the SDGs in tangible, actionable ways, ensuring that today's cities are prepared to meet the needs of tomorrow, while driving progress toward a sustainable, equitable, and gender-inclusive global future. This is not just a Canadian achievement; it's a global call to action. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, proving how leadership, innovation, and collaboration can create scalable, tangible solutions to the challenges faced by cities worldwide.' 'I remain deeply grateful to the diplomatic community, esteemed guests, and dear friends for their unwavering support, which continues to be invaluable in advancing the mission of my organization." As the evening drew to a close, the collective commitment to sustainable urban development was clear. New partnerships were forged, ideas exchanged, and the momentum to drive global change through innovative urban solutions was stronger than ever. The Gala served as a powerful reminder that through collaboration and a shared vision, Canada and its global partners are leading the way toward achieving the Urban SDGs on a global scale. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
CBC
28-01-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Can he get away with it?' Former premier David Peterson on Doug Ford's early election call
Former Ontario premier David Peterson called an early election in 1990, which ended in a surprise loss to Bob Rae and the NDP. He joined London Morning host Andrew Brown to talk about Doug Ford calling an early election and questions his reasons.
