About this Event
Presented in partnership with Our World Festival.
Kitchener Public Library is pleased to welcome Bob Rae for the 2026 Canada Lecture on Citizenship.
With more than five decades of leadership in international diplomacy, public policy, and national politics, Bob Rae served as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations from 2020 to 2025 and is a Companion of the Order of Canada. His distinguished career also includes serving as Premier of Ontario and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Mr. Rae will offer a rare insight into navigating complex global challenges, building consensus across divides, and leading through transformation: an outstanding record of citizenship. He will draw on firsthand experience with humanitarian crises, negotiations with world leaders, and other critical issues, delivered with the wisdom of a statesman and the accessibility of a natural storyteller.
He is the author of several books, including and . He is also the editor of , a timely new collection examining Canada’s place in an increasingly uncertain global landscape, to be published on September 9, 2026.
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Book signing to follow.
Books will be available to purchase onsite from Words Worth Books.
Supported by:
Ticket Policy
Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that the most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts.
Accessibility at Kitchener Public Library
Kitchener Public Library has assistive listening devices available for library program participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Please call or email us if you would like more information on this equipment, or to request to use it in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. Phone 519-743-0271 or email [email protected].
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
The Honourable Bob Rae presents the 2026 Canada Lecture on Citizenship
Host: Bob Rae
🕑: 08:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Book Signing
Info: Mr. Rae will sign copies of his books. His books will be available for purchase onsite.
Event venue & nearby stays
Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, Canada
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