Bob Rae

Bob Rae was the first NDP premier of Ontario.

Rae was born in Toronto and attend the Univerity of Toronto[?] where he recieved his law degree. He was known as a spectacular student and he won as Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University where he studied under Isiah Berlin[?].

Before becoming premier Rae had a long career in both Federal and Provincial politics and was one of the best known faces of the NDP. Winning the 1990 election was something of a shock to everyone. Liberal premier David Peterson[?] had called an early election only three years into his mandate because he was so sure of reelection. The early call, combined with a weak compaign, annoyed voters and they looked for an alternative. This turned out to be Rae and the NDP.

The NDP had never governed before, and North America was in the depth of the worst recession since the 1930s, which accoutns for why they only lasted one term in office. Rae realised that cuts needed to be made and that the province needed to be made more competive, but this lead to a falling out with labour leader Bob White[?]. The revenue raising idea of photo-radar also lead to a sharp decrease in popularity. In an effort to cut back school funding Rae days[?] were introduced giving teachers and studetns a week off without pay.

In 1995 the party faced relection and lost, badly. Rae resigned and moved to positions in Acdemia nd the private sector. He is still popular and there have been many attempts by the federal Liberals to recruit him.