Canada-UK Diplomacy & Governance with the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

The Boardroom 180 Podcast

In this episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast, host Munir Haque invites the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, to share insights on diplomatic relations and governance. The conversation covers the importance of anticipating global trends and how challenging it has become with the increasing pace of change and interconnectedness. They also discuss Goodale's extensive political career, spanning over four decades, and his current role in strengthening Canada-UK relations.

Not only does Mr. Goodale highlight the complexities and responsibilities of diplomacy, but he also discusses his experiences as High Commissioner in London, describing the city's vibrant cultural and political landscape. He reflects on the rapid and efficient political transitions in the UK, contrasting them with those in Canada and the US, and praises the UK’s ability to switch governments swiftly and without turmoil. There is professionalism in the British public service in preparing for potential leadership changes that could serve as a model for other democracies, including Canada, which is effective but moves at a slower pace during transitions.

Munir and Mr. Goodale explore the role of diplomats in fostering international relationships. The significance of maintaining strong ties with the new UK government following the recent election was stressed by Mr. Goodale, along with the importance of building relationships and ensuring Canadian interests are effectively represented. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the intricacies of diplomacy, the value of strong governance, and the critical role of international relationships in shaping global affairs.

About Ralph Goodale

Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Ralph Goodale received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Regina in 1971, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972. He has practical experience in business, agriculture, law, and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics.

He was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974 at the age of 24, representing Assiniboia in Saskatchewan. In the 1980s, he served as leader of the provincial Liberal Party, and was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in 1986.

Mr. Goodale returned to the House of Commons in 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Wascana, and was subsequently re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015. He served in the federal Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister of Natural Resources, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

In March of 2020, Mr. Goodale became Special Advisor to the Government of Canada with respect to Iran’s deadly attack against Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 which claimed many innocent Canadian lives. In December of 2023, Mr. Goodale was named Canada’s official representative to the Ismaili Imamat. He continues in both of these roles.

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Contact Munir Haque | ActionEdge Executive Development:

• Website: AEEDNow.com
• Linkedin: Action Edge Executive Development Inc.
  
  

Contact Ralph Goodale:

• Website: International.gc.ca
• Parliament of Canada
• Twitter / X
  
  

Podcast Production:

• Recording: PushySix Studios
• Production Assistance: Astronomic Audio
  
  

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Transcript

Ralph Goodale: [00:00:03] If you really want to score, skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where the puck is, because you'll always be after the fact. But you have to make those judgments about where the world is going, and making those judgments is harder now because it's all going faster and faster and faster and there are interconnecting circles and everything is more complicated.

Munir Haque: [00:00:29] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast. I'm your host, Munir Haque, an executive coach and senior board strategist. I have partnered with Action Edge Executive Development to lead their governance and political acumen division. In each episode, we meet with governance leaders and step into their boardrooms, where decisions shape the world around us.

Munir Haque: [00:00:48] Welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast. Our guest today is the Honourable Mr. Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland and the Permanent Representative on the International Maritime Organization. He's been in this position since 2021, since retiring from Canadian politics. He was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974 at the age of 24, representing Assiniboia and Saskatchewan. This was only two years after receiving his law degree. In the 1980s, he served as a leader of the provincial Liberal Party, and was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in 1986. Mr. Goodale returned to the House of Commons in 1993 and was Member of Parliament for Wascana, and was subsequently reelected in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015. He has served many federal cabinet positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Agri foods, Minister of Natural Resources, Leader of Government in the House of Commons, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister of Finance and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, just to name a few. According to CBC, he is the only MP to serve under both Trudeau prime ministers. So, Mr. Goodale, I was truly honored to have you join our podcast today. Ralph is joining us from London, UK. So it's morning here in Calgary and it's late afternoon there in London? I think it's about seven or eight hour time difference. So welcome.

Ralph Goodale: [00:02:23] Very nice to be on your program and very good to see you again, Munir. It's been a few years since we've had a visit. But glad to be on your podcast.

Munir Haque: [00:02:32] Good. The UK is looking good on you.

Ralph Goodale: [00:02:35] Well, this is a terrific assignment. One that I'm very grateful to have. London is a wonderful venue. There's art and culture and history and something fascinating or completely outrageous on virtually every street corner. The whole world passes through London as international affairs, politics, diplomacy, economic matters. This is an international intersection. We have excellent relationships with the UK government, whether it's the former conservative government or now the new labor government. The relationship between Canada and the UK is strong and deep and we work together on a whole vast variety of matters and we get a lot of things done together. And this last three years and four months that I have been in London in this role has been an incredibly busy period. When I arrived, they were grappling with Brexit and struggling to get out from under COVID, and then that evacuation from Afghanistan came along, and then there was the AUKUS situation. T...