High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Representative of Canada to the International Maritime Organisation.
His Excellency The Hon Ralph Goodale assumed his responsibilities as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in April 2021. His Excellency the Honourable Ralph E. Goodale has dedicated his life to public service with a spirit of unwavering integrity, compassion, and purpose. As Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom since 2021, he has brought to the role a remarkable legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and dedication to building bridges between nations and people.
Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Mr. Goodale received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Regina in 1971, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972. He has practical experience in business, law, agriculture and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics. Ralph Goodale was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974 at the age of 24, representing Saskatchewan’s sprawling rural riding of Assiniboia. In the 1980s, he served as leader of the provincial Liberal Party, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in 1986.
Mr. Goodale returned to the House of Commons in 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Wascana, and was subsequently re-elected seven consecutive times, becoming Regina’s longest-serving MP. A member of the federal Cabinet under three Prime Ministers, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (1993-1997), Minister of Natural Resources (1997-2002), Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2002), Minister of Public Works and Government Services (2002-2003), Minister of Finance (2003-2006), and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (2015-2019).
In March 2020, Mr. Goodale became a special advisor to the Prime Minister for Canada’s response to Iran’s shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which claimed the lives of 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents of Canada and dozens of others with Canadian links. This role is on-going in pursuit of transparency, accountability and justice for the families of the victims.
Internationally respected for his diplomatic skills and sharp intellect, Mr. Goodale has been a strong voice for Canada on the world stage. His appointment as High Commissioner to the UK was both a natural progression and a powerful symbol of Canada’s enduring commitment to democracy, peace, and global cooperation. In London, he continues to promote Canada’s values, foster economic partnerships, and support Canadians abroad, all while strengthening one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world.
What makes Ralph Goodale’s story so inspiring is not just the high offices he has held, but the humble strength, clarity of vision, and dedication to fairness that have marked every chapter of his life. He has remained grounded, principled, and focused on building a better future for all. His legacy is one of hope—proof that integrity in public life still matters, and that one person, guided by purpose, can shape a more just, prosperous, and connected world. A lifelong statesman forging unity, integrity, and global Canadian leadership.
Mr. Goodale is accompanied by his wife, Pamela.
Own or work here?