Meet Matthew Rae

Matthew grew up on his family’s dairy farm just north of Harriston. From a young age, he was instilled with a strong work ethic and the importance of service to one’s family, community, and country.  

He is the third generation in his family to graduate from Norwell District Secondary School. He is also a graduate of The University of Guelph and graduated with his Master of Advanced International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria. 

In addition to working on the family farm, Matthew worked in the hospitality sector throughout high school. Having worked in Student Services while attending the University of Guelph, Matthew also was an assistant to an ambassador while attending grad school. Matthew has also worked for both John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington, and Randy Pettapiece, the former Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Perth—Wellington, at separate times. Prior to being elected in June 2022, he worked for an education non-profit focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and entrepreneurship. 

In addition to being the MPP for Perth—Wellington, Matthew serves as the Chief Government Whip of Ontario, and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Previously, he also served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education. He is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.

In 2024, Matthew tabled a Private Members Bill entitled the Growing Agritourism Act. This PMB removes barriers to investment for agritourism operators across Ontario and is the first legislation of its kind in Canada. The Growing Agritourism Act received Royal Assent on December 19, 2024.  

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether it is skating, skiing, camping or going on long hikes with his dog, Athena. 

Matthew, and his wife Meghan, and son, Arthur, live in Mitchell.