Matthew Rae

After graduation, Rae accepted a job as a Communications Manager for John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington. He also worked for former Member of Provincial Parliament, Randy Pettapiece as his Executive Assistant.^[4] Prior to seeking office, Rae worked for Shad Canada as their Director of University Relations.^[5]

On November 18, 2021, Rae announced he would seek the Progressive-Conservative nomination for Perth-Wellington after Randy Pettapiece announced he would not seek re-election.^[6] Rae would win the Progressive Conservative nomination for the riding of Perth-Wellington on March 5, 2022.^[7] Rae placed first in the June 2, 2022, local provincial election, with 46.8% of the vote.^[8]

Shortly after being elected, Rae would be appointed as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce. Rae was also elected Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs as well as also serving on the Standing Committee on Social Policy. Rae currently serves on the Standing Committee of Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy.^[9]

On March 10, 2023, Rae became the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.^[10]

On October 18, 2023, Rae introduced his first motion, Motion 63. The motion called upon the Ontario Government to continue to build out its clean, green nuclear fleet. Motion 63 passed on division on October 19, 2023. Rae also introduced his second motion on October 31, 2023, Motion 71. The motion calls on the Government of Canada to eliminate the carbon tax on natural gas and propane used for agricultural purposes. Motion 71 is still to be debate in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.^[9]

In October 2023, Rae introduced his first Private Members’ Public Bill, the Life Leases Act, 2024. Bill 141 aims to improve the transparency, and accountability for occupants in Life Lease Communities.^[11][12]

In April 2024, Rae introduced his second Private Members' Public Bill, the Growing Agritourism Act. Bill 186 is the first legislation in Canada that aims to mitigate risks involved with agritourism operations on farms across Ontario by mandating the display of inherent risks associated with farms.^[13]

On April 7, 2025, Rae became the Chief Government Whip (Ontario) alongside his parliamentary assistant role, becoming the second youngest Member of Provincial Parliament to serve in the role.^[14] The role is responsible for ensuring that members of the governing party attend and vote in the legislature. In essence, the Office of the Chief Government Whip is indispensable for the smooth functioning of the government within the Legislative Assembly. It ensures the government can effectively advance its legislative agenda and maintain its stability.