As the Legislature resumes sitting at Queen’s Park, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae returns with a new title.
The 34-year-old Rae has been appointed Chief Government Whip for the Progressive Conservative government, a leadership role responsible for ensuring party discipline, coordinating caucus attendance, and helping the Ford government move its legislative agenda forward.
"It’s a great honour to be asked by the Premier to serve in this additional role," Rae said in an interview with CKNXNewsToday.ca. "We have a very ambitious legislative agenda ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to working closely with House Leader Steve Clark to get that agenda passed."
Rae becomes the second-youngest MPP in Ontario’s history to serve as Government Whip, a position once held by former cabinet minister John Baird, who took on the job at age 33 in 2002. Rae was first elected in 2022 and won a second term in February's provincial election, securing nearly 47 per cent of the vote.
He’ll also continue in his previous role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, working alongside Minister Paul Calandra. Rae says housing policy, streamlining municipal processes, and building vital infrastructure will remain major areas of focus.
"Our government was re-elected with a strong mandate to protect Ontario and continue to build a stronger and more prosperous province," Rae said. "Whether it’s cutting red tape, addressing interprovincial trade barriers, or improving infrastructure in rural Ontario, we’re ready to get to work."
Rae noted one of the first pieces of legislation being tabled will target internal trade barriers between provinces, an idea inspired by similar efforts in Nova Scotia. He also hinted at another private member’s bill on the horizon, following one he successfully passed last term.
"I’m working on a couple of initiatives, whether that’s rural transportation or rural healthcare, two issues I talked about often in the last term and will continue to do so," he said. "I want to ensure we’re attracting infrastructure dollars to rural Ontario and strengthening small businesses as well."
As Chief Whip, Rae’s daily routine is about to change significantly. He says he’ll be spending "many hours and days in the assembly," ensuring government bills pass without delay.
"It is very unique. As the whip, you really need to be present while the House is meeting. My days will be consumed pretty much at Queen’s Park when we’re in session," he said.
Rae says he’s also aware of the legacy the role carries in this region. He noted that Jack Johnson, a former MPP for the old Wellington riding, served as whip under Premier Bill Davis, and more recently, former Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker held the role.
"It seems a lot of whips come from this part of the province," Rae said.