2nd MPP Placement: Giulia and MPP Matthew Rae

For my government placement, I had the privilege of working in the office of MPP Matthew Rae, who represents the riding of Perth-Wellington. MPP Rae is the Chief Government Whip for the Progressive Conservatives and is the Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Elected in 2022, MPP Rae has an extensive background in international affairs, education policy, municipal affairs, and housing. As he grew up working on his family’s dairy farm, MPP Rae is a staunch advocate for rural communities broadly in Ontario, and his own community in southwestern Ontario. One of the most rewarding aspects of working in PA Rae’s office was experiencing the unique commonalities between all his portfolios, while having the opportunity to learn about a new region of Ontario. 

During this placement, I had the opportunity to engage in numerous projects, from researching local riding history, researching to support remarks in the House, and assisting in MPP Rae’s role as Whip. I primarily aided in MPP Rae’s work as Chief Government Whip when the House was in session, ensuring that party discipline was enforced and liaising with members of caucus to win votes. Through my time engaging with this portfolio, I gained a deeper understanding of House procedures and affairs, and the role that timing and communication play in ensuring the House can function effectively to pass legislation. While in MPP Rae’s office, I learned the importance of consensus and relationship building, and I am deeply grateful to MPP Rae for the level of trust he put in me and his willingness to share his insights and perspectives on his various portfolios. 

In April, I had the opportunity to visit the riding of Perth-Wellington, and experience a day in MPP Rae’s very busy constituency weeks. The visit included an announcement in Guelph for federal-provincial funding in supportive housing, a site tour of a soon-to-be operational elementary school, a visit to a local high school, and a tour of a railway museum. While visiting, I had the opportunity to see local towns that make up Perth-Wellington, including Drayton, Palmerston, and Stratford, driving through the vast geography and learning more about the importance of agriculture and agri-business from MPP Rae. I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of those in Perth-Wellington who made my visit deeply memorable!

It was so amazing to work in such an excellent office, and learn more about a range of topics central to provincial politics – municipal affairs, housing, rural affairs, and caucus dynamics. The office was so willing to share their knowledge and perspectives with me, and give me the space to be curious. I am so grateful for the opportunity to engage in such diverse and thrilling work. I would like to thank Jake and Patricio for their mentorship and trust in me. I would like to thank Ekam, Samouh, and Sami in the Queen’s Park office and Maddie, Rosie, and Falak in the constituency office for welcoming me to Team Rae. A massive thank you to MPP Rae for participating in the program for the second year in a row, and being so willing to allow me to explore my interests through my work in his office!