Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae says his first half year in office was very enjoyable.
Rae was elected on June 2nd and says he looked forward to getting right to work, and he really enjoyed representing the riding as 2022 comes to a close.
“Meeting with many different stakeholders on a variety of issues, and obviously I was also appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, so that has kept me busy, as well. But meeting with many small businesses, municipal representatives, and obviously, constituents,” Rae shared.
In 2022, Rae was part of many significant announcements. He says that includes recently announced healthcare funding, and other announcements to make life more affordable.
“The announcement around the MRI operation funding at Palmerston and District Hospital, I know that’s been something that they’ve been looking at for awhile now. I was glad to see that come through, because many people have to travel to Kitchener, or London, or Cambridge to get an MRI,” said Rae. “We also announced a new childcare deal in the province. It’s good to see families are now saving, on average, $4,000 this year alone. I know I met with the local YMCA for our local riding and area, and they’ve been saying it’s been great uptake with that, so it’s good to see.”
Looking to next year, Rae says he wants to focus on working with municipal partners to bring in more labour to businesses that need it.
“Whether that’s in healthcare, education, agri-business, small businesses, our tourism sector, everyone is looking for someone as you know. So working with our municipal partners to build and help create more affordable and attainable housing in our riding, primarily workforce housing,” Rae stated.
Rae adds that he wants to continue working with local businesses, especially ones still recovering from COVID.
“In our tourism sector, I meet with them regularly, as well, and obviously that’s a big, big employer locally in our area. They’re still facing a lot of challenges, and I know in the new year I’ll be working with them as they come back from COVID and the disruptions that caused,” said Rae.
Additionally, Rae says he wants to continue to help make things more affordable for farmers, and bring in cheaper energy options, which will include more natural gas expansions, ultimately helping everyone.
“We have committed to a Phase 3 of natural gas expansions with our partners at Enbridge and others. So, I know there’s a lot of interest from agri-businesses and small businesses that use that, and also, residents, as well, because it is a cheaper form of heating,” Rae concluded.
