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About the Ministry

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care for Ontario

The Honourable Deb Matthews

MPP London North Centre

Deb Matthews was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. She was appointed Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in October 2009. Matthews previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services.

Matthews’ work on social assistance reform, including her report, Review of Employment Assistance Programs in Ontario Works & Ontario Disability Support Program, has received strong support from a wide range of community leaders. Matthews was recognized in the 2007 Ontario Budget speech as having been a driving force behind the new Ontario Child Benefit. Matthews received the 2007 Political Award of Merit from The Social Work Doctors’ Colloquium, given to an individual who in their political, professional and social life, practices and exemplifies the values of the social work profession including the fight for social justice.

Matthews has been actively involved in community organizations such as Orchestra London and the Thames Valley Children's Centre. She has served on the London advisory boards for the Salvation Army, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and as a board member and president of the Big Sisters of London.

Her diverse work background includes business experience in the construction industry, fundraising in the non-profit sector and teaching at the University of Western Ontario. She served as the 1995-96 fundraising co-coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of London and has been twice honored with a place on The University Students' Council Teaching Honour Roll at The University of Western Ontario.

Matthews was born in London North Centre and studied at the University of Western Ontario, where she completed her Ph.D. in social demography. She has three children and a grandson.

Send an e-mail to the Minister

Parliamentary Assistants to the Minister

Bas Balkissoon
MPP Scarborough - Rouge River

Carol Mitchell
MPP Huron - Bruce