Perth—Wellington

Perth—Wellington is a largely rural riding in southwestern Ontario that includes the cities of Stratford and St. Marys, along with the communities of Arthur, Clifford, and surrounding agricultural townships. Long-time Progressive Conservative MPP Randy Pettapiece, who had represented the riding since 2011, announced in November 2021 that he would not seek re-election at the age of 73. His retirement opened the door for a new generation of Conservative representation in this traditionally safe PC seat.

The riding’s economy is anchored by agriculture, with some of Ontario’s most productive farmland situated within its boundaries. Stratford’s renowned festival theatre adds a cultural dimension to the local economy, while smaller communities rely on farming, food processing, and small business.

Candidates

Matthew Rae (Progressive Conservative) — Rae grew up on his family’s dairy farm outside Harriston and graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Political Science and International Development before earning a master’s degree from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. He had previously worked as Communications Manager for federal MP John Nater and as Executive Assistant to outgoing MPP Pettapiece.

Jo-Dee Burbach (NDP) — Burbach was a Stratford City Councillor first elected in 2018 and the owner of a graphic design business for 25 years. She received a Woman of the Year Award in 2020 for her advocacy to combat anti-Black racism locally.

Ashley Fox (Liberal) — Fox was a Registered Practical Nurse from Palmerston with 11 years of experience in health care, including leadership roles in geriatric care. She served as a two-term member of the College of Nurses board and two-term vice president.

Laura Bisutti (Green Party), Bob Hosken (New Blue Party), Sandy William Macgregor (Ontario Party), and Robby Smink (Freedom Party) also ran.

Local Issues

Farmland protection and agricultural policy were at the forefront of the Perth—Wellington campaign. The Wellington Federation of Agriculture hosted a candidates’ forum focused on topics including reliable rural internet, planning policy, supply chain stability, risk management programs, and soil health. The provincial government’s Bill 109 drew pointed criticism from the farming community, which argued the legislation posed a significant risk to agricultural land by circumventing local land-use planning.

Health care was also a pressing concern in the riding’s rural communities. Candidates emphasized the need for access to senior services, home care, long-term care, and physician recruitment in areas where residents often had to travel significant distances for medical appointments. Labour shortages in the agri-food sector were closely tied to housing availability, as workers struggled to find affordable accommodation in small towns where the housing supply was limited. Getting high-speed internet to every rural household remained an unfulfilled promise that all candidates identified as essential infrastructure.