Deb Matthews was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for London North Centre. She was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014.

Matthews currently serves as Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Minister Responsible for Digital Government and Chair of the Cabinet. She was previously President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy. She has also served as Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, as well as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. As Minister of Children and Youth Services, Matthews introduced The Poverty Reduction Act in 2009, which legislates an ongoing government commitment to poverty reduction. She played a key role in the establishment of the Ontario Child Benefit, a cornerstone of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.