Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews. (QMI files)

Ontario Liberal Leadership Candidate Kathleen Wynne announced Saturday that provincial Health Minister Deb Matthews has jumped on board as the co-chair of her campaign.

“Deb is a friend, colleague and a proven leader,” Wynne said in a news release. “I am humbled and honoured to have Deb’s support and welcome her incredible talents to my campaign as co-chair.”

Wynne and Matthews made the announcement in Ingersoll, Ont., ahead of the first all-candidates debate among the seven contenders for the job of provincial party leader and, at least temporarily, premier.

Matthews, the MPP for London North-Centre, said she feels she's backing a winner.

“We share the same values," Matthews said in the release. "I know Kathleen will never stop working to bring people together to find common ground. Kathleen listens and takes a collaborative approach to tackling tough challenges. She is ready to be premier on day one.”