“It’s definitely a big year for sure [2025], and I think Canadians have a lot of positives to look forward to as we anticipate a big change.”
That is from the Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, Rachael Thomas.
She spoke with My Lethbridge Now to reflect on some of the highlights and challenges of 2024 and what her plans are going into the new year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thomas says one of her bright spots locally was having the opportunity to engage with constituents, through initiatives like her Youth Advisory Board and events like town halls, roundtable discussions, pancake breakfasts, parades, one-on-one meetings and her Christmas open house. The MP notes these allow her to “really listen to the voices” of those that she represents, which allows her to be an effective voice in Ottawa.
In Canada’s capital, Thomas says the Conservatives have “applied a lot of pressure to the [Liberal] government in trying to rein in spending and bring back affordability for Canadians, which of course is top of mind”.
She spoke about some notable accomplishments from her party in 2024, citing a suicide prevention line, 988, brought forward by the Conservatives.
“It was successfully implemented and now is being used across the country, receiving thousands of phone calls,” she says.
CHALLENGES
Thomas uses the term “brokenness” to describe some of the challenges she heard about from constituents over the last 12 months.
“Brokenness because of the cost of living and not being able to afford proper groceries or having to make tough choices between paying a heating bill or buying a prescription [and] folks watching their housing prices go up by 20 per cent over the last year here in Lethbridge and just feeling like they can’t afford that,” she states, adding crime has been a concern raised by members of the community.
“It’s skyrocketing across the country and we’re certainly seeing that here in Lethbridge. We know that shootings and gang crime have doubled since Justin Trudeau took office. We know that there’s these catch-and-release policies in place which put criminals back on the streets sometimes the same day after being arrested for violent crimes,” Thomas says.
“It’s scary for a lot of people and they’re seeing the direct impact of this increased crime rate so I’m certainly hearing a lot about that.”
The MP adds the impact of hard drugs and addiction issues, including what is seen in Lethbridge, are another concern that is top of mind as 2024 ends.
“These are just some of the challenges that have come across my desk and of course, at the end of the day, it’s people. These are people, these are real-life stories, and they matter. So, I find it very heartbreaking to know that these things are transpiring right here in my community and I’m certainly doing my best to fight for change,” Thomas says.
INTO THE NEW YEAR
Thomas says her focus for the new year is “to do a whole lot of listening” and make sure she is available in the community “and [take] time to engage with constituents”.
“I suspect I’ll continue to hear a lot of what I already am, and that is, you know, issues around affordability and making sure that the carbon tax is scrapped; issues around housing and making sure that there’s enough housing but also that the prices are affordable,” she comments, noting tackling crime and ensuring community safety is key.
“The primary goal of anyone in government should be to make sure that people feel safe and secure and able to live in this country feeling confident.”
Thomas adds she will continue to prioritize “holding the government to account with regards to spending” and “getting back to their balanced budget”.
ELECTION YEAR
Canadians will head to the polls in 2025 for the next federal election, and Thomas believes the country is ready for a change in Ottawa.
“Over and over and over again I hear from people that they’re ready for change, they’re wanting a new government so, as Conservatives, we’re calling for what we’re calling a ‘carbon tax election’, which ultimately allows people to make the choice – do they want to continue forward with a carbon tax that’s costing them a whole lot of money and, you know, continues to break the bank, or do they want to move forward without that and enjoy greater affordability,” she says. “I think folks have a real choice here.”
GOODBYE TO 2024 AND HELLO 2025
Thomas says she is looking forward to what is to come in the new year.
“I feel completely blessed and privileged to represent this area as the Member of Parliament,” she remarks.
“I’m hearing people and their frustration with the current administration, and the need for change is clearly being expressed and so, I’m looking forward to the 2025 election and being able to once again represent this constituency.”
The 2025 federal election will take place on or before October 20.
