According to Lethbridge MP Rachael Thomas, affordability, public safety and national unity should take priority over partisan maneuvering.
Thomas weighed in following Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre’s meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. She said Conservatives are focused on responding to what they hear from constituents struggling with the cost of living.
Thomas said affordability should be top of mind, citing concerns about groceries, fuel and other basic necessities. She said the party is prepared to support government measures that ease financial pressures on Canadians but will oppose policies it believes make life more difficult.
“If the government can work with us on putting good policies forward that are going to benefit Canadians, then we want to do our best to support that,” she said. “At the same time, if the government is going to put policies forward that are actually going to frustrate people’s lives and make things worse, then of course we’re going to oppose that and propose something different.”
Following the first ministers’ meeting at the end of January, speculation surfaced about a possible federal election. Thomas said she believes another vote would be ill-timed.
“We should not be going into another costly election,” she said. “Our unity as a country should be the focus.”
In regard to concerns in Alberta about western alienation and the current separatist movement, the Lethbridge politician said she wants the province to remain part of a “united and strong” Canada but argued it must be respected for its economic contributions.
She called on Carney to better understand Alberta’s priorities, including support for agriculture and the energy sector. Thomas criticized federal legislation such as Bill C-68 and Bill C-69, which she said have hindered pipeline development, and urged what she described as fair treatment for Alberta.
“It’s up to the prime minister to start advocating for our livelihoods in Alberta.”
The interview followed the Conservative leadership review in Calgary in January, in which Poilievre received 87.4 per cent support from party members to remain leader.
Thomas said the strong mandate reflects confidence in Poilievre’s vision and work ethic.
“He’s an incredibly hardworking individual. He’s very visionary. He’s put forward some exceptional policy,” she said, adding she believes he is well-positioned to lead the party into the next election.
Thomas said Conservatives will continue pressing for policies aimed at affordability, economic growth and national unity.
