Lethbridge MP Rachael Thomas is optimistic going into 2023. (Photo supplied by the Office of Rachael Thomas)

By Justin Goulet

Rachael Thomas reflects on 2022, plans to tackle affordability issues in 2023

Dec 29, 2022 | 6:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Rachael Thomas is looking back on 2022 with fondness.

As the year ends, LNN spoke with the Lethbridge Member of Parliament (MP) on the highlights and challenges she has experienced over the past 12 months.

Thomas said the highlight for her every year is interacting with the community in order to understand the concerns of her constituents and make sure they “feel seen and heard and understood.”

The MP remarked, “Any opportunity that I have to engage in that way is very important to me.”

Thomas told LNN, “I think this year was particularly noteworthy because we have been shut-in for so long due to COVID and so, to finally have the opportunity to go to parades, or community barbecues, or awards nights and to have the chance to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Lethbridge constituents was just very, very enjoyable.”

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CHALLENGES

Despite the successes of 2022, there were some challenges. Thomas said affordability was one of the more prominent issues she heard about from constituents.

“Whether it’s the fact that groceries are more expensive, home heating is more expensive, fuel for vehicles is more expensive. It seems like every part of our lives is increasing in costs,” she stated.

Thomas voiced her concern that some Canadians are even “going without one or two meals a day in order to save costs.”

“We have seniors who are, you know, coming into my office telling me that they’re turning their furnaces down to 17 degrees to make sure that they can afford their bills,” she said.

“I heard from a number of constituents, two different families, that actually lost their homes, either due to rent or mortgage payments that just couldn’t be met.”

Thomas said affordability is something she plans to address in 2023.

“It’s something that I’ll continue to use my voice to advocate for greater affordability for Canadians, and I think that starts with reigning in government spending and cutting back on taxation.”

INTO THE NEW YEAR

In addition to tackling affordability issues being experienced in her riding and across the country, Thomas said she wants more confidence to be placed in Canadians.

She remarked, “I’m a firm believer in the Canadian people and so it’s my hope that more confidence is placed in them, that Canadians are encouraged to be the solution-makers, and the problem solvers and the wealth generators that I know them to be.”

“It’s my hope that they’re granted freedom to be creative and innovative and to move forward in whatever their dreams are, and to be able to pursue opportunity.”

To achieve that, Thomas believes “that means the government needs to get out of the way, and Canadian people need to be permitted to thrive, so that’s definitely one of the goals for 2023, to advocate for that.”

The MP is also looking forward to hosting and attending events in her riding in 2023.

She said, “I look forward to meeting with my Youth Advisory Board and continuing to expand my understanding of the next generation, I look forward to hosting community builder awards, I look forward to all the Canada Day festivities and summer events that will take place in the various communities throughout the Lethbridge riding.”

Thomas added, “I always look forward to hosting town hall meetings and connecting with people one on one in other venues as well.”

“These are some of the things that I look forward to, and of course, I’m optimistic that the future is good and the reason I’m optimistic is because I believe in Canadians.”

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