Who does MP Thomas represent in Ottawa?
By Lethbridge Herald on June 11, 2025.
Editor,
I was interested to see the From the Hill article by Conservative MP for Lethbridge Rachel Thomas on Saturday June 5 entitled “Conservatives Stand for Canadians and their Priorities” outlining her ideological position.
There is nothing wrong with having an ideological position, of course, but I am most curious about the concluding lines, “…we are here now — as your voice, your advocates, and your partners…\”
I am genuinely interested to know who the “you” in this article refers to.
I have written to Ms. Thomas about very specific issues in the past and received no reply, not even the standard courtesy response routinely given by MPs whether they agree with the points made or not.
Every circular from her office is one hundred per cent partisan. Does she have no news at all worthy of non-right leaning residents? More importantly, does Ms. Thomas think she is in parliament solely to represent her supporters and allies?
If so, she seems to have misunderstood the function of an MP.
Paul Butler
Lethbridge
10-9
Have you ever phoned her office? Have you ever gone to her office? What have you done to your “ I am special status” and she doesn’t kiss my arse so she doesn’t represent my left wing views. Set up a meeting, have a civilized discussion, not in the media and get back to us. Be interesting to see your points and her response.
Good answers or ideas, for a start anyway.
So true Paul, I had the same result. And in response to Buckweat (I guess you like hiding behind an alias?), why should I have to drive down to her office and sit and wait to be blessed with her presence? She is a public servant and we pay her wages. She should do her job and represent her constituents. If I ran a business like she runs her office I wouldn’t last long. She has the easiest job in the country. Show up in Ottawa as required, whine and complain about everything the Liberals say or do, and are not responsible for any decision. At least you could answer the people that gave you that job.
Join her church or electoral base and you may get more attention? Sad ,but perhaps quite true.
I find it perplexing that ghosting has become the chosen method of communication. In a time when connecting with others is more accessible than ever, and there are countless ways to respond—even with just a brief message—the approach taken is to just remain silent. This strikes me as quite odd. During my career as a public educator, if I had opted for the ghosting method when replying to the countless emails and requests I received daily, my career would have lasted 10 minutes.
I had the same issue several years ago. I had pressed her for her stance on Conversion Therapy amongst other issues. The only time, I received a reply in writing was before she was chosen to represent Harper’s CP . She was one of two who actually did reply. I did not then and do not now agree with her policies , but at least she replied – too bad her politeness and communication “skills” does not extend to those who currently do not engage in coffee mornings, pancake breakfasts, parades etc, but whose priorities are climate concerns, abortion rights, environmental issues etc and are thus ignored. Welcome to her MO 2025.
I have found that she has time for her base. If you know someone who goes to her church, perhaps they could make an appointment for you. But in all fairness(?), a former NDP MLA in Lethbridge would not respond to my phone messages/emails requesting an appointment. Finally I had to approach her in her parking lot (right by her 0ffice). She send me into her secretary to make an appointment. The appointment was honoured. I got half her ear for about 10 minutes. This was about an issue right in her riding, that directly affected those in her riding. But it didn’t seem to be politically advantageous for her to at least do some independent research or thought to the issue. It didn’t entail a 2 minute solution nor present a sweet enough of a press release. So no matter which party you are referring to,once elected their base gets the ear. It is human nature to do the easy stuff, the base stuff for browny points, for the next election.
True enough – but does not make it right. Ignoring a constituent because of their political leanings is , in a word, pathetic.
Yes,agree. But in my example this MLA would have to ask the city some hard questions and do independent research. Meaning not just buying what they spoon out to shallow politicians. None of them want to do any digging. Particularly if it may appear to challenge the staff. Too many votes to be lost at city hall, I guess?
MP Thomas represents her constituents very well in Ottawa Mr.Butler. What are you expecting from her or from any opposition MP in Parliament? In case you are unaware, MP Thomas’s office is conveniently located in the downtown core of the city and has adequate reserved, off street parking for constituents wishing to visit her office. She has friendly and knowledgeable staff in both her Lethbridge and Ottawa offices. In Lethbridge, Dallas and Ryan are very enthusiastic and helpful and always able to provide information and/or schedule an in-house meeting and/or telephone meeting with MP Thomas. ANY claim of “non-response” from her office or directly from MP Thomas is in my opinion, is viewed with skepticism. Furthermore, MP Thomas holds frequent and regular “Town Hall” meetings often in our new Lethbridge Exhibition Building, always lots of seats available and of course, lots of parking. MP Thomas reaches out to her constituents several times a year through her Christmas open houses where she provides fun, food, music and entertainment for the better part of the day, she, her husband and now her daughter are there to meet and greet constituents. MP Thomas has annual pancake breakfasts during Whoopup Days where hundreds of folks can enjoy festivities and interact with her. Furthermore MP Thomas is always visiting and engaging in public activities throughout her constituency she attempts to attend events and engages with those who care to meet her. She (MP Thomas) also personally supports groups and organizations in our community not only by attending functions but also financially from her own funds.
We simply say, “Thank you Rachael” you are a great person and you are doing a wonderful job for us in Parliament. If you were not, you certainly would not be achieving landslide support at ballot boxes now and in your previous elections!
gosh, golly, like how swell is all that. like, we get all that fun stuff, and pancakes….heck, who needs an independent thought when her hands and speech are controlled by the cp central office, and all for a nice 200k a year plus perks.
Hey Biff, you really hit the theme of the conversation (not). Cast your vote where you want, but for now fasten your seat belt hang on and enjoy the ride!
how is it you choose to read so poorly?
theme – who does thomas serve? response: she serves the power elite, her own privileged standard of living, and a few pancake frenzied clowns. can you not digest any of that?