A bigger win than just a hockey game

By Lethbridge Herald on February 28, 2025.

FROM THE HILL Rachael Thomas – MP for Lethbridge

After weeks of political tension and threats to Canada’s economy, our victory over the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off could not have come at a better time.The game was intense, going into overtime until Connor McDavid scored the winning goal! The arena exploded in red and white as Canadians celebrated a thrilling comeback. Across the country, people proudly wore their Team Canada gear and cheered late into the night.But this was more than just a hockey win—it was a symbol of national pride at a time when Canada needs unity. With Trump threatening tariffs on key Canadian industries, this victory reminded us of our resilience.It was a powerful moment of patriotism. In my office, we even ran out of Canadian flags and pins because so many people wanted to show their pride. Now, we must keep this momentum going.

Putting Canada first is more important than ever, especially in government. For years, the NDP-Liberals have pushed the idea that Canada has no core identity, weakening our national sovereignty and dividing us. This cannot continue.Conservatives will always put Canada first—through both words and actions. Our goal is to restore the promise of Canada: a country where hard work leads to a good home, safety, and opportunity. We must fight to pass down the prosperity and freedoms that generations before us built.

So how do we restore the promise of Canada?

To secure Canada’s future, we need to strengthen our economy. That means bringing home jobs, investments, and businesses. We must reduce our dependence on the U.S. and build a strong, independent economy that rewards innovation and hard work.

A growing “Buy Canadian” movement shows that people are ready to support local businesses. Yet, it’s harder to trade within Canada than with foreign countries. Conservatives will break down provincial trade barriers, helping Canadian companies thrive.

We’ll axe the carbon tax—cutting energy costs, making homebuilding more affordable, and boosting manufacturing to create powerful paycheques for workers. After years of a Liberal government neglecting our economy, it’s time for common-sense leadership.

And after a decade of a Liberal government that has neglected safety and security, it’s time for common-sense Conservatives to restore order and prioritize Canadians. 

We must take back control of crime, drugs and the border.

Our Canada First plan will deploy military helicopters and surveillance to the border; add 2,000 new border agents and expand their powers to patrol the full border; install new high-powered scanners, towers, and drone systems; and track departures so we know when those deported from our country have actually left. 

We will also end reckless drug policies that have led to the rise of fentanyl, a deadly drug responsible for thousands of deaths. Not to please Trump—but to protect Canadians. We will invest in recovery programs to help people rebuild their live, so our loved ones can come home drug free. 

Additionally, we will protect our people, our seas, skies, and soil. 

Conservatives will honour the service and sacrifice of soldiers and give them the tools they need to defend Canada. 

Our country is worth fighting for, and that is what Conservatives will do. 

We have a duty to preserve the promise of Canada and pass it on for generations to come. 

We are at a turning point in our nation’s history. The next election is a chance to choose real leadership that will put Canadians first.

It’s time to win beyond the hockey rink. It’s time to bring it home.