Conservatives stand for Canadians and their Priorities
By Lethbridge Herald on June 7, 2025.
Rachael Harder
Lethbridge MP
As a new session of Parliament begins, I am hearing from many people who are feeling anxious about the future. With another Liberal mandate ahead, it is understandable that some feel disheartened— frustrated by rising costs, crumbling trust in institutions, and a government that seems increasingly out of touch.
But history reminds us that even in the most uncertain times, Canadians have never been without hope.
John Diefenbaker—a prairie lawyer with prairie values—once faced a nation weary after 22 uninterrupted years of Liberal government. Against the odds, he rose to become Canada’s 13th prime minister.
What made Diefenbaker remarkable wasn’t just his political triumph, but his unwavering faith in the people of this country. He did not govern from above—he listened, he connected, and he gave Canadians a voice.
That belief was not just words—it was action. In the lead-up to the 1958 election, Diefenbaker famously crossed the country by train, stopping in town after town to speak directly to Canadians.
At each whistle stop, he stepped onto the back platform to speak from his heart to the crowds that gathered—not just to ask for their vote, but because he believed in them. He believed their voices mattered. And Canadians responded in kind, giving him one of the largest electoral victories in our history.
That same belief in the people is what motivates my Conservative colleagues and me as we return to Parliament. Like Diefenbaker, we are committed to being a voice for everyday Canadians—the workers, builders, parents, and dreamers who deserve a government that sees them, hears them, and works for them.
We have five clear priorities for this session—shaped not in backrooms, but from conversations at doorsteps and town halls.
1. Restoring Affordability— Families across the country are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and must budget carefully. But the Liberal government has not shown the same responsibility. They haven’t created a budget yet, even though they are spending tens of billions of dollars.
That’s why, with all opposition parties supporting us, our first action was to demand accountability. We passed a motion forcing the government to present a budget before summer. If they fail to comply, they will be held in contempt.
2. Rebuilding Economic Independence— Canada’s natural resources are among the best in the world, developed under strict environmental and ethical standards.
Yet Liberal policies continue to stifle our energy and business sectors. We will fight to unlock Canada’s economic potential—so our communities can thrive, our businesses can grow, and our country can once again lead on the world stage.
3. Getting Homes Built— The dream of homeownership is slipping out of reach for too many, especially young Canadians. Conservatives are pushing to remove the red tape and taxes that are driving up costs and slowing down construction.
We believe in a Canada where those who work hard can own a home and build a future with confidence.
4. Restoring Safety to Our Streets— From coast to coast, crime is on the rise. In fact, a recent Fraser Institute report showed that Lethbridge now has the highest rate of property crime in the country. That’s unacceptable. Conservatives will fight to end the Liberals’ reckless catch-and-release policies, support law enforcement, and restore safety in our communities.
5. Fixing a Broken Immigration System— Canada has always welcomed newcomers warmly, and we believe this should continue—done thoughtfully and responsibly. After years of Liberal mismanagement, our immigration system is stretched too thin and no longer fair. We are committed to restoring balance, focusing on better integration, and making sure the system works well for both new arrivals and those already living here.
Alongside these five priorities, we remain steadfast in defending Canada’s history, traditions, and way of life. As the Shadow Minister for Canadian Identity and Culture, I will continue to champion our heritage, resist Liberal censorship, and push to defund the CBC, which has consistently failed to steward taxpayer dollars responsibly.
Diefenbaker once said, “I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear.” That freedom—of thought, of speech, and of opportunity—must remain at the heart of this country.
My Conservative colleagues and I are proud to stand as the government-in-waiting. But more importantly, we are here now—as your voice, your advocates, and your partners in building a strong, united, and hopeful Canada.
Because the hope of this country has never been found in Ottawa. It has always been found in Canadians themselves.
22-21
Not true at all. The conservative party no longer represents the values I have supported my entire life. The Trump- like style of politics that PP has adopted are childish and confrontational. Name calling, smart-ass remarks, his smug-like condescending attitude are not the values of a true leader. He treats his rivals as if they are stupid and he alone has all the easy answers to all of the problems. He wants to alienate and divide, rather that communicate and unite. He is no leader, and has no policy that will actually strengthen our country and it’s economy.
PP was given a clear message in the election results. His own constituents, and many Canadians, have told him he should step down. We are tired of him and his antics, and it couldn’t be any clearer that we want a new leader. If he had any decency he would hear the message and step down.
The Conservative Party needs to look across the floor and recognize the type of person we want to lead the country. A well-spoken person who doesn’t resort to name- calling and confrontation, but rather chooses a professional manner of problem solving and resolution.
Don’t sit there and preach old conservative values, try acting professional and decent, listen to your constituents, and start pushing for a new leader of the conservative party if you want to gain power.
And lastly, you may want to respond to your own constituents. I have sent you emails with questions and concerns and they fall on deaf ears, I don’t even get a response. So maybe you need to take your job seriously and do what you where elected for.
ms harder, rah rah good old dief – ain’t that the guy who oversaw the dismantling of the avro, continuing the systemic sellout of canadian independence to the usa? how was he different to the liberal sellouts? but, hey, those are the good old days, with lots of white faces all bobbleheading to keeping women in their place and ensuring no man lays down with another man. darn, where did all those good times go?!
as for the values to which you speak, ever blabbing about immigrants building canada, i bet one only acknowledges the right kind, eh? moreover, does one consider how such an erroneous, cliched soundbite of an outlook insults the first peoples? mind you, seems the land and waters were a good bit more sustainable and clean before it got all built up without a thought for how our penchant for pollution and habitat destruction affects the place.
finally, as for affordability, you are either a massive ignoramus or a lying fool, as affordability, and the consequent crime that accompanies it, is a worldwide issue. now, in case you are not aware, seeing as how the planet is so intertwined – to the extent that we even do massive business with countries that are massive human rights violators – good luck singling canada out to be the affordable place. as you should know, and if you do not you are indeed ignorant, there has been a grand theft and hoarding of the planet’s wealth and power by a relative few. and how did this happen? well, it has all been with the likes of you overpaid, pompous, do-nothing enablers looking for even a tiny piece of that gravy train that has let it all unfold.
coming back to crime, the biggest criminals with greatest negative effects upon all things are the big corp/oligarchs, and their elected puppets.
you followers, posing as leaders, are not the answer – you are the problem.