To oppose is to defend: Why accountability matters in Parliament
By Lethbridge Herald on July 5, 2025.
FROM THE HILL
Rachael Thomas
Member of Parliament for Lethbridge
When Canadians think of Parliament, the focus is often on the governing party or the Prime Minister. Yet, one of the most important – and often overlooked – pillars of our democracy is the Loyal Opposition.
The term Loyal Opposition originated in the United Kingdom. It reflects the idea that opposition parties may challenge government decisions while remaining loyal to the Crown and our democratic institutions. In Canada, the Loyal Opposition plays a vital role in scrutinizing legislation, questioning government actions, and offering alternative policies. This is essential for transparency, accountability, and protecting the rights of Canadians.
As a member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, I take this responsibility seriously. My Conservative colleagues and I are committed to holding the government to account and defending the interests of everyday Canadians. This past session of Parliament was a clear demonstration of that work in action.
The session began with a glaring omission from the Liberal government: no spring budget. It has now been over a year since the last federal budget was tabled—an unacceptable lack of transparency. Budgets are a basic accountability tool that allow Canadians to see where their tax dollars are going. In response, Conservatives successfully passed an amendment to the Throne Speech demanding that the government table a spring budget. Despite support from all opposition parties, the Liberals still refused. This is a blatant sign of disrespect to the taxpayers who foot the bill.
Budget or not, my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to scrutinize every spending measure to ensure that Canadians’ money is being used wisely and responsibly.
Another major piece of legislation introduced was Bill C-2, “The Strong Borders Act.” This bill was tabled after years of Liberal negligence that weakened our borders and enabled dangerous activity, including the flow of illegal drugs. While some aspects of the bill attempt to address legitimate concerns, others raise serious red flags. For instance, Part 4 would grant Canada Post the authority to open and search private mail—an unacceptable violation of Canadians’ right to privacy. This bill will be debated in the fall, and you can be assured that my colleagues and I will stand firm in defending your civil liberties as we push back against this dangerous legislation.
Similarly, Bill C-5, known as the “One Canadian Economy” bill, was introduced to promote economic growth—but it falls far short of what Canadians truly need. After a decade of Liberal mismanagement, our economy is in desperate need of major projects and meaningful investment. Instead of tackling the root of the problem by repealing Bill C-48 and Bill C-69—two major roadblocks to energy development—the Liberals opted for a symbolic gesture. While they attempt to appear proactive, the minimal steps in Bill C-5 offer little real value. Conservatives worked to improve the bill by adding amendments to protect key legislation like the Criminal Code and the Conflict of Interest Act, closing dangerous loopholes and reinforcing transparency. Still, what Canadians really needed was a bold overhaul—not more Liberal half-measures.
Beyond opposing flawed bills, Conservatives have also introduced common-sense motions aimed at improving the lives of Canadians. One such motion sought to end the government’s unrealistic zero-emission vehicle mandate—a policy that would force Canadians into electric vehicles regardless of personal needs or regional realities. While the motion didn’t pass, it stood for something important: your right to choose the vehicle that works for your lifestyle.
We also fought to expose Liberal corruption. A recent report from the Auditor General confirmed that tens of millions of taxpayer dollars were handed over to GC Strategies for work that was never delivered. Conservatives not only grilled the government on this scandal, but we also introduced a motion to recover the money. With the help of other opposition parties, the motion passed. This was a win for accountability and for every Canadian who expects their government to act with integrity.
Each of these wins shows the critical role of a principled, focused opposition. These victories don’t just belong to the Conservative Party—they belong to all Canadians. They demonstrate what happens when opposition MPs stand firm in defence of the people they represent.
As John Diefenbaker wisely said:
“If Parliament is to be preserved as a living institution, His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition must fearlessly perform its functions. When it properly discharges them, the preservation of our freedom is assured. The reading of history proves that freedom always dies when criticism ends.”
My Conservative colleagues and I will continue to fearlessly fulfill that duty—because to oppose is, indeed, to defend.
15-14
Your report is encouraging and we are very fortunate to have you as our elected representative in Parliament. Keep up the excellent work you are doing. (BTW it was great seeing you during the Canada Dsy Celebrations at your pavilion in Henderson Lake and also hearing about your attendance at the Interfaith Food Bank festivities in Galt Gardens, busy lady!)