Breakfast a good time to talk to constituents

By Lethbridge Herald on August 19, 2025.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman MP Rachel Thomas serves members of the community while also engaging with them during her ninth annual pancake breakfast Monday at PIP International.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

In anticipation of Whoop-Up Days, Member of Parliament Rachel Thomas hosted her ninth annual pancake breakfast Monday to give members of the community an opportunity to not only fill their bellies but also voice any concerns they may have. 

“This is a great opportunity to have the community out to be able to serve some pancakes and sausages, connect with folks, hear their questions and concerns, and ultimately provide an environment where they can come and connect with one another as well,” said Thomas. 

She said some of the concerns she heard from her constituents during the pancake breakfast included affordability, but they also expressed their gratitude for the representation she has provided in parliament. 

“I had one person raise an issue with regards to accessibility for an individual in a wheelchair in Parks Canada,” said Thomas. 

Thomas said she believes her job as MP involves two things: listening and to acting. 

“I look for opportunities to provide a chance for folks to come and talk to me, sometimes that is at town hall, sometimes that is at a pancake breakfast,” said Thomas. 

She said folks can choose the environment they feel most comfortable in, but she believes the breakfast is a more relaxed, informal environment, which could be why people feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with her. 

“I think the longer I serve, people have become more comfortable to come to me with their different concerns and questions. I think with their encouragement as well, in terms of the job I am doing representing this community.”

Thomas said she’s is looking forward to Whoop-Up Days as there is always pancake breakfast going on in the community and the fair itself provides a lot of fun activities to enjoy. 

Even though Whoop-Up Days is a time for celebration and fun for the community, Thomas also spoke about some of the issues that are affecting farmers across the province. 

She said agriculture is incredibly valuable in southern Alberta and recent tariffs slapped on Canadian canola by China will have a devastating impact. That started because the Liberal government decided to put a tariff on China’s electric vehicles. 

“Unfortunately our agriculture producers, in particular our canola farmers, are suffering. The government needs to reverse course as quickly as possible and do the right thing for farmers.”