Lethbridge Herald: As Parliament Returns, Conservatives Stand for Canadians and Their Priorities

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.

Lethbridge Herald: Thank You, Lethbridge—Let’s Keep Fighting for the Canada We Know and Love

To the people of Lethbridge— thank you. Whether you voted for me or not, I’m honoured to represent you in our nation’s capital and my door is always open to you. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community—a place I love, and people I am proud to advocate for.

Although my Conservative colleagues and I did not form government this time, we will serve as Canada’s Official Opposition—a role we embrace with conviction, urgency, and resolve.

While we may not have the levers of power, we have something just as important: the duty and determination to hold the Liberal government to account.

Canadians are feeling the consequences of a decade of Liberal mismanagement, and the signs are everywhere. Grocery bills are climbing faster than wages. Rent and mortgage payments are consuming family incomes. Small businesses are drowning in red tape and rising costs. The dream of homeownership is slipping further and further away from an entire generation.

And yet, under their new leader, Mark Carney, the Liberals continue down the same well-worn path that has left Canadians struggling. Instead of learning from their mistakes, they will persist with policies that drive up the cost of living, fuel inflation, and inhibit our energy sector, even as they import oil and gas from regimes with appalling human rights records.

They have failed to build critical infrastructure, failed to protect our streets, and failed to restore affordability for everyday Canadians.

A new leader doesn’t mean new priorities. The same Liberal insiders are still calling the shots, and their focus remains far removed from the realities faced by working people.

Rather than empowering Canadians, Prime Minister Carney has indicated that he will continue to expand bureaucracy, centralize power, and impose a top-down agenda that punishes hard work, discourages entrepreneurship, and undermines the values that built this country.

By contrast, Conservatives offer a different path—a path built on freedom, personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, and respect for Canadians. We believe that a government’s job is not to micromanage your life, but to create the conditions for you to succeed. We believe in unlocking the power of our natural resources, standing up for victims, strengthening our borders, and restoring law and order to our communities. We believe in the promise of Canada— that anyone, no matter their background, can build a good life through hard work, personal responsibility, and the freedom to pursue opportunity— and we are committed to making sure that promise is not lost.

In the coming term, I will continue to advocate for our community in Ottawa. I will speak up for farmers and ranchers, for seniors and small businesses, for students and young families. I will stand against policies that drive up the cost of living, that erode our national sovereignty, and that leave our most vulnerable behind. My work in Parliament will be guided by the same values I was raised with—hard work, integrity, and service to others.

To the people of Lethbridge: your support means the world to me. I know that trust must be earned every day, not just at election time. I am here to listen, to advocate, and to fight for what matters to you. Together, we will defend the principles that have made this community strong and preserve the legacy we are building for future generations.

Lethbridge Herald: A Bigger Win Than Just Hockey

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.