SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Member of Parliament

Rachael Thomas

  • Member of Parliament
  • Member of Parliament
  • Conservative
  • Lethbridge
  • Alberta
  • Voting Attendance: 64%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $131,565.29

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 217 - Jun/20/23
Mrs. Rachael Thomas
  • Jun/20/23 11:30:03 a.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-18 
Madam Speaker, I will apologize for using that word. He misinformed the House.
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Context: House Hansard - 217 - Jun/20/23
Mrs. Rachael Thomas
  • Jun/20/23 11:29:54 a.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-18 
Madam Speaker, I said that the minister lied.
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Context: House Hansard - 217 - Jun/20/23
Mrs. Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, CPC)
  • Jun/20/23 11:27:12 a.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-18 
Madam Speaker, the minister has disingenuously stated that the bill is about helping local newspapers, when, in fact, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, who is a non-partisan figure of this place, has reported that with the bill, the tune of 75%, the funding would go toward CBC, Bell Media and Rogers. These are the three big broadcasters. I would ask the minister this. Does that sound like newspapers to him, because it sure does not to me? To the point from the hon. member who went before me, for our local newspapers in ridings like Lethbridge, where we have towns like Picture Butte, Coaldale or Coalhurst that are trying to make a go of it with one journalist, the bill would leave them out in the cold. There are hundreds, if not thousands, across the country that are in a similar boat. Does that sound like supporting local news to the minister?
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Context: House Hansard - 66 - May/6/22
Mrs. Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, CPC)
Madam Speaker, without the liberty to speak freely, we cannot profess to be truly free. It is through the use of speech that most of us share our thoughts, our ideas and our beliefs. This propels us forward and facilitates innovation. It is incredible. It also provides us with the means to criticize, to challenge and to correct when we believe someone to be in error. This includes the government of the day, no matter the party at the helm. If we believe progressing as a society is important, then we must contend for free speech. After all, it is the very foundation of democracy. That is why it is beyond alarming to me that the government is moving forward with legislation that would censor free speech: Bill C-11, Bill C-18 and the upcoming online harms bill. These bills are a concerted effort to take autonomy away from individuals and put more power and more control in the hands of government. I urge the House, therefore, and all Canadians, to stand on guard and do all they can to contend for and protect free speech, for it is the very foundation upon which all other freedoms in this country are formed.
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