RACHAEL THOMAS
Grounded in the belief that every Canadian deserves to be treated with dignity, equality, and respect, Rachael is committed to putting people first. Every year, she attends numerous events throughout the community, tours dozens of local organizations and businesses, and meets one-on-one with hundreds of Canadians.
Empowered by the stories people share with her, Rachael puts a human face to government policies when she speaks in the House of Commons.
Rachael currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Canadian Heritage, where she passionately defends Canadians’ rights and freedoms and seeks to empower Canadians to use their gifts, talents, and abilities to further themselves and build a Canada we can all be proud of. She believes the Canadian people—not government— are the problem solvers, solution makers, and wealth generators that will get our country back on track.
Rachael previously served as the Shadow Minister for Digital Government. During her time in this role, she advocated for online privacy protection and data ownership.
In 2019, Rachael was elected as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. In this position, she acted as an impartial mediator and led the committee through important discussions on the Prime Minister’s involvement in the WE Charity scandal.
Recognizing the importance of giving young people a voice and empowering them to take leadership, Rachael invites young people together monthly to share their views on federal legislation and current political topics. Every year she accepts a new board of youth aged 16-24 to advise her on the issues that matter most to them.
Rachael is currently a member of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association and serves as a delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly in the Council of Europe where she represents Canada in discussions on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. She is also a member of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group, the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, and the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. As a member of these groups, Rachael continues to advocate for Canadian interests on the world stage and works to create bi-lateral ties with her international counterparts.
Before entering public life, Rachael earned a strong reputation for building community and empowering others. Working as a youth sociologist and leadership consultant, her work took her across Canada to engage with business and not-for-profit leaders, universities, colleges, and young world-changers.
Rachael graduated with Great Distinction from the University of Lethbridge. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology.
In 2016, Rachael was named one of Lethbridge’s “Top 40 under Forty.”
As a life-long volunteer, Rachael’s efforts have made a positive difference in Lethbridge. She served on the city’s Community and Social Development Committee, the Lethbridge Youth Justice Committee, and the Canadian Mental Health Youth Anti-Stigma Leaders’ Steering Committee. She also volunteered for the Lethbridge 2019 Canada Winter Games bid and the 2015 Alberta 55+ Winter Games. To celebrate volunteerism in Lethbridge, Rachael annually recognizes the incredible work of not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals who go above and beyond to serve the community by giving Community Builder Awards.
Rachael is married to the fabulous Mr. Thomas! In addition to spending time with family and friends, she looks for opportunities to enjoy the unique beauty of southern Alberta by walking in the coulees or enjoying time in the Rockies.
