Stampede turns into political battleground as Canada’s top leaders flood Calgary ahead of election

With Calgary’s municipal election just over 100 days away, politicians from across the country are flocking to the Calgary Stampede, not just for cowboy hats and flapjacks, but for votes.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith hosted the annual Premier’s Stampede Breakfast on Monday(July 7) at the McDougall Centre in downtown Calgary, joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

All three served breakfast to hundreds, with Ford joking, “I’m not a professional pancake maker,” as he flipped stacks on the grill. Moe took charge of syrup duty, while Smith greeted attendees between flips.

Meaningful voter engagement

Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt said the Stampede has become a rare platform for meaningful voter engagement. “It’s an opportunity to have face time with voters in a relaxed, comfortable environment,” he said. “That’s why it’s not just politicians from Calgary or Alberta, but from across the country.”

Indeed, the 10-day event has attracted national figures. Prime Minister Mark Carney made appearances at private events and a fundraiser Saturday, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre hosted his own gathering over the weekend. Poilievre is currently running in a byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot after losing his Ottawa-area seat in the spring.

Municipal candidates have also used the Stampede as a launchpad. Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp, now running for mayor under the “Communities First” banner, said voters are ready for substance. “The conversations seem to be more about vision, about your plan, your platform,” she said.

Former councillors Jeff Davison and Jeromy Farkas, both returning contenders from the 2021 race, echoed the sentiment. “It’s being on a listening tour,” Davison said. “They care about community safety, they care about affordability, they care about infrastructure.”

Farkas added: “It’s election season. You have a lot of politicians out making stump speeches and glad-handing. But at the heart of it is community.”

Brian Thiessen, a first-time mayoral candidate with the Calgary Party, has taken a bold approach, erecting more than 6,000 signs around the city to boost name recognition. “Ninety per cent of people have formed their opinion about some of my opponents, but for me, I’m new,” he said. “The signs are about them seeing us, and the in-person meetings are a chance for me to tell them what we’re about.”

Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who is widely expected to seek re-election but hasn’t formally declared, has been making the rounds despite a hoarse voice from days of public events. “When I talk to Calgarians, they’re proud to be volunteering and proud of their city, as am I,” she told reporters.

Calgary prepares for its October 20 vote and many say the Stampede is less about political posturing and more about personal connection. For a few short days, the midway becomes a political meeting ground.