As the Calgary Stampede kicks off on Friday, a headliner like Shania Twain might not be the biggest name at the event, which is shaping up to be a who’s who of Canadian politics.
Members of Parliament from across the nation are attending the over-century-old rodeo and music festival.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are both slated to drop in and potentially lace up their cowboy boots.
A host of local MLAs will also be attending the event.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was rocking her cowboy hat as she kicked off the ceremonial “First Flip” pancake breakfast on Friday morning.
“Hundreds of hungry families visited to mark the beginning of one of the most iconic Alberta traditions! See you out in Calgary,” she said.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told legacy media that the Stampede was a “political petting zoo.” He told his caucus to visit all the church pancake breakfasts they could.
Despite these claims, Nenshi posted his own video to X flipping pancakes the day before the Stampede began.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek could be seen alongside Smith flipping pancakes.
Carney will be joined by many of his ministers for a Stampede-themed reception on Saturday, set to host major donors for the Liberal party in downtown Calgary. Some MPs said to be joining Carney are Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Energy Tim Hodgson, Tourism Minister Rechie Valdez, and Veterans Minister Jill McKnight.
To attend Carney’s event, donors need to pledge at least $1,750 annually to the Liberals.
Poilievre is also set to host a Saturday barbecue. His arrival at the Stampede comes just over a month before he is set to run in a by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River—Crowfoot to regain a seat in Parliament.
The Battle River—Crowfoot riding is almost 52,000 km² and has a population of just under 110,000, covering most of the eastern area between Edmonton and Calgary.
The Calgary Stampede is set to run between July 4 and 13.
Most of the MPs can happily take the time off to attend the Stampede, as Parliament only sat for 20 days after returning from prorogation before taking its summer recess. It is set to return on September 15.