There is so much more Calgary Stampede Compared to rodeos, cowboy hats and horses – it’s also a bigger opportunity for politicians.
Regardless of his political bar, he rides into town looking for lasso partisan support in the form of votes.
The 10-day festival celebrating the cowboy lifestyle has attracted all-Confederate leaders, who often adopt the persona of a duel of gunmen looking for votes in a game of political one-offs.
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been a regular visitor to Stampede, as have leaders of the federal Conservatives, the NDP and the Green Party.
Much of this year’s focus will be on the federal Conservative Party leadership race, with all five remaining candidates attending a local party barbecue on Saturday evening as well as several provincial politicians naming Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as leader of the province’s United Conservative Party. want to change.
“It’s not just conservatives who do this. I think somehow it evolved,” said Lori Williams, a professor of political science at Calgary’s Mount Royal University.
“There was enough media attention and enough people coming in from outside Calgary that it became a magnet for leaders across the country to come and engage in good political relations that were seen by people across the country. “
She said the stampede also had some “star power” attached to it.
“Seeing someone they’ve seen online or on television and they want to see and connect – and that’s a great opportunity for politicians, because sometimes those connections can change hearts and minds.”
Federal conservatives are due to elect a new leader in September.
Interim leader Candice Bergen was scheduled to address the crowd at the Conservative barbecue, along with leadership candidates Pierre Poiliver, Jean Charest, Leslyn Lewis, Scott Aitchison and Roman Babar.
“It’s an opportunity for politicians to be in a more relaxed and different setting, look a little different, engage in different activities, a little friendlier, have a more positive vibe towards things,” Williams said.
Former Calgary Conservative MP Joan Crockett said politicians get to see a lot of people during a stampede, which makes it very efficient.
“I think the kind of thing people expect from a stampede is that there’s going to be some star quality, you get to put on your rhinestones and your cowboy hat and your cowboy boots,” said Crockett, who in 2012 Represented Calgary Center. 2015.
“It’s a more fun way to meet a politician than at events or knocking doors.”
The stampede lasts till July 17.
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