With Calgary Stampede wrapped up, Ottawa looks ahead to Alberta referendum in fall
Liberal politicians are attending the Calgary Stampede to campaign against a potential Alberta secession referendum scheduled for October. The federal government is attempting to improve its standing in a province where it has historically struggled to gain support.
Why it matters
The outcome of the referendum could have significant implications for Canadian national unity and federal-provincial relations.
"There he is!" Carney said, as he spotted billionaire businessman Ron Mannix almost immediately upon exiting a motorcade with his wife, Diana Fox Carney, enthusiastically shaking his hand.
As he posed for selfies with teenagers and adults alike, there were more people smiling at the sight of the Liberal prime minister than there were hecklers.
One man made a note in passing about the prime minister's attire. "Cowboy boots, where are they?" he asked, looking at the sneakers Carney had donned instead.
By Sunday morning, the message had sunk in. Carney showed up to a community centre pancake breakfast in Calgary after trading in his running shoes for brown cowboy boots.
Carney's visit to the Stampede came as the federal government and those trying to urge Albertans to stay in Canada have a little more than three months to ensure their message sinks in.
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