Like, oh my gawd, babes! Welcome to the ultimate rodeo runway—Calgary Stampede 2025, the 113th in the leather‑boots-on-the-ground saga and basically the event of the summer. From July 4–13, this city‑wide hoedown is pulling in a gazillion cowgirls, businessmen, celebs, and politicians for ten whole days of sticky cotton candy, high‑stakes chuckwagon races, and so much kaleidoscopic cowboy culture.
Glitter, Glee & Political Gossip, Calgary Stampede is always a magnet for political headliners, but this year? Totally next‑level. It’s, like, the hottest runway for policy promises and Western vibes. Pierre Poilievre, looking alternative‑cowboy chic, did the white‑hat thing and delivered a spunky “fight for oil and gas” speech—pledging he’ll “fight for oil and gas, for farmers, for low taxes, for decentralization, a stronger military and a smaller feds”. And babes, he was so dramatic: “The era of Ottawa telling Alberta to pay up and shut up must end.” Total mic‑drop moment.
Then there’s Mark Carney, our Canadian PM‑newbie (he was the Bank of England governor, hot!), who sashayed onto Stampede grounds Friday. He’s talking big game about making Canada the ultimate energy superpower—oil, gas, renewables, the full shebang—while also pushing pipelines and carbon‑capture tech. He’s like, “Canada will no longer be defined by delay; we’ll be defined by delivery,” promising 2‑year review timelines for big energy projects. His vibe? A pro-development twist with a green-ish sparkle.
Alberta vs. Ottawa? The Ongoing Sitch! Ugh, drama central! Premier Danielle Smith basically threw down on her meeting with Carney, going, “No more feds telling Alberta what to do.” She’s demanding Ottawa scrap emissions caps, nix Bill C‑69, repeal the tanker moratorium, and let Alberta fully control its oil and gas destiny—or else national unity might just go woof. That is huge, babes—it’s not just talk, she’s letting petitions roll for a potential 2026 separation referendum if her demands aren’t met. Like, major political tension happening behind the scenes of pancake breakfasts and rodeo clowns.
Meanwhile, Economy Glow‑Up. Despite all the political fireworks, the Stampede is massive for Calgary’s wallets—like C$540 million in economic impact all year, keeping over a million visitors and thousands of jobs rolling. Sox, stalls, swag—everyone’s getting a taste of the local biz boom that’s basically powered by cowbells and cowboy hats.
The Takeaway Vibe:
- Poilievre’s hosting a cowboy‑chic lovefest with Alberta’s energy sector—big pipelines, fewer federal rules, smaller government drama.
- Carney’s playing diplomat, promising pipeline progress and carbon capture, yet still walking a green‑ish line.
- Smith is si‑ck and tired of Ottawa over‑policing her province, threatening constitutional theatrics if her energy demands aren’t met.
- The Stampede isn’t just fun‑sized—it’s central to Calgary’s identity and a mega‑economic catalyst.
Okay, so like, that’s the 113th Calgary Stampede for you. You’ve got Pierre P. flexing for smaller gov and oil love, Carney trying to charm with energy‑superpower sparkle, and Smith basically daring the feds to escalate on provincial control. Meanwhile, kids are getting first‑jobs serving mini‑doughnuts—so it’s not all politics, hunny.
It’s this whole mix of boots-and-briefcases energy, and honestly? It’s serving the kind of drama that Saskatoon’s Netflix dreams are made of. Whether Alberta stays glue‑stuck to Canada, Carney keeps his 2‑year promise, or Poilievre rides off to Ottawa in cowboy laurels… you know next year’s Stampede is going to be, like, even juicier.
So saddle up, cowpokes—this rodeo’s as much about policy power plays as it is about winning those wild bronco rides. And can we just take a moment for the pancakes and pink-frosted donuts?
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
