Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Skip Calgary Stampede 2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will not be attending the Calgary Stampede this year, marking a notable absence from the annual 10-day rodeo and festival that traditionally sees high-profile political participation. The Stampede, a significant event on the political circuit, will miss Trudeau’s presence as his office confirms he will not partake in the usual activities like pancake flipping, cowboy-hat tipping, or mingling with the crowd.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not provided an immediate explanation for Trudeau’s decision to skip the Stampede, which officially begins with a parade on Friday and runs until July 14. This absence is particularly notable as Trudeau has consistently attended the event each summer, except during the COVID-19 years of 2020 and 2021.

Trudeau’s decision to forego the Stampede comes amid political turbulence following a significant Liberal loss in a Toronto byelection on June 24. This defeat in a long-held Liberal seat has added to the current challenges facing Trudeau and his party.

In previous years, Trudeau’s presence at the Stampede has been a highlight, with crowds eagerly vying for selfies as he navigated through the festival grounds. Last year, he also participated in a pancake breakfast hosted by Calgary MP George Chahal, one of the two Liberals elected in Alberta. Despite Chahal hosting another breakfast this year, Trudeau will not be in attendance.

The absence of the Prime Minister has been met with remarks from the opposition. Sebastian Skamski, a spokesperson for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, suggested that Trudeau’s decision might be a relief for Alberta Liberal and NDP MPs. Skamski commented, “Having just been rejected in one of the safest Liberal ridings in downtown Toronto, it’s hard to imagine that Canadians will miss Justin Trudeau all too much at Stampede.”

Trudeau’s non-attendance at the Calgary Stampede this year is significant, reflecting both personal and political dynamics at play. As the festival proceeds without the Prime Minister, it remains to be seen how his absence will be perceived by attendees and the broader public.