I Stampede-d too hard so now I'm writing this newsletter at 6 a.m.
At least it's finally quiet outside!
July 6, 2025
Can I get a yahoo?
I can’t believe it’s already July. If you’re in Calgary like I am, you know that the start of this month also means it’s Stampede time once more. For those of us that reside in the downtown core, that means noise outside our windows, a 10 day increase in foot traffic and a little more littering (particularly beer cans and food wrappers).
But it’s not all bad. I spent my first Saturday night on the grounds yesterday which means I’m a little tired and a little late (technically, very early) to my newsletter writing. Stampede is so classically Calgarian, so divisive in it’s opinions from locals, that I can’t not feature it in this week’s edition. More below!
Other news this week is just as divisive — let’s talk more about Alberta separatism, the Diddy trial results and all the ways Stampede is in the news, like how Carney is bad at flipping pancakes.
Let’s get into it!
Get a clue
Ah, the Calgary Stampede. For Albertans and the many, many visitors that descend on our city over the 10-day cowboy fest, it’s an excuse to party, enjoy live music, hit the bar on a weekday and enjoy fried food you’ve never considered ingesting before. There’s a few top stories from the Stampede this week as the celebrations kicked off on Friday.
Shania Twain kicks off the 113th Calgary Stampede. The country singer was the parade marshal this year, leading the annual parade down 9 Avenue SW and waving to fans who came out to watch. Other notable figures in the parade were Pierre Poilievre (on horseback) and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. /CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney is bad at flipping pancakes. Carney attended a pancake breakfast Saturday hosted by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which attracted a crowd of about 200 people. Premier Smith was also in attendance and had a little banter with Carney about his failed hotcake flips. One attendee told Carney, “You're even worse at (flipping pancakes) than Trudeau.” /CBC News
Is Stampede spending a recession indicator? I’m mostly joking here, but Stampede spending does not seem to be on the downswing. We won’t know total attendance until after it’s over, but it’s likely that more Canadians are coming to the city for Stampede thanks to cancelled U.S. travel plans — although many U.S. visitors are still making their way here anyways. /CBC News
Poilievre has to contend with separatists. As you know from this very newsletter, Pierre Poilievre is attempting to secure his seat in the House of Commons by running in the ultra-conservative riding of Battle River-Crowfoot right here in Alberta. There’s little doubt that Poilievre will successfully secure the seat, but the area now has a different kind of pushback against conservative politics from the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group here in Alberta responsible for garnering support for an independent Alberta. Leader of the project Jeffrey Rath says they want Poilievre to take a more aggressive stance on equalization and build better bridges with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“He could demonstrate that he's more than a one-trick pony stupidly repeating ‘axe the tax,’” Rath told CBC. “But, really, what Poilievre represents is a continuation of the status quo that all of us are fed up with.” /CBC News
Citizen-led application on referendum question approved by chief electoral officer. Speaking of separation in the west, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure approved a citizen initiative application for a policy proposal question: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?” The Citizen Initiative Act creates a petition process that allows eligible voters to submit proposed legislative and policy changes — so it’s kind of like the poll before the poll. Let’s see if they come out the other side with the necessary support. /Sherwood Park News
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking. If you’ve been online at all in the past several weeks, you have probably heard about the Diddy case. As part of what has been described as “freak-offs” or otherwise sex parties, Combs was accused of essentially running a sex trafficking ring. Despite my headline for this story, he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman who went by the pseudonym “Jane.” Combs was recently denied bail and is facing up to 20 years in prison. /CNN
That’s my OPINION!
It’s not really an opinion, but perhaps my way of featuring a little more excellent journalism in the section this week. It’s another TikTok, but this time, from CBC.
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During Carney’s run for Prime Minister, he made three promises to voters that would be completed by Canada Day. Well, July 1 has come and gone, and CBC has summarized whether those promises were kept.
Middle class tax cut.
Removing federal barriers to internal trade.
New, European trade partners.
The reporter shares, and provides proof of, two of three promises being kept. It’s that last one that hasn’t quite been achieved yet. This kind of reporting really tickles my fancy. As I’ve mentioned before, myself and others sometimes feel that journalism can overcomplicate a story. Something I think news has the power to do well is provide clarity and explain topics when they need to be explained. This is a perfect example, and also show show media can hold powerful political figures accountable.
Extra, extra
What I’m reading: I can’t remember if I’ve already featured this in the newsletter because this book is so long and I’ve been reading it forever, but what’s currently on my bookshelf is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It’s a classic and it’s interesting so far, but it’s about 700 pages. Turns out it’s easier to read that much when you’re on a fantasy book!
What I’m doing: Does it surprise you if I said Stampede? As a contract instructor in the summer, I have free time to pick up other odd jobs. Catch me helping out with Stampede events on Stephen Avenue, attending my own Stampede artist picks or touring visiting family around the city.
What I’m looking forward to: A little PEACE and QUIET! Many Calgarians escape the city during Stampede and I’m no different. About halfway through the festivities I’ll be retreating into the mountains to escape the hustle and bustle of this summer event.
Thanks for reading me this week! Send this to someone who’s less tired than me today (so basically everyone) and they can have a little read when they wake up at a normal hour.
XO,
Amber