‘Lead, not leave’: Carney’s message to Albertans during Stampede visit

Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, attends the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alta., Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Visiting the Calgary Stampede is a staple of Canadian politics, and while Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to “the greatest outdoor show on earth” this weekend was filled with textbook political tour stops — this year’s visit to the event is even more political than normal.

Between traditional Stampede stops — flipping pancakes, shaking hands and meeting with attendees — Carney framed his visit around keeping the country together, with Alberta’s political future expected to dominate federal politics in the months ahead.

Speaking to CTV News Calgary on Sunday, Carney emphasized national unity and urged Albertans to remain at the centre of Canada’s future, as the province prepares for a fall referendum that could pave the way for a vote on separation.

“Alberta, build not break, lead not leave. I mean that’s the Alberta I know. It’s led the country and with everything coming together at this time where Canada is poised to help lead the world, Alberta leading Canada — that’s what we need,” he said.

Albertans are expected to vote in October on a referendum asking whether the province should pursue a binding vote on separation from Canada.

Lori Williams, a political analyst at Mount Royal University, said the prime minister has an opportunity to appeal to Albertans who feel the province has been treated unfairly by Ottawa.

“He has an opportunity to champion a vision of federalism that might resonate particularly for those who think that federalism has been unfair or disrespectful to Alberta in the past,” Williams said.

The political backdrop to Carney’s Stampede visit extends beyond the referendum. Ongoing debates over pipelines and energy development remain central issues in the province.

Just over a week ago, the federal and Alberta governments announced that a proposed route for a pipeline to British Columbia’s coast had been submitted to the Major Projects Office.

Former director of communications for Prime Minister Paul Martin and CTV News political commentator Scott Reid said Carney’s appearance fits into a broader strategy.

“I think you have to look at this as a set piece. What has the prime minister been up to over the course of a number of months? It’s presence and pipelines,” Reid said.

The push to keep Alberta in Confederation is also coming from the federal Conservatives.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who visited the Calgary Stampede last weekend, said his party will continue to campaign against separatist sentiment.

“We’ll fight for Canada, including in the upcoming referendum, to win back Albertans — through hope, not by wagging our fingers or lecturing them,” Poilievre said.

Poilievre is expected to spend much of the summer in Alberta campaigning against separatist sentiment, while Carney has also made several recent visits to the province.

With the referendum campaign set to intensify, Alberta is expected to remain at the centre of the national political conversation throughout the summer.