The midday sun beat down on the Stampede grounds as Don Davies, sporting a freshly purchased white cowboy hat, navigated through crowds of plaid-shirted visitors and wafting aromas of deep-fried everything. Not exactly what you’d picture for the interim federal NDP leader’s calendar, but there he was, taking it all in with visible curiosity.
“You have to meet people where they’re at,” Davies told me as we walked past the agricultural exhibits yesterday. “And right now, Calgarians are at Stampede.”
This marks Davies’ first major public appearance since taking the interim leadership reins from Jagmeet Singh last month. The Vancouver MP’s presence here speaks volumes about the party’s renewed interest in Alberta – a province where the federal NDP has historically struggled to gain traction.
“I’ve represented East Vancouver for 15 years, but I understand the importance of connecting with communities across Canada,” Davies explained. “Calgary’s economic challenges and opportunities aren’t so different from what many working families face nationwide.”
Davies spent much of his visit engaged in conversations with local small business owners and energy sector workers. Unlike the choreographed photo-ops typical of politicians at Stampede, he seemed genuinely interested in listening rather than simply being seen.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce hosted Davies for a breakfast meeting before his Stampede visit. Chamber President Deborah Yedlin noted the significance of his presence.
“Having federal leaders show up in Calgary outside election cycles sends an important message,” Yedlin said. “It demonstrates they’re interested in our economic concerns beyond just campaign season.”
Davies’ visit comes as Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa remains strained. Premier Danielle Smith has continued her confrontational approach with the federal government, particularly around energy policy and provincial autonomy.
When asked about this tension, Davies struck a conciliatory tone. “I think Albertans are tired of the us-versus-them narrative. They want practical solutions to real problems – affordability, healthcare, good jobs. That’s what we’re focused on.”
Local NDP organizer Sarah Hoffman, who accompanied Davies through the grounds, believes his visit represents a shift in strategy.
“For too long, we’ve allowed ourselves to be painted as anti-energy or anti-Alberta,” Hoffman said. “Don’s approach is different. He’s listening to energy workers about their concerns for a sustainable future rather than lecturing them.”
Davies mingled with attendees at the Nashville North tent, where country music blared and beer flowed freely. Several people approached him with questions about housing affordability and healthcare – issues that transcend the urban-rural divide.
“My rent went up 30% last year,” said Calgary resident Michael Torres after speaking with Davies. “It was refreshing to hear a politician acknowledge that’s happening everywhere, not just in Toronto and Vancouver.”
Calgary political analyst Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University believes Davies’ Stampede appearance is strategic but faces challenges.
“The federal NDP has a mountain to climb in Alberta,” Bratt explained. “But showing up at cultural touchstones like Stampede is a start. The question is whether it translates into sustained engagement or is just a one-off photo opportunity.”
Davies acknowledged the uphill battle his party faces in the province but remained optimistic.
“The issues Calgarians care about – healthcare, housing, good jobs – these are NDP issues,” he said, stopping to chat with a family near the midway. “When we show up and listen, we find more common ground than division.”
As our interview concluded, Davies was approached by a group of energy sector workers who recognized him. Instead of tension, the exchange was surprisingly cordial, focusing on transitional programs for workers as the energy landscape evolves.
“We don’t want handouts; we want pathways,” one worker told Davies. “Our skills are transferable if someone would invest in the bridges to get there.”
Davies nodded thoughtfully. “That’s exactly the kind of practical approach we need to be talking about.”
Whether this visit marks a new chapter in the NDP’s relationship with Calgary or simply a ceremonial Stampede appearance remains to be seen. But in a political landscape often defined by its divisions, Davies’ willingness to don a cowboy hat and wade into conversations with Calgarians suggests at least an openness to finding common ground.
As the afternoon rain clouds gathered, Davies headed toward the Grandstand. “You know,” he said with a smile, “I might actually try the mini donuts everyone keeps telling me about.”
In that moment, he seemed less like a federal party leader and more like any other Stampede visitor – curious, hungry, and willing to embrace a little bit of Calgary’s unique culture.
