Premier Smith faces cheers and jeers at Calgary Stampede parade amid separation debate
Danielle Smith rode in Friday's parade in a red cowboy hat and blue jeans, drawing both support and criticism from crowds as Alberta approaches an October referendum on separation.
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith rode through downtown Calgary on Friday as part of the Stampede parade, drawing mixed reactions from crowds as the province moves toward an October 19 referendum on separation.
Smith, wearing a red cowboy hat and blue jeans, waved from a horse-drawn wagon alongside other United Conservative Party legislature members. Some in the crowd cheered and chanted her name, while others booed. One man shouted "Danielle suuuuucks," while another countered with a jab of his own.
Smith has promised to support Confederation as the province votes on whether to begin the process toward separation from Canada — a position she announced in May and has defended as giving Albertans a voice on a divisive issue.
Some parade attendees, including Darrell Siemens, said they appreciated Smith's willingness to hold the debate. "The citizens of Alberta deserve to hear from both sides," Siemens said.
Others, like Nicky Currie, were critical. "I think she is an absolute disgrace for Albertans," Currie said, calling Smith a separatist.
Smith's poll numbers have slipped during the separation debate, though she retains strong support overall. On Thursday, she announced alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney what she called a major nation-unifying project — a proposed new bitumen pipeline to the west coast.
The Stampede is a major summer gathering for Alberta's political class and business stakeholders, with deals often struck during barbecues and breakfast events.
