Prime Minister Mark Carney pays a visit to Draft Horse Town on final day of Stampede

Right after flipping pancakes at The Hillhurst Community Association Stampede Breakfast earlier in the day, Carney took a tour of the vendors, stalls, and exhibits on the grounds.

Prime Minister Mark Carney paid a visit to Draft Horse Town on the final day of the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, where he shook hands and learned about Alberta’s agricultural history. Right after flipping pancakes at The Hillhurst Community Association Stampede Breakfast earlier in the day, Carney took a tour of the vendors, stalls, and exhibits on the grounds. During his visit, Carney graciously accepted the opportunity to swing a hammer on some hot steel, said blacksmith subcommittee member for the Western Agriculture and Heritage Committee Mark Nickerson.

“We brought him back behind the forges here, and he took a few swings with the hammer,” Nickerson said. Carney was very gracious and treated everyone at the display very nicely, said fellow blacksmith Wayne Moura. It was great seeing the Prime Minister interact with attendees and other displays at the ground to spread the message of unity in Canada, said both Nickerson and Moura.

“I think it’s very important for him to come here for unity, just so he can see what Alberta’s about and get to know us a bit more,” Moura said. “Hopefully we can join together and make this work.” They said it was a highlight for this year’s event to meet Carney, but they both believe he should remain in charge of the country and leave the blacksmithing to them.

A moment after, Carney learned about a Case steam-powered hay baler from over a century ago from the Heritage Boiler Association Alberta. It was very good to speak with people in high places to help keep heritage alive, said member Nicholas Hersom. “Especially for these old machines which are a fascination to so many people, and they get the opportunity to work on these, look at them and maybe they get a calling to do this kind of thing for a living in a more modern world,” Hersom said.

It certainly was not an everyday occurrence for their group and it was a wonderful experience for them to showcase their work to the Prime Minister, said fellow member Brian Henderson. Henderson said Carney was very impressed with the mini hay bales and is grateful for the chance to share their knowledge with him. “It’s an honour to meet the fellow,” Henderson said.

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s doing a great job for Canada.” In the stables, Carney spoke with 10-year-old Hiller Gardner and 12-year-old Calynn Gardner from Olds. The siblings were showcasing their Heifers at Stampede after they qualified at the Olds Western Elite Heifer Show.

Hiller said he explained to Carney what their responsibilities were and answered any questions he had. “It’s just a once in a lifetime chance to meet a Prime Minister and it’s so special to meet one of those guys,” Hiller said. “It’s just so cool.”

Calynn agreed, adding she also spoke to him about her heifer Becky. “I honestly thought I’d never get to meet a Prime Minister, so I think that was a really cool opportunity for me, especially with my heifer Becky here,” Calynn said. After signing up to be a volunteer in the Mercantile at the Calgary Stampede Draft Horse Town earlier in the day, Veronica Linkletter said didn’t expect that she would be meeting the Prime Minister.

Linkletter said she had the chance to speak with Carney about Alberta’s agricultural history and farming. “He was surprised to find out that we’re still farming with horses in some local family farms and that’s actually been the typical reception from a lot of people,” Linkletter said. “He was really interested in the process, how it all works and it was an enjoyable discussion.”

After Carney’s visit wrapped up, Linkletter said she was pleased he took the time out of his busy schedule to visit Draft Horse Town and learn about the history of the Calgary Stampede and where it all started.