In the political landscape of Alberta, a new dynamic is shaping up. President Trump and his ideas seem to have influenced discussions within the province. On July 2, the day following Canada Day, members of Alberta’s United Conservative Party held a pancake breakfast as part of the Calgary Stampede, a well-known annual rodeo and fair. The province’s premier, Danielle Smith, appeared in attire reminiscent of American southern culture, wearing Lone Star cowboy boots, a Stetson hat, and a Texas Longhorn bolo tie.

During the event, Premier Smith engaged with the crowd. She criticized government spending, attributing it to immigrants, whom she termed ‘newcomers.’ She also emphasized the Stampede as an emblem of core Albertan values: grit, determination, and resilience. This was a pointed contrast to the officials in Ottawa, whom she implied lacked understanding of such values.

The breakfast, usually a standard affair at the Stampede, was notable for the presence of Alberta separatists. These groups, such as Albertans4Freedom and United Alberta Flags, advocate for Alberta’s independence from Canada, envisioning it as a sovereign Judeo-Christian nation. They encouraged voting ‘yes’ in a referendum scheduled for October 19, which would ask if Alberta should pursue separation. Although Premier Smith did not endorse separation directly, her encouragement of the referendum reflects an influence aligned with Trump-era ideas.