Carney Discusses Pipelines at Calgary Stampede, Says ‘It’s Looking Good’

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his Calgary Stampede visit to speak directly with Albertans about pipelines, energy development and national unity.

During his time at the Stampede grounds, several attendees urged him to move forward with a major pipeline project, saying it would benefit Alberta and the country.

Stampede-Goers Press Carney on Pipeline Support

While meeting people at the Calgary Stampede, Carney heard direct appeals from attendees who wanted the pipeline pushed ahead.

One person thanked him for supporting the project, while another told him Alberta needs the pipeline and argued it would be good for Canada.

Carney responded with optimism, saying he felt positive about the project’s chances and that national polling shows majority support for it.

Carney Scheduled to Return to Stampede

Carney was expected to return to the Calgary Stampede on Sunday morning after appearing at the grounds Saturday night.

He attended the annual rodeo and exhibition, ate mini doughnuts, watched chuckwagon races and spoke with people in the crowd about pipelines.

Energy Message Shared Ahead of Visit

Earlier Saturday, Carney reposted a 17-minute video outlining his argument for national cooperation on energy development.

The video, first released on social media on June 30, called for provinces and territories to work together while reducing barriers to development, including oil and gas projects.

In the video, Carney said Canada is facing an energy crisis shaped by high prices, global instability and climate change.

Shift From Previous Climate Plan

Carney’s message also signalled a break from the previous federal climate approach.

He argued that Canada must produce conventional oil and gas in the most environmentally responsible way possible and export those resources where they can make the biggest difference.

His remarks framed oil and gas not only as an economic issue, but also as part of Canada’s energy security strategy.

Speaking to Alberta’s Frustrations

Carney’s video appeared to directly address long-standing frustrations in Alberta.

He recalled being a teenager in Edmonton during the introduction of the National Energy Program under former prime minister Pierre Trudeau.

Carney said that policy made many Albertans feel Ottawa did not respect the province’s ownership of its resources.

Energy Debate and Alberta Separation Concerns

The message comes as Alberta heads toward an October 19 referendum on separation, according to reporting on Carney’s Stampede remarks.

Carney said energy issues that should have united the country instead became a source of division over decades.

He suggested that Canada needs to move past that history by working across provincial boundaries and building major projects together.

West Coast Pipeline Proposal

Carney had been in Calgary the previous week with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to announce progress on a proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast.

The federal government said Alberta’s proposal would be referred to the Major Projects Office.

The project would move about one million barrels of oil per day toward global markets, mostly following the existing Trans Mountain corridor while respecting the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.

Indigenous Partnership and Investment Plans

The federal announcement said Canada and Alberta would share equal partnership in the project.

It also said a meaningful equity stake would be reserved for Indigenous Peoples, with consultations beginning immediately.

The government said Pembina Pipeline Corporation would participate as a private-sector investor, while Trans Mountain Corporation would lead development.

Focus on Jobs and Economic Growth

The federal government has described the pipeline proposal as part of a broader plan to build major national infrastructure and expand access to global energy markets.

Officials said the West Coast pipeline and the Pathways carbon capture initiative could create about 175,000 jobs across Alberta, British Columbia and the rest of Canada.

Carney Appears With Liberal MPs

Carney appeared at the Stampede with Alberta Liberal MPs Matt Jeneroux and Corey Hogan, along with Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid.

Later, he sat in the stands at GMC Stadium with his wife, Diana Fox Carney, to watch the chuckwagon races.

He was not formally introduced and did not make a public address, instead blending into the crowd with other Stampede attendees wearing cowboy hats.

National Anthem Moment

During the national anthem, Carney removed his hat and placed it against his chest.

He looked toward the centre of the arena, where a rider stood on the back of a galloping horse while holding a Canadian flag.

The moment reflected the blend of politics, western culture and national symbolism that shaped his Stampede appearance.

Mark Carney’s Calgary Stampede visit placed pipelines, Alberta’s energy future and national unity at the centre of the political conversation.

His message emphasized cooperation between provinces, support for conventional oil and gas development, and a new approach to energy security.

With Alberta facing separatist pressure and major pipeline proposals moving forward, Carney’s challenge will be turning optimism into concrete progress.