It’s a pleasure to be here with Premier Smith. “Thank you, Danielle, for your leadership,” Mr. Trudeau said in his opening remarks during that first luncheon. “I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his comments,” Ms Smith replied.
The prime minister and his counterpart from Alberta apparently did not have time for talks. The two leaders spoke in a private meeting a day earlier, where they discussed Alberta’s concerns about emissions reductions, the goal of achieving a zero-emissions electricity grid by 2035 and the strike in British Columbia’s ports.
Rather than talk politics, Ms Smith and Mr Trudeau on Saturday focused on the impact the Ismaili community has had on Canada since its members settled there in droves more than 50 years ago.
Mr. Trudeau said the Ismailis still came to express their gratitude for the work of his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, in enabling many members of the community to come and settle in Canada.
Rather, it is true that my father and I, and Canada, owe you a debt of gratitude. Not only for what you brought to this country, but for being a shining example of what welcoming people fleeing violence, persecution and fear can do, he said.
When we welcome refugees, we don’t just offer them opportunities. Thanks to all that this fellowship has done in Canada, we are deeply enriching our country.
Ms Smith also commended the Ismaili community for their generosity. “This Stampede breakfast is another testament to your generosity, which knows no bounds,” she said. Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre was also present and spoke at the event. He also planned to attend a pancake lunch and barbecue later in the day.
Political speech
Trudeau spent a few moments flipping pancakes before heading out for his second lunch of the morning, moderated by Calgary Skyview Liberal Rep. George Chahal. A large crowd was present to listen to the Prime Minister’s second speech, which took a more political turn.
The reality is that George needs reinforcements and I really hope that we will elect more Liberal MPs for Alberta in the years to come,” Trudeau said. He also urged those who would listen to him to keep working to improve Canada during these trying times.
The world is currently facing enormous challenges. Be it the return of war in Europe, the destabilization of the world due to energy and food prices, or climate change having increasing impacts, particularly on wildfires, explained M. Trudeau.
There are many reasons to be concerned and worried about the future, but there are also so many reasons to be optimistic, positive and ambitious about the country we get to build every day.
After his speech, the prime minister was swarming with people trying to get photos, autographs and shake hands with him.