Prime Minister praises flood cleanup efforts, as Calgary Stampede gets underway

CALGARY- Not only are Calgarians blown away by the mammoth clean-up effort that saved the Calgary Stampede—but so is the prime minister.

Stephen Harper issued a statement on Friday morning as the Stampede Parade got underway, saying, “I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who came together to help with clean-up efforts.”

The devastating floods that wreaked havoc across southern Alberta two weeks ago hit the Stampede grounds especially hard, badly damaging the Saddledome (forcing the cancellation of several big-name concerts) and leaving the rodeo grounds underwater.

Thanks to a lot of hard work, the grounds were ready in time for Sneak-A-Peek on Thursday.

“Today, Calgary celebrates the opening of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth which showcases the remarkable western pioneer spirit, traditions and values that have contributed so much to making Canada the great nation it is today. This year in particular, the Stampede also celebrates the resilience, strength and pride of those Albertans who are recovering from the devastating floods in the region,” Harper said in his statement.

“Our Government is proud to be associated with this premiere tourism event which has become an important driver of Calgary’s economic growth and prosperity…I would like to thank the organizers and the thousands of volunteers who work so hard every year at making the Calgary Stampede the internationally acclaimed success that it is.”

Harper—who hails from Calgary—is in town for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and has been meeting with his caucus and attending a number of events, including a Stampede breakfast.