All levels of government must ensure accountability for the management of the Calgary Stampede in light of the sexual abuse allegations that have come to light, according to George Chahal, a Liberal MP for Calgary Skyview. Chahal emphasized the importance of taxpayer dollars being used responsibly and called for safeguards to be put in place. Currently, neither the municipal nor provincial governments have indicated any financial implications for the Stampede, despite the recent allegations.
The federal government has not provided ongoing funding to the Stampede, except for the $14 million in grants given during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022. The recent partial settlement of a class-action lawsuit highlights the Stampede’s failure to prevent abuse at its Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. Phillip Heerema, a former staffer at the school, is currently serving a 10-year sentence for grooming and abusing six boys.
Chahal expressed his dissatisfaction with the Stampede’s apologies, stating that the organization needs to be transparent and held accountable. He emphasized the importance of providing accountability to the public and working towards reconciliation with the victims. The lawsuit is still ongoing, with damages to be determined later this summer pending the approval of the settlement.
Chahal is the only Alberta politician who has called for financial consequences for the Stampede in response to the allegations. Ron Liepert, one of the nine Calgary Conservative MPs, dismissed Chahal’s actions as grandstanding. Liepert stated that Chahal is attempting to divert attention from the unpopularity of the Trudeau Liberals in Alberta. However, Liepert did not provide evidence to suggest that the Stampede board has not lost public trust.
Despite the controversy, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed that the United Conservative government will continue funding the Stampede. Tanya Fir, Alberta’s minister of arts, culture, and Status of Women, plans to meet with the Stampede to discuss the safety of youth involved in the festival. The province currently grants the Stampede approximately $6 million annually.
Rachel Notley, the provincial New Democrat Opposition Leader, emphasized the need for full accountability for the Stampede’s role in the abuse and resulting trauma. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed her disappointment in the board’s failure to take action when the issue was first brought to their attention. She pledged that the council would closely review any measures implemented by the Stampede to prevent future abuse.
Heritage Canada did not provide any comments on the matter.
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