Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with vendors and exhibitors during a visit to the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia

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Prime Minister Mark Carney paid a visit to Draft Horse Town on the final day of the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, where he shook hands and learned about Alberta’s agricultural history.

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Right after flipping pancakes at The Hillhurst Community Association Stampede Breakfast earlier in the day, Carney took a tour of the vendors, stalls and exhibits on the grounds.

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During his visit, Carney graciously accepted the opportunity to swing a hammer on some hot steel, said blacksmith subcommittee member for the Western Agriculture and Heritage Committee Mark Nickerson.

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“We brought him back behind the forges here, and he took a few swings with the hammer,” Nickerson said.

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Carney was very gracious and treated everyone at the display very nicely, said fellow blacksmith Wayne Moura.

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It was great seeing the Prime Minister interact with attendees and other displays at the ground to spread the message of unity in Canada, said both Nickerson and Moura.

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“I think it’s very important for him to come here for unity, just so he can see what Alberta’s about and get to know us a bit more,” Moura said. “Hopefully we can join together and make this work.”

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They said it was a highlight for this year’s event to meet Carney, but they both believe he should remain in charge of the country and leave the blacksmithing to them.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney gets a demo from blacksmith Mark Nickerson during a visit to the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia

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A moment after, Carney learned about a Case steam-powered hay baler from over a century ago from the Heritage Boiler Association Alberta.

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It was very good to speak with people in high places to help keep heritage alive, said member Nicholas Hersom.

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“Especially for these old machines which are a fascination to so many people, and they get the opportunity to work on these, look at them and maybe they get a calling to do this kind of thing for a living in a more modern world,” Hersom said.

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It certainly was not an everyday occurrence for their group and it was a wonderful experience for them to showcase their work to the Prime Minister, said fellow member Brian Henderson.

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Henderson said Carney was very impressed with the mini hay bales and is grateful for the chance to share their knowledge with him.

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“It’s an honour to meet the fellow,” Henderson said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s doing a great job for Canada.”

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In the stables, Carney spoke with 10-year-old Hiller Gardner and 12-year-old Calynn Gardner from Olds.

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The siblings were showcasing their Heifers at Stampede after they qualified at the Olds Western Elite Heifer Show.

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Hiller said he explained to Carney what their responsibilities were and answered any questions he had.