NDP Leader Nenshi visits Medicine Hat to take in Stampede, get sense of Hatters needs

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on July 25, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Leader of Alberta’s NDP Naheed Nenshi joined Stampede revellers Thursday as part of his summer tour, hoping to get a stronger sense of the city.

Nenshi took part in the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Parade, part of a larger visit to the community.

The visit itself ties into the NDP’s, “Better Together Summer” initiative, where they have been doing a series of formal and informal engagements Nenshi says.

In addition to townhalls, he stated a desire to connect with people in less structured settings, such as at festivals or dog parks, to meet people “where they live.” Included in his visit was time with supporters from all walks of life, as well as engagement with various organizations, including a visit to the Miywasin Centre on Thursday.

“It’s Medicine Hat Stampede, and I’m using this as an opportunity to spend a couple days here meeting with people in the community; business people, non-profit people, political people, to get a real good feel for what is happening here in Medicine Hat and what’s on people’s minds,” Nenshi said.

Thus far, he noted the people of Medicine Hat seem to share a sense of frustration with the current state of provincial politics and may feel taken for granted by the current government, especially in regards to social infrastructures such as education, healthcare and public programs.

“One really salient example is Medicine Hat is world famous as being one of the largest communities that’s ended homelessness, and the UCP government is completely dismantling the system of care around homelessness and housing, and people are getting hurt already as a result,” said Nenshi.

“That frustration carries into other areas, including today’s demonstration by the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District in regards to premier Danielle Smith being selected as Parade Marshal. They released a statement stating they, ‘can’t in good conscience celebrate with someone who is actively rolling back trans rights for Albertans.'”

In regards to the event, Nenshi believes that, “in government, you don’t just look after the people who are going to be fine anyway. You look after the people who are at risk,” and he stresses the importance of being willing to listen to criticism in politics and being open to changing one’s mind when receiving said criticism.

However, he was also heartened to see a large number of Canadian flags in resident’s hands along the parade route, especially amid ongoing discourse regarding Alberta separatism.

“So many people along the route were waving Canadian flags because they need a chance to speak about the importance of the nation,” said Nenshi. “I think that the Premier has started a fire she won’t be able to put out by giving voice to folks who want to break the nation apart.”

Before he moves to the next leg of his journey throughout the province, Nenshi wishes residents a great Stampede, asking them to save a mini doughnut for him, and he expressed his love for this corner of the province.

“I love this little corner of the city,” said Nenshi. “Since my first event that I did at the Monarch Theatre downtown, to marching in two parades, I’ve really gotten the love for the landscape here and for the people here. I think in a lot of ways, Medicine Hat is the example that the rest of the province needs.”

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