Justin Trudeau to visit iconic Stampede, to help Calgary cleanup

OTTAWA – Federal political leaders will be doing more than whooping it up when they make their annual pilgrimage to the Calgary Stampede next week.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says he intends to roll up his sleeves and help with the cleanup after last week’s devastating flooding, which submerged the Stampede grounds and much of the downtown core.

Stampede officials have vowed the “greatest outdoor show on earth” will start as scheduled on July 5, “come hell or high water.”

Trudeau says the Stampede is a point of pride, not just for Albertans but for all Canadians.

And he says it’s essential to demonstrate that Calgarians can deal with adversity and come back stronger.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who represents a Calgary riding, toured the damage in his hometown and surrounding area last week and is expected to be back for the Stampede.