Community takes focus as Trudeau and Smith flip pancakes in Calgary
CBC
Politics and pancake breakfasts can make for strange bedfellows.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shared the podium Saturday as they both attended a Stampede pancake breakfast put on by the Ismaili Muslim community.
The two leaders have had a somewhat frosty relationship but shook hands prior to a private meeting Friday where they discussed Alberta's concerns about emission reductions, the goal of establishing a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and the ongoing strike among British Columbia port workers.
"It's great to be here with Premier Smith. Thank you Danielle for your leadership," Trudeau said in his opening remarks at the breakfast.
The two didn't appear to have any time to chat.
"I'd like to thank the prime minister for his comments," Smith said in response.
WATCH | Trudeau flips pancakes at Stampede pancake breakfast
Instead of politics, the two leaders focused on the impact the Ismaili community has had on Canada since members began settling here en masse more than 50 years ago.
Trudeau said Ismailis still approach him to express their gratitude for the work his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, did in bringing members of the community to Canada in large numbers.
"It is much more true that my father and I and Canada owe you a debt of gratitude. Not just for what you've contributed to this country but for being a shining example of what welcoming people who are fleeing violence, persecution, fear can do," he said.
"When we welcome in refugees, we are not only giving them opportunities. We are enriching our country so deeply from everything this community has done in Canada."
Smith also heaped praise on the Ismaili community for its generosity.
"This Stampede breakfast is more proof of your generosity which knows no bounds," she said.
"It's not limited by faith or culture or colour and has marked Alberta deeply. Every day you change lives by volunteering, improving education and practicing social responsibility."
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