Nenshi draws large crowd at first Stampede breakfast as Alberta NDP leader

A large crowd lined up for free pancakes in south Calgary for Naheed Nenshi's first official caucus Stampede breakfast as leader of the Alberta NDP.

Newly-crowned leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Naheed Nenshi drew a turnout at his first official Calgary Stampede breakfast that eclipsed last year’s party pancake event, and veteran members say it demonstrates momentum.

Speaking in a riding that flipped the NDP’s way in the last election, Nenshi said he’s hearing at community events that people bought their first party membership for him.

“There is a real, real sense that the tide is turning, and people are just looking for something to believe in again,” he told reporters.

NDP caucus officials said 4,000 people attended the Sunday morning breakfast hosted by Alberta’s Opposition.

Calgary MLA Kathleen Ganley said the turnout was about two-to-three times as many who came to the party’s Stampede event last year.

“This turnout blows my mind, and I think it signals really good things,” said Ganley, who ran against Nenshi in the leadership race.

Nenshi does not have a seat in the legislature, so he didn’t get a spot in the Stampede Parade lineup Friday along with sitting members.

But the 52-year-old estimates he’s been to all but a few Stampedes in his lifetime. The former Calgary mayor took over from departing NDP leader Rachel Notley in a landslide June vote, capturing 86 per cent of members’ support.