Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : A successful community celebration that brought together nearly 6,000 residents at the Redstone Community Association’s Stampede Breakfast became the centre of a political discussion after a disagreement emerged between organizers and NDP MLA Gurinder Brar over event protocol, stage scheduling, and political representation. The annual Stampede Breakfast was attended by thousands of families, volunteers, community leaders, elected representatives, and dignitaries. The event featured live music, breakfast, family activities, and opportunities for residents to meet Alberta Premier Denielle Smith, Calgary’s Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Dy. Police Chief Asif Rashid and other public officials. Organizers described the gathering as a major success and credited the volunteers and community members for making it one of the largest celebrations in the area.
According to the Redstone Community Association’s President the stage program was carefully planned in advance, with speaking opportunities scheduled for invited guests. Organizers said MLA Gurinder Brar was invited and was expected to address the community as part of the established program. The association’s representatives said concerns were raised when the MLA expressed dissatisfaction regarding the timing of his opportunity to speak. Organizers stated that they attempted to explain the schedule and maintain the planned flow of the program.
Redstone Community Association President Sanjeev Nagpal said that all elected representatives, regardless of political affiliation, were invited and respectfully welcomed at the event. He said the association’s intention was always to respect elected officials and provide an opportunity for dignitaries to connect with the community. “Every elected representative was invited and welcomed. At a large public gathering, a proper protocol and sequence is necessary so that all guests can be given their opportunity to address residents in an organized manner,” Nagpal said.
Nagpal further stated that when the association had earlier approached MLA Gurinder Brar for support and participation in community activities, he felt the response was not encouraging and that the MLA did not show the level of interest expected towards supporting the event. He described the interaction as disappointing but emphasized that the association’s focus remains on bringing the community together.
Highlighting the association’s inclusive approach, Nagpal said that NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and MLA Gurinder Brar were both invited to the association’s joint Neighbour Day and Father’s Day celebration on June 21, where both Leader & MLA addressed the public. “Our intention has always been to respect and promote our dignitaries, regardless of political party. Community events should bring people together, and we believe every leader who represents the community deserves respect,” Nagpal said.
While speaking with National Times Media, MLA Gurinder Brar denied that he ever said he could stop the event as told by President to National Times.. He clarified that he did not make any such statement and said his concerns were related to what he described as a lack of political balance and recognition at the gathering. Brar told National Times Media that the event appeared to be a “total UCP show” and alleged that the two NDP MLAs present were ignored and were not given an appropriate opportunity to address the public from stage. He maintained that his comments were about representation and inclusion, rather than disrupting the community celebration.
The comments led to discussions among attendees and on social media. Many community members defended the organizers, saying the Stampede Breakfast was a public, non-partisan celebration created for families and residents, and that political disagreements should not overshadow the spirit of the event. Several attendees said representatives from all political parties are welcome at community gatherings, but elected officials and organizers should work together to ensure that such events remain focused on unity, celebration, and community engagement.
The Redstone Community Association maintained that the Stampede Breakfast was organized for the entire community and thanked residents, volunteers, sponsors, and dignitaries for their participation. Despite the controversy, organizers said the overwhelming turnout demonstrated the strong community spirit and unity of Redstone.
