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Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, cooks pancakes at a Stampede breakfast in Calgary, Sunday, July 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
By The Canadian Press

‘I’ve been training all year’: Carney masters the art of flipping Stampede flapjacks

Jul 12, 2026 | 6:00 AM

CALGARY — Prime Minister Mark Carney has waited a year for a Stampede pancake breakfast do-over, and managed to perfect the art of flapjack flipping on Sunday.

Carney attended one of the final Stampede breakfasts of the year at the Sunnyside Hillhurst Community Association.

“I’ve been training all year,” Carney said with a laugh, jumping up and down and stretching like he was loosening up.

“How many of these do I get? What’s my cut?”

Last year during his first Stampede as prime minister, Carney faced some challenges with his pancake flipping, considered a milestone for politicians at the event.

Several flapjacks landed lopsided, and batter splattered into the crowd. Carney admitted he had some work to do on his skills.

Carney flipped eight pancakes without a single splat and even managed flipping them into the air and catching them on his spatula.

He was concerned when one of the flapjacks appeared to be a bit overdone.

“There’s a little too much carbon here right? See that one. That’s on me. That goes to my tray.”

Carney asked if the pancake batter was an old family recipe but was told it was on special at Costco.

The prime minister was gifted a white ball cap with the words “Chef Carney” on it. He immediately put it on.

“This somewhat embarrassing. I’ve got a big head,” he added with a chuckle.

One woman in the crowd yelled out, “Carney we love you!” The prime minister responded, “Say it a little louder.”

Another woman assured the prime minister on Alberta separation, a hot topic in the province as Albertans are to vote Oct. 19 on whether they want the province to remain in Canada or to start the process for a second, binding referendum.

“We love Canada. We’re not going anywhere,” the woman said.

Carney also singled out Edmonton MP Eleanor Olszewski and led everyone in a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

The prime minister posed for hundreds of selfies as he made his way out of the breakfast, delaying his departure.

He was asked for his assessment of the breakfast by one breakfast goer.

“I can only speak for the pancakes I flipped and they were perfect.”

Calgary Liberal MP Corey Hogan said it was important for the prime minister to make his presence known at the Stampede, especially with the current political climate in Alberta which includes separation talk.

“It’s great that he has a connection to this province but it’s obviously important this year with the looming referendum,” Hogan said.

“We’re not going to have the opportunity to have this conversation again and this is as the prime minister says (separation) is not a free option. If you decide to vote to continue this separation process you’re causing some real damage and harm to this province.”

Carney strolled through the Stampede grounds Saturday and attended the chuckwagon races. He also met with Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 First Nation leaders.

“First Nations in Alberta are fighting for a strong, united Canada,” Carney tweeted late Saturday night.

“Our government is here working together as a true Treaty partner in that mission.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2026.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press


by The Canadian Press