Boots on the ground: Canada Powered by Women talks energy affordability at the Calgary Stampede

by | July 2024

From left: Kiki Cekota, Meghanne Uptigrove, Jennifer Lomas, Lucy Miller, Tracey Bodnarchuk, Angela Cheung, Carlie Pochynok, Shanice Scott, Alma Hadzic

The Calgary Stampede is a whirlwind of events, celebrations and connections, new and old, that can only be fuelled by the energy that comes from the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. And amidst all the revelry and rodeos, the Canada Powered by Women team was on the ground bringing the unignorable voice of engaged women directly to decision-makers across party lines, including many visiting from throughout Canada.  

Everywhere we went, the rooms were buzzing with conversations about energy policy, security and affordability. The rising cost of living has cast a light on these important topics, sparking a nationwide conversation and people are connecting the dots between sound policy, innovative technologies and prosperity. It’s clear that energy, and energy policies, are on the minds of Canadians.  

Now more than ever, there is an opportunity to amplify the unique voices, ideas and opinions of engaged women within energy conversations. Our latest national research findings revealed that over half of this group is increasingly finding energy to be too expensive, and are anticipating even higher energy bills, increased fuel costs and higher taxes as a result of future energy policies.  

In just the last year, the engaged women segment has also grown from 24 per cent to 34.5 per cent, resulting in a total of 5.6 million women across Canada. Women are already having these conversations and are looking for a safe space to share their perspectives on what matters most to them.  

Canada Powered by Women is taking the voice of engaged women to those who have a hand in shaping our country’s energy policy, which impacts every sector of the economy and the prosperity of our nation as a whole.  

We had an incredible time meeting with provincial and federal government representatives from a number of political parties, along with industry, community and business leaders. We also attended a stakeholder event hosted by Brian Jean, Alberta minister of energy and minerals, where we shared our work as facilitators of bold conversations among engaged women.

Here are a few highlights: 

Canada Powered by Women and Premier Smith

Canada Powered by Women national marketing director Jenn Lomas, board member Blaire Lancaster, CEO Tracey Bodnarchuk, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and board members Lucy Miller and Alma Hazdic at our joint event with Hill and Knowlton.  

Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Thornhill MP and Canada Powered by Women

Jenn, Lucy, Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Thornhill MP, Alma, Tracey and Blaire.

Tracey in conversation with Nathan Neudorf, Alberta Minister of Affordability and Utilities at Premier Smith’s Stampede Breakfast.  

Tracey in conversation with Nathan Neudorf, Alberta minister of affordability and utilities at Premier Smith’s Stampede breakfast.

Jenn, Tracey, Lucy, Alma and Blaire with Tanya Fir, Alberta Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women at the Axis Connects Stampede event.  

Alma, Blaire, Tanya Fir, Alberta minister of arts, culture and status of women and Tracey at the Axis Connects Stampede event.

Tracey and Jenn with Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Alberta NDP at the Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association Stampede event.

Jenn and Tracey with Naheed Nenshi, leader of the Alberta NDP at the Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association Stampede event.

Are you ready to join the national conversation? 

Join millions of engaged women in the movement to shape Canada’s economic and energy future. Reach out to Canada Powered by Women to learn more about how you can share your perspectives through a video message as part of our Speakers Corner.

Your voice, insights and vision for a prosperous Canada are more important than ever.