"During Stampede, it's an exciting time because we are about to welcome our two millionth Calgarian. The cities that succeed and thrive at that two million point, it's a completely different game. We're not thinking the traditional industries like energy and oil and gas, we're thinking about the creative sector. Part of the reason that we're supporting the arts in the way that we have not just through moral support but through stable multi-year predictable grant funding is because we cannot compete and succeed at that two million person point without the arts. So that's point one. Point two is what I love about the Stampede is that it does celebrate our western traditions but it also tells a story of who and how Calgary is today. We're a city founded by our indigenous neighbors built upon and strengthened by generations and generations of newcomers and whether you're a first Stampede or maybe your 40th like mine, there's so much to offer in our city."