A Tale of Two Crowds: Mark Carney’s Rally In Calgary

By Mindi Soren

On April 8, 2025, Liberal Leader Mark Carney held a rally at the Red and White Club at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, marking his first Alberta stop in the federal election campaign. Just a day earlier, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre rallied supporters south of Edmonton, an event touted as one of the largest political gatherings in recent Canadian history. These two events, occurring within a tight timeframe and in Alberta’s major urban centers, offer a striking contrast in scale, tone, and apparent public reception, shedding light on the current dynamics of Canada’s federal election race.

Attendance: A Numbers Game

The most immediate difference between the two rallies lies in their reported attendance. In Calgary, the Calgary Herald noted that "about a thousand Calgarians lined up" to hear Carney speak, with additional overflow attendees watching on screens, suggesting a total crowd closer to 1,000 to 1,200. This figure aligns with CTV News’ report of Carney addressing 1,000 people, providing a relatively consistent estimate from credible sources.

In contrast, Poilievre’s Edmonton rally drew a significantly larger crowd. The Conservative Party claimed an attendance of 12,000, a number echoed by CBC News, which described the event as one of the larger political rallies in Canadian history. Posts on X from attendees and observers pushed the estimate even higher, with figures like 15,000 circulating widely, though these lack official verification. Even accounting for potential exaggeration, photographic evidence and media descriptions suggest a turnout in the thousands, dwarfing Carney’s gathering.

This disparity in numbers highlights a key narrative in the campaign: Poilievre’s Conservatives appear to be mobilizing a broader, more energized base in Alberta, a traditional stronghold, while Carney’s Liberals are working to make inroads with a smaller but still notable presence.

Venue and Atmosphere

The choice of venues further underscores the contrast. Carney’s rally took place at the Red and White Club, an indoor facility at McMahon Stadium with a modest capacity, described as packed with an overflow crowd spilling into adjacent areas. Supporters waved signs for local candidates, and the atmosphere was reported as enthusiastic, with Carney delivering a speech heavy on economic leadership and national unity—themes tailored to counter U.S. tariff threats from President Donald Trump.

Poilievre’s event, held south of Edmonton (likely at a larger venue such as the Edmonton EXPO Centre or a similar space capable of accommodating thousands), was a spectacle of scale. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s endorsement added gravitas, and the rally featured high-energy moments, with Poilievre and his wife, Anaida, joining Harper on stage to roaring applause. The Conservative messaging focused on resource development, national pride, and a direct challenge to Liberal policies, resonating with a crowd described as diverse and animated.

Messaging and Reception

Carney’s Calgary speech leaned into his technocratic credentials, emphasizing his experience steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and positioning himself as a steady hand against Trump’s economic provocations. He took jabs at Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and framed the Liberals as defenders of Canadian sovereignty, earning cheers for lines about health care as a right and the need for a strong mandate. The crowd’s energy suggested a core of committed supporters, bolstered by local candidates who see Carney’s leadership as a potential breakthrough in Calgary’s competitive ridings.

Poilievre, meanwhile, used Edmonton to project strength and unity. Harper’s introduction framed him as the heir to a successful Conservative legacy, and Poilievre’s promises—like a “rapid resource project office” to streamline approvals—played to Alberta’s economic priorities. The sheer size of the crowd amplified his populist appeal, with attendees reportedly lining up hours in advance, a testament to his ability to draw out grassroots enthusiasm. X posts from attendees praised his sincerity and speaking prowess, contrasting him favorably with Carney’s more measured style.

What the Crowds Suggest

While rally attendance isn’t a definitive predictor of electoral success—turnout at the polls matters more—these events offer a snapshot of each leader’s current standing. Poilievre’s massive Edmonton crowd signals a deep well of support in Alberta, where the Conservatives already hold 28 of 34 federal seats. It’s a show of force that aligns with polls showing the party retaining dominance in the province, even as national surveys indicate a tightening race with Carney’s Liberals surging on economic and leadership credentials.

Carney’s smaller but still significant Calgary turnout reflects a strategic push to contest urban Alberta, where the Liberals hold one seat (Calgary Skyview) and see potential for gains. The overflow crowd and candidate enthusiasm suggest momentum, but the gap in numbers compared to Edmonton underscores the challenge of breaking through in a Conservative heartland. Posts on X questioning Carney’s popularity—pointing to a “maximum capacity of 900” versus Poilievre’s thousands—highlight a perception among some that the Liberal leader’s appeal lags behind his rival’s.

Beyond the Numbers

Context matters. Edmonton, with its proximity to oil-rich rural areas and a strong Conservative base, naturally lends itself to a larger Poilievre turnout. Calgary, a more cosmopolitan city with a history of closer electoral contests, offers Carney a foothold but not the same depth of partisan loyalty. The Liberals’ focus on urban centers aligns with their broader campaign to chip away at Conservative dominance, while Poilievre’s rally doubles as a rallying cry for Alberta’s resource sector and a national unity pitch amid Trump’s tariff threats.

Ultimately, these rallies are less about raw numbers and more about momentum and messaging. Carney’s Calgary event was a calculated step to energize a smaller, targeted base and signal seriousness about Alberta. Poilievre’s Edmonton extravaganza was a flex of Conservative strength, buoyed by a high-profile endorsement and a crowd eager to reclaim federal power. As the April 28 election nears, both leaders will need to translate these moments into votes—whether through packed stadiums or quieter, strategic gains. For now, Edmonton’s thousands and Calgary’s hundreds tell a story of two campaigns at different scales, each vying to define Canada’s future.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com