Danielle Smith confronted by anti-AI protester at Calgary Stampede pancake breakfast
David Menzies says the Alberta premier remained calm as a protester interrupted a Stampede event with accusations over AI data centres and Alberta's economic agenda.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was confronted by an anti-AI protester during a Calgary Stampede pancake breakfast, prompting discussion on the Rebel News Livestream about the growing opposition to artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The protester accused Smith of "selling Alberta out" to AI data centres and billionaires while shouting a series of allegations during the public event. Smith remained composed, continuing to serve pancakes and engage with attendees despite the interruption.
Discussing the incident, Rebel News reporter David Menzies questioned how the exchange would appear to Canadians watching the interaction.
"If you just happened upon that pancake breakfast at that moment, who would you assume is the fascist?" Menzies asked, contrasting the premier's calm demeanour with the protester's aggressive approach.
The panel also discussed the emergence of AI data centres as a new target for some activist groups. The conversation noted that opposition to AI infrastructure increasingly draws together ideas from across the political spectrum, with some protesters combining anti-corporate, environmental and other fringe narratives.
The exchange comes as Alberta continues promoting the province as a destination for AI investment, arguing the industry could bring new jobs, infrastructure and long-term economic growth.
David Menzies
Journalist and 'Mission Specialist'
David “The Menzoid” Menzies is the Rebel News "Mission Specialist." The Menzoid is equal parts outrageous and irreverent as he dares to ask the type of questions those in the Media Party would rather not ponder.
COMMENTS
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-07-19 17:54:06 -0400She sounds like the Dippers who want to arrest Elon Musk for the crime of being a trillionaire. -
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-07-19 17:52:32 -0400Some people have no sense of occasion or, for that matter, decorum.