Liberal MP George Chahal (Calgary-Skyview, AB) said he was “shocked and deeply angered by the revelations that the Calgary Stampede knowingly allowed a culture where sexual assault went unchecked.”.“For decades, members of the Young Canadians entrusted the Calgary Stampede with their dreams, their abilities, and most importantly, their safety,” said Chahal in a Thursday statement. .“What they received in return was a systematic betrayal.”.The Stampede received $10 million from Canadian government in 2022. .The Stampede accepted liability and negligence on Wednesday that it was aware performing arts group the Young Canadians staff member Philip Heerema had been abusing teenage boys for years before a police investigation was launched. .A settlement was announced between the Stampede and the Calgary Stampede Foundation and various Young Canadians members..This agreement was reached pending any objections and the approval of a judge at a notice of settlement hearing scheduled for Sept. 25..Heerema was given a 10-year prison sentence in 2018 for sexually abusing six teenage boys. .Alberta Court of King's Bench Justice Larry Ackerl called Heerema’s conduct “morally despicable.”.“Mr. Heerema identified, targeted, relentlessly pursued, and groomed these boys,” said Ackerl. .Chahal said this admission of liability by the Stampede is not a sign of transparency or accountability. Rather, he said it is a testament to the lengths the organization would go to sweep these crimes under the rug. .He condemned its negligence and years of inaction. .Therefore, he will be advocating to his colleagues in the Canadian government that any future support to the Stampede be halted. Federal funding should not be reconsidered until the victims feel genuine accountability and reconciliation have occurred. .Chahal said the Stampede must recognize it has lost the trust of many Calgarians..He added it is “not about enhancing their image or salvaging their brand; it is about ensuring justice, safety and a commitment to never allowing such heinous acts to happen within their ranks again.” .“Anything less is a disservice to the survivors and all of Calgary,” he said.
