COCHRANE, Alberta — Canadian Alliance voters who wanted to talk to their leader at a Stampede breakfast Tuesday were dismayed when Stockwell Day didn’t show up.
“He’s arrogant, I guess,” said retired farmer John Worbetz as he lined up for pancakes, sausages and eggs. “I don’t think it’s the first time he’s pulled a stunt like this. I really think it’s a shame.”
A spokesman for Day said the leader had to meet with party strategists instead of attend the scheduled breakfast.
“There’s changes in the schedule due to what happened on the weekend,” said Jordi Morgan.
Pressured by several MPs and executive party members to step down as leader, Day offered over the weekend to take a conditional leave of absence. But during negotiations, he withdrew his offer saying it would not be renewed.
Many Alliance voters who lined up for breakfast in the ranching town were aware Day made an impassioned plea Monday for support from the party membership.
But Day said later that his schedule had become too tight to make the event.
“I said, `You know, if I can get out there to that breakfast, I’d love to,”’ Day said. “I had meetings in Calgary and wasn’t able to dive into the pancakes.”
