Where’s the Sticker Spinner? Calgary’s Take on Political Decals

Calgary’s vehicle bumpers are once again serving as highly visible political billboards, with a notable shift in their defiant messages. While "f Trudeau" decals have been a common sight for years, the conversation on the streets is now turning to "f Smith" and "f UCP" stickers. This trend highlights the city's unique and often fiery political climate.

Premier Danielle Smith was sworn in as Alberta's 19th Premier on October 11, 2022, leading the governing United Conservative Party (UCP). Her government's actions continue to ignite passionate debate across the province, with recent polling indicating a decline in the UCP's education approval rating following a province-wide teachers' strike in October 2025. The public display of these politically charged decals reflects ongoing contentious discussions in Alberta, from provincial policy to federal relations.

For Calgary's local businesses, this rise in explicit political expression presents a unique challenge. While some might embrace the demand, many consumers consider businesses displaying such stickers to be making a "stupid business decision" that risks alienating customers who hold differing views. This sentiment suggests that businesses must carefully weigh the potential for lost patronage against the desire for political expression.

Calgarians are no strangers to strong political statements, with historical examples dating back decades. As the city also gears up for a municipal election in October 2025, and speculation continues about a federal election, this vibrant and diverse political expression remains a defining characteristic of Calgary's public discourse.