Happy Manitoba day

May 10, 2013

COMMUNITIES ACROSS PROVINCE TO CELEBRATE MANITOBA'S 143RD BIRTHDAY: MARCELINO

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May 12 is Manitoba Day

Communities across the province are commemorating Manitoba Day with events and programs celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of the province, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino said today.
“Celebrations continue to grow and there are now many annual community events to observe the day Manitoba became a province,” said Marcelino.  “I want to encourage Manitobans to celebrate the province’s 143rd birthday by participating in one of the special events taking place this weekend.”
The Manitoba Act, which created the province of Manitoba, was passed by the Parliament of Canada and received royal assent on May 12, 1870.  The act was proclaimed on July 15, 1870, when Manitoba joined the Canadian Confederation as its fifth province.
The provincial government works with communities and heritage organizations to promote Manitoba Day through partnerships with heritage organizations, schools and students.  Events will be taking place today, tomorrow and Sunday.
This year, the Manitoba Museum is marking Manitoba Day on May 11 by offering free admission, special educational programming and the opening of a new exhibit commemorating Fort Rouge:  275 Years of French Presence in Manitoba.
Several provincial heritage agencies and museums will be taking part with arts, culture and heritage displays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum.  Volunteers from the Manitoba Archaeological Society will be on hand to demonstrate traditional technologies and answer questions about archaeology.   Heritage Winnipeg will have a display and costumed interpreters will offer programs and interact with the public in the foyer and museum galleries.
Further information on some of the ways to enjoy the province’s heritage on Manitoba Day and a list of some of the events and celebrations in communities across the province are available at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/manitoba_day.

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Citizenship Ceremony on Manitoba Day

May 10, 2013

NEW CANADIANS TAKE OATH AT SPECIAL CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE MANITOBA DAY

Manitoba welcomed 27 new Canadians from 13 different countries at a special citizenship ceremony today.
“As our newest Canadians, today marks a milestone in your lives,” said Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “This occasion provides us all the opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities, rights and benefits of living in this country and the high value our citizenship holds.”
“Manitoba is proud to be the place these families will now call home,” said Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick. “Our province continues to benefit from the many contributions of new Canadians who bring diversity and growth to our communities and economy.”
The minister presented a provincial welcome package to every new Canadian, which included information about Manitoba attractions, a unique Manitoba buffalo lapel pin and a commemorative photo. To reflect the diversity of their new home province, the ceremony featured entertainment by the Wolseley Choir, the Rising Sun Pow Wow Club from the Ma Mawi Chi Itata Centre and Thebahatizz, a vocal group of four sisters who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and were refugees in Uganda for 10 years before coming to Winnipeg in 2012.
Today’s ceremony was held at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police headquarters in Winnipeg.  Along with other special guests, two dozen RCMP attended in full uniform.
“The RCMP is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Canada. We are proud to represent our country and uphold its respected reputation,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of “D” Division. “It is a pleasure to be here today to welcome new Canadians to our community and our country.”
The citizens welcomed as Manitobans today came to Canada from Ethiopia, the United States of America, Chile, Philippines, Vietnam, Guatemala, Poland, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, England, El Salvador and Jordan.
In 2012, 13,391 newcomers arrived in Manitoba, one of the largest numbers on record.  About 71 per cent arrived through the Provincial Nominee Program. Manitoba’s newcomers have immigrated from over 150 countries, speak over 148 languages and are living in more than 120 communities throughout the province.
The province and the federal government have partnered to hold citizenship ceremonies commemorating Manitoba Day since 2010.

May 12, 2012

PREMIER INVITES MANITOBANS TO CELEBRATE THEIR PROVINCE ON MANITOBA DAY

Premier Greg Selinger is inviting  all Manitobans to celebrate Manitoba Day today, Saturday May 12, by enjoying some of the activities planned around the province and learning a little more about the province’s rich history.
“Whether it’s a trip to the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach, the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli or the big celebrations at the Manitoba Museum on Main Street in Winnipeg, we can all take in some of the great diversity that is Manitoba,” Selinger said.
“Manitoba Day is a time to think about all our founding peoples, from First Nations and Métis to the Lord Selkirk settlers and the determined women and men who successfully campaigned for Manitoba’s rightful place in Confederation.”
Manitoba Day was first celebrated in on May 12, 1986, in commemoration of the day the Manitoba Act received royal assent in 1870 and the day in 1966 when Manitoba adopted its present flag.
The premier also noted that this year is the 100th anniversary of the final expansion of Manitoba’s border north to the 60th parallel.
“Having our north under the control of all Manitobans makes it possible for our province to develop and protect the economic, social and environmental futures of northerners,” he said.
Details on Manitoba Day activities around the province are available at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/manitoba_day.html.

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