Manitoba hosts 'Rally for Canada' Sunday to celebrate national pride
Hundreds of Manitobans came together to celebrate what it means to be Canadian in a show of solidarity against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats of annexation.
The Manitoba government hosted the event on the Manitoba Legislative grounds Sunday afternoon, where ball hockey, burgers and Fred Penner were on the menu, served with a side of pride.
People came dressed in red and white, some with maple leafs painted on their faces, carrying signs with messages indicating that Canada will never become the 51st state.
The crowd sang "O Canada" together, before opening remarks were made by Lt.-Gov Anita Neville, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra launched into Canadian classics, like Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.
"It is all about celebrating the true north, strong and free in this country that we love so much," Premier Wab Kinew said in a social media post promoting the event on Saturday afternoon.
Dubbed the "Rally for Canada" and slated to go from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., the event was first announced by the province on March 28 as an opportunity to celebrate Manitoba while sending a message that Canada won't become the U.S. 51st state.
It came following a call with fellow premiers over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Food trucks, face paint, bouncy castles and street hockey were included as part of the family-friendly, free event, Kinew said.
Musical performances from children's entertainer Fred Penner, Métis fiddler Morgan Grace and Winnipeg's Mama Cutsworth are planned for the rally.
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Winnipeg Free Press
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Globe and Mail
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Globe and Mail
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