Amid 51st state threats, some Winnipeggers say Canada Day feels more important this year

As the city gears up for Canada Day celebrations on Tuesday, some Winnipeggers say they're feeling more patriotic this year due to frequent annexation threats coming from leadership in the United States. 

Kerry LeBlanc told CBC News on Monday that he's always been proud to be Canadian, but he's been even more vocal since Donald Trump's recurring 51st state jabs. 

"I think as we get attacked by the U.S., we need to really bond over our unity and unify our country over our flag," said LeBlanc, who was born and raised in Winnipeg. 

LeBlanc was at The Forks on Monday with his friend Brad McGregor, who was visiting from China. LeBlanc said he plans to show McGregor The Leaf in Assiniboine Park and the Interlake region while on a road trip up to Gimli, Man.

"This will be the first time I've ever spent Canada Day in Canada, and I'm very excited about it because people here are so patriotic and I'd like to experience some of that and join in," McGregor said. 

Some Winnipeggers told CBC News they like to spend the holiday relaxing with a cold drink while enjoying some time off. 

Keith Otto was at The Forks on Monday doing just that, having a drink with a group of friends on Monday. 

"I've definitely thought a lot more this year about what it means to be Canadian and I've been a lot more thankful that I am Canadian," Otto said.

The ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. were also front of mind for younger Canadians ahead of Tuesday's holiday.

"I think this year, more than ever, Canada Day is going to be super important," said Yaara Perlov. "I think Canada should really show its independence this year."

While Aelil Weinberg-Bauer said he likely won't go out to any of the events planned in the city tomorrow, he thinks Canada Day celebrations are important in 2025. 

"I think Canada Day is very important now, especially with what we're thinking as Canadians, because we should have independence. I think it's nice to celebrate Canada and what we have and to recognize how strong we are as Canadians," Weinberg-Bauer said. 

Cheryl James said her family will be honouring their Indigenous culture and traditional ceremonies on Tuesday. 

"It's a colonial holiday. It's not something that I recognize. What we're doing is we're reclaiming our traditional practices," James said, adding she will be spending the day at home with her family. 

"I'm honouring our past and our history, and the strength that we have as people," she said.

James said she was happy to see programming and installations at The Forks honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The "Many Nations, One Heartbeat" celebration began June 21 and runs through Tuesday, with 11 days of programming highlighting different treaty regions in Manitoba, with Elders sharing language and land-based teachings from their nations.

Busy day expected at The Forks

Tineke Buiskool-Leeuwma, marketing and communications adviser with The Forks, says the area is expected to be packed on Tuesday as the historic site as it bridges its Indigenous Peoples Day programming with its Canada Day plans. 

"We're expecting a busy day. Canada Day is always a big day here at The Forks. It's been the meeting place for over 6,000 years so people tend to flock here on July 1,"  Buiskool-Leeuwma said.

The Forks will be hosting free family-friendly events from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. CT.

Buiskool-Leeuwma said there will be a skateboard demonstration, an all-day basketball tournament that will include the Winnipeg Sea Bears in the afternoon, animal exhibits with FortWhyte Alive, dancing and music performances, and a handmade market, among other activities.

"People can expect entertainment all day long," Buiskool-Leeuwma said.

Buiskool-Leeuwma is asking that Winnipeggers leave their cars at home if they plan to head to The Forks on Tuesday. 

The full program for Canada Day celebrations is available on The Forks' website.