Maple leafs deck out Manitoba's legislature for a celebration of Canadian pride
'We will always be the true north, strong and free': Premier Wab Kinew
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 declaring that Canada will never become the 51st state.
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 after Premier Wab Kinew spoke with fellow premiers over U.S. tariffs.
"I know full well that Canada isn't always perfect but the fact that somebody like me, people like us have the opportunity to make our lives what we want them to be … that's what makes Canada worth fighting for," Kinew told the crowd on Sunday.
"We will always be the true north, strong and free," he said, standing in front of a group of MLAs, including interim PC leader Wayne Ewasko.
"There's no party stripes here, it is all about the maple leaf," Kinew added.
The event comes amid a surge in Canadian pride, stirred in the wake of annexation threats and the ongoing trade war with the U.S.
At the rally 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.
"Coming together to support each other … is more important than ever," Neville said. "When the challenges are behind us, the Canada that emerges from this period will be … even more worthy of our patriot love."
For Sandy Cook, participating at Sunday's event was about sending a message to the U.S. that Canada is "not for sale."
"It is very disrespectful to have brought that up," she said. "We are here in solidarity, we are unified ... we are not going to lay down, we will fight back."
Part of the reasons behind Sunday's event, Kinew said, were Manitoba's children, who in recent weeks have asked him if Canada will become part of a different country.
"What I'm here to tell them is the same thing you're here to tell them — No way," Kinew said.
Parents attending the event with their children told CBC the threats of annexation and the importance of showcasing Canadian pride have become part of their conversations.
"This is their future ... [I'm] making sure they can appreciate what we have as Canadians and how important it is what you need to do to protect your rights," said Reg Gamblin, who came to the event with his two 11-year-old sons.
That message of unity is also resonating with some of the crowd's youngest members.
"We don't want to change, we like it here, we can improve, but we don't want to be the United States," 11-year-old Charlie Roberts said.
WATCH | Hundreds rally for Canada outside Manitoba Legislative Building:
With files from Gavin Axelrod