WINNIPEG, MB – On Wednesday July 15, Manitobans will be celebrating 150 years as the fifth province to join Confederation. The Manitoba Metis Federation has planned this celebratory display.
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 Canadian Confederation as its fifth province.
"The Manitoba Metis Government is inviting all Manitobans to take a few moments to escape from the difficult times caused by COVID-19 and witness history," stated MMF President David Chartrand. "Never before has there been a simultaneous firework display province-wide."
The fireworks display will take place simultaneously across the province on Wednesday, July 15 at 10:45 p.m. in Winnipeg, West St. Paul, The Pas, Cranberry Portage, Dauphin, Duck Bay, St. Laurent, Grand Marais, Portage La Prairie, Wabowden, as well as many other communities throughout Manitoba, all the way up to Churchill.
"The Metis, led by Louis Riel and the Provisional Government, negotiated Manitoba’s entry into Confederation and Canada’s entry into the North-West," emphasized President Chartrand. "We want to ensure that our celebration brings together Manitobans of all backgrounds so we can celebrate the shared history of our beautiful province we are fortunate enough to call home and do so together."
To comply with COVID-19 safety regulations the event will be live streamed on mmf.mb.ca and metisnation.ca. and can be viewed online; or where possible, people can view the fireworks from the safety of their backyards, homes, or vehicles.
"We regret that the display has to be late on a weekday, but fireworks burn brightest at night and we found it of the utmost importance that this celebration take place on the anniversary of such a historic date," concluded President Chartrand. "We hope that the timing does not discourage elders or children from enjoying the event and if it does, the live stream will remain available on our website after the event so it can be enjoyed at any time."
