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Manitoba Day Celebrated with Citizenship Ceremony in Portage la Prairie

Beginning a new life in Manitoba will be the focus of Manitoba Day celebrations on Thursday in Portage la Prairie when Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino welcomes 25 new citizens at a spring citizenship court ceremony.

“On May 12, 1870, the Manitoba Act received royal assent, officially acknowledging our province as part of Canada,” said Marcelino.  “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Manitoba’s 141^st birthday than by welcoming our province’s newest citizens.  Manitoba Day is a great time to welcome newcomers to our beautiful province.”

The minister noted Manitoba’s newest citizens make considerable economic and social contributions to the province’s growing multicultural and multilingual communities.

“Today’s new Canadians reflect the diversity of Manitoba itself, a quality we proudly cherish.  We are a vibrant blend of many heritages with more than 100 languages spoken across the province,” said Marcelino.  “We actively encourage all new Manitobans to maintain and share the culture of their homelands.”

All Manitobans are encouraged to join in Manitoba Day events and help celebrate the province’s heritage, the minister said.  Manitoba’s cultural diversity is showcased in the signature museums, provincial heritage organizations, and community museums and heritage organizations located throughout the province.

The minister noted Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and Travel Manitoba will mark Manitoba’s 141^st birthday by hosting a series of events at The Forks.

“The Forks is one of Manitoba’s top attractions and as a gathering place going back thousands of years.  It is a fitting place to celebrate our province’s birthday,” said Marcelino.  “On May 12, we celebrate not only the day that Manitoba became a Canadian province, but all that is great in Manitoba.”

Events at The Forks will include a pancake breakfast with all proceeds going to Winnipeg Harvest and Hunger for Hope.  There will be live entertainment and birthday cake.  The birthday celebrations will continue at the Winnipeg Goldeyes game in the evening and will conclude with a fireworks display.  In honour of Manitoba’s birthday, visitors to The Forks will also be asked to share their favourite Manitoba experience for an online video promotion.

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