June 1, 2014
Premier Selinger Leads Manitoba Delegation to France to Mark 70th Anniversary of D-Day
Premier Selinger leads a delegation of nearly 90 Manitobans, including five Manitoba veterans who fought at Juno Beach, to France this week for the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The D-Day ceremonies will be marked by veterans and dignitaries from around the world on June 6at Juno Beach.
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to attend the D-Day commemoration with Manitobans who were there fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Premier Selinger. “Seventy years later it is as important as ever to remember those who lost their lives and those who fought so bravely. It is an important part of our identity as Manitobans and as Canadians.”
The premier will be attending a number of events in Normandy to honour and remember those who fought and those who died in the Second World War including ceremonies with Manitoba veterans and an international commemoration ceremony with world leaders including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth.
The province has organized a private sponsorship effort to defray the costs of Manitoba veterans’ travel and events hosted by Manitoba in honour of our veterans, the premier said, adding those sponsors who have generously donated include Magellen Aerospace, James Richardson & Sons Ltd., Albert El Tassi, Canad Inns, and the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre.
The premier said that in addition to the D-Day commemoration ceremonies, there is a significant economic component to the mission, which will build on an agreement signed in 2012 with the Lower Normandy region in northwest Franceto strengthen economic, cultural and educational ties. The Manitoba delegation will include representatives of Manitoba’s business, academic and arts communities including Omnitrax, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the Université de Saint-Boniface, Red River College, the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Arts Council.
The premier will be speaking to the Chamber of Commerce France-Canada to promote Manitoba as a destination for business development, tourism and educational and research opportunities.
“There are tremendous opportunities for Manitoba internationally, both in terms of exporting all that we have to offer and attracting new businesses and investment to our province,” said Premier Selinger. “The advantages Manitoba has - our central location in North America, low-cost green electricity, excellent tax credits for research and development and our highly skilled work force - mean businesses around the world are taking notice.”
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