Manitobans gathered at the Legislative Building on Sunday, April 6 to attend a “Rally for Canada,” standing against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and calls for Canada to become the 51st state.
The event was scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and was previously announced by Premier Wab Kinew on March 28.
Manitobans came together in the near 0 C weather, decked out in red and white, to sing “O Canada,” listen to speeches from the steps of the Legislative building and enjoy several performances. The event also included ball hockey, bouncy castles and food trucks on-site.
The national anthem was led by a trio composed of Ukrainian-Manitoban brothers, according to event emcee Ace Burpee, followed by remarks from Manitoba’s Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville.
“Welcome to what is really an outpouring of love for our country and for its values,” stated Neville.
“Today the message is that we love our country, we will defend Canada’s independence, Canada’s values and Canada’s prosperity. In such times, coming together to support each other and to cooperate together is more important than ever.”
“When the challenges are behind us, the Canada that emerges from this period will be even better and more worthy of our patriot love,” she said. “Thank you for standing on guard for Canada.”
Manitoba’s Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville (right) addressed the crowd on Sunday. Photo by Nischal Karki
‘We will always be the true North strong and free,’ says Premier
Kinew told the crowd that there was a simple message to the event, stating that “we love Canada.”
“We will always be the true North strong and free and we will never be the 51st state,” said Kinew, standing next to Members of the Legislative Assembly from all political parties.
“We all stand together to defend the best country, the country that we love so much, Canada.”
Kinew stated that following the U.S. presidential election, he has been visiting schools in the province and has been questioned by elementary students on whether Canada will be taken over and become a different country.
“And what I tell them, the same thing that you’re here to tell them, ‘No way.’ No country will ever take over Canada,” he said.
Premier Wab Kinew spoke in front of the Legislative Building alongside Members of the Legislative Assembly. Photo by Nischal Karki
“Canada is a country that we should all be proud of. Canada is a country that respects human rights. Canada is a country that has overcome a lot and that has stood for democracy here and around the world.”
Kinew acknowledged that “Canada isn’t always perfect,” but added that “the fact that somebody like me, people like us have opportunity to make our lives what we want them to be, that’s what makes Canada so special.”
He encouraged the crowd to buy Canadian-made products and support cultural communities in Manitoba.
“Together, we will keep this land glorious and free,” said Kinew.
Performances included the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra playing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and other songs, fiddler Morgan Grace, Pow Wow singing group Spirit Sands Singers and musician Fred Penner.
Spirit Sands Singers, a Pow Wow singing group originally from Swan Lake First Nations, was amongst the performers at the rally. Photo by Nischal Karki
Nadia Thompson and Rhonda Thompson, both members with Black History Manitoba, also performed in front of the Legislative Building — singing a version of “A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, amongst others.
“Jamaica loves Canada,” stated Rhonda Thompson, who said that she just returned from Jamaica and saw Canada flags along the highway during her trip.
She described the event as “Canada Day 2.0,” stating, “I think we should do this all the time. Have a Canada Day […] at the beginning of spring.”
A crowd gathered on the lawn of the Legislative Building in the near 0 C conditions. Photo by Zulkifl Rafah
Sportscaster Scott Oake addressed the crowd noting that Canada “is not just a name, it is our home, it is our values and it is our shared identity.”
“In Canada, we stand together through thick and thin. I know something about teamwork because I’ve covered it in all manner of sports for 50 years now and Canada is all about teamwork. We fight for what’s right. We never back down from the challenge,” said Oake.
“Let’s keep showing the rest of the world what Canada is all about.”
