Hundreds of Manitobans gathered at the Legislative Building in Winnipeg on Sunday to celebrate Canadian unity and protest President Donald Trump’s tariffs and recent annexation threats, during a Manitoba government-organized “Rally for Canada.”
The event, featuring ball hockey, burgers, and performances by musician Fred Penner and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, drew crowds wearing red and white, many people waving signs saying, “Canada will never be the 51st state.”
Premier Wab Kinew, who announced the rally after talks with other premiers about US trade disputes, emphasized national pride.
“Canada isn’t perfect, but we have the freedom to build our lives here. That’s worth fighting for,” Kinew told the crowd.
“There’s no party stripes here. It’s all about the maple leaf,” said interim PC leader Wayne Ewasko.
The gathering opened with the singing of “O Canada” and remarks from Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville, who called unity “more important than ever.”
Attendees cheered Canadian classics like Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah while children played games.
Kinew said the event also addressed worries among Manitoba’s youth, who recently asked if Canada could be absorbed by another country.
“We’re here to tell them: No way,” said Kinew.
The rally echoed rising Canadian pride amid ongoing US trade tensions and renewed commitment to sovereignty.
As Neville said, “The Canada that emerges from this challenge will be even stronger.”