The province is recognizing the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the provincial flag with an exhibit in the Manitoba legislative building. This announcement was made by Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires.
“Every day, in communities all across Manitoba, our flag instills pride in our citizens and reminds us of our shared appreciation for the place that we are so proud to call home,” said Squires. “The proclamation of this iconic flag took place 50 years ago this month, preserving our heritage and establishing an enduring symbol of our provincial identity.”
Manitoba’s flag was redesigned at the time the federal government was in the process of replacing the Union Jack with the maple leaf design. The flag’s design was unveiled in May 1965, 95 years after Manitoba became the first province to join the original four in Confederation.
Because the new design included the Royal Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack), it required the Queen’s approval. Royal assent was received in October 1965 and the flag was officially proclaimed on May 12, 1966.
The new Manitoba flag was raised that day in 2,000 separate ceremonies across the province. More than 2,100 large flags and 130,000 hand flags were distributed to schools. A current display located in the Rotunda of the Manitoba legislative building includes original flags from 50 years ago that were given to the Brant-Argyle School in the Interlake. This display can be viewed until June 7, 2016.
“I invite all Manitobans to reflect on this golden anniversary of the proclamation of our provincial flag and take particular pride in all it represents,” said Squires.
