Government House rolls out red carpet for public

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This article was published 30/12/2022 (1251 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The “people’s house” isn’t open to the public, and there’s no New Year’s Levee this year, but the lieutenant-governor will soon roll out the welcome mat for Manitobans who sign up to attend “evenings at Government House.”

Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville invites Manitobans, especially those who’ve never visited Government House, to attend the first of a series of free public events.

“We don’t want Government House to be seen as a place where only certain people get invited or ‘you have to know this person,’” said the vice-regal’s private secretary, Kate Gameiro.

The first event is set for Jan. 11; guest speaker Dayna Spiring, the president and chief executive officer of Economic Development Winnipeg, will share her story.

“This is one way to provide an opportunity for any Manitoban that wants to come and learn something from an inspiring or outstanding Manitoban and get to meet the lieutenant-governor and see what Government House is all about,” Gameiro said Friday.

The official residence of the King’s representative in Manitoba is located next door to the legislature and faces Kennedy Street. Most of the events held at the lieutenant-governor’s mansion are by invitation only, said Gameiro.

While the public is invited to attend the evening speaker series at Government House, they must register by phone ahead of time and security protocols are in place, she said.

“We collect full information on everyone,” said Gameiro, noting the vice-regal’s security detail “do whatever they need to do to ensure the safety of the lieutenant-governor and staff and any guests.” They can welcome up to 120 guests at the evening events, she said. “Everyone is checked off when they come in. Security staffs events accordingly, and we follow their lead.”

It’s nothing like the New Year’s Levee in which the doors of the Manitoba Legislative Building were open to the public, she said. “It’s very different,” said Gameiro.

Manitoba’s first New Year’s Levee took place in 1871.

The last levee was held prior to the global pandemic. The Jan. 1, 2020, levee was hosted by Janice Filmon, who was lieutenant governor at the time. Choirs sang, the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band played and members of the Manitoba Living History Society and the United Empire Loyalist Association attended in heritage costume. Free sleigh rides were offered on the grounds of the legislature and kids were treated to face-painting and entertainment from a clown.

“We had anywhere from 1,000 t0 1,200 people just walk in,” Gameiro recalled. “They were free to roam the buildings. They had free access to the lieutenant governor,” she said.

Times have changed.

Although Manitoba removed pandemic public health restrictions on March 15, access to the legislative building and its driveway remain restricted because of security concerns and construction on the grounds.

Government House guests who attend the speakers series won’t be allowed to have large bags or backpacks, and may reserve a maximum of two seats per registration.

At the inaugural event, Spiring will talk about her experiences, her passion for Winnipeg and share some of the opportunities she sees for other women to make a mark on their community, a news release said.

To register call 204-945-2753. Gameiro couldn’t specify who is on the list of speakers after Spiring. She said that information will be included in news releases to announce the events two weeks ahead of time.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca