Christmas sweater-clad premier invites Manitobans to festive-season open house

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/11/2023 (731 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba lawmakers are throwing open their office doors for a renewed holiday celebration.

Premier Wab Kinew announced the return of the the Manitoba Legislative Building annual open house on Thursday.

“Come one, come all. Wear your Christmas sweaters, bring your holiday cheer, celebrate with us in a non-denominational, festive holiday spirit,” Kinew said, sporting a red sweater with a Tyrannosaurus rex dressed as a Christmas tree embroidered on the front.

Members of the NDP caucus also sported their best ugly Christmas sweaters — a Winnipeg Blue Bombers-themed jumper and poinsettia-emblazoned vest were in the mix — and glittery holiday attire to make the announcement in the building’s rotunda.

The public is invited to 450 Broadway on Sat. Dec. 2 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for free, holiday programming and meet-and-greets with MLAs.

The annual tradition went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When gatherings were once again permitted, the former Progressive Conservative government chose not to restore the event, citing security concerns and ongoing construction around the legislature.

The last iteration of the open house in December 2019 coincided with Manitoba 150 celebrations, which included snow-tube races, light displays and food trucks on the legislature grounds.

Kinew said building access and security will be balanced during the event. Visitors will be screened at the front entrance but identification will not be required to get through the doors.

“We live in a free society and we live in a democracy, and people deserve to have access to the seat of your democracy, which is this building,” Kinew said, adding everyone is welcome.

“We are lucky in Manitoba to have such a beautiful legislature and it would be a shame for me if this building were to be closed off from the people who have the right to vote to send us here to work.”

The premier said Manitobans will have the opportunity to mingle with MLAs, watch performances from school choirs and enjoy some festive treats.

MLAs may even sing some carols, he said.

“It’s been a tough few years,” he said. “We haven’t always been able to get together again, but I know there’s a ton of optimism in Manitoba these days.”

Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items in support of the Christmas Cheer Board.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca