Celebrating Canada Day in Winnipeg South

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This article was published 03/08/2022 (300 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After two years of virtual celebrations for Canada Day during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitobans were excited to gather in-person again for neighbourhood parties, backyard barbecues, and fireworks shows.

This July 1 was also a day of reflection, in recognition of some of the dark colonial history of our country, and the hard work ahead for reconciliation with First Nations. Inuit and Métis peoples.

Despite the important conversations we will continue to have about the meaning of Canada Day, it is still a day of celebration for many people who want to express their love of country and enjoy a summer holiday with friends and family.

In my home riding of Winnipeg South, there was a wonderful array of Canada Day events throughout the community. Thousands of our neighbours came out to enjoy a beautiful Manitoba summer day.

I was lucky enough to attend celebrations in Bridgwater Lakes, St. Norbert Farmer’s Market, St. Vital Park, Burland Park, Kirkbridge Park, Jinnah Park, and more. I was excited to see friendly faces and meet new and long-time constituents at every stop.

The event held at Bridgwater Lakes was hosted by the Winnipeg Chinese Seniors Association and was a highlight for many. Hundreds of families showed up to enjoy the festivities, which included bouncy castles, face painting, a petting zoo, a dragon dance, and a barbecue.

The Bridgwater festival also featured a drumming event, at which participants joined other communities across Canada in a virtual drum line. We broke the Guinness world record for “most people performing in a drum line online simultaneously.”

Seeing so many of our neighbourhoods rally together to celebrate Canada Day was an inspiration after two long and confining years of necessary health restrictions. It shows that Manitobans are resilient as we cautiously move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, and that our community spirit is as strong as ever.

Terry Duguid
Winnipeg South constituency report

Terry Duguid is the Liberal MP for Winnipeg South.

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