Some Manitoba New Democrats push for new provincial flag, saying old one outdated
By: Steve Lambert, THE CANADIAN PRESS
WINNIPEG - Some grassroots members of Manitoba's governing New Democrats want the province to adopt a new flag, saying the current one, as well as that of Ontario, is an archaic symbol of British rule.
Manitoba's flag "is outdated and a relic from the days of our former British colonial heritage", reads a resolution by the NDP's Riel constituency association in south Winnipeg. The resolution is on the agenda of the provincial party's annual convention next month.
"Manitoba's flag is often confused with Ontario's flag, with the only difference being a bison ... instead of three maple leaves."
Both provinces' flags are similar to the Red Ensign that Canada used as a national flag prior to adopting the maple leaf design in 1965.
There is a red background, a Union Jack in the upper left corner, and a provincial symbol toward the bottom right corner. The Manitoba symbol contains a bison. Ontario's features a clutch of maple leaves.
It's not the first time Manitoba and Ontario have been accused of needing a pennant makeover.
In 2001, a U.S.-based volunteer group of flag enthusiasts called the North American Vexillological Association ranked the flags of 72 states, provinces, territories and districts. Ontario and Manitoba placed 43rd and 44th respectively.
The group criticized flags that were not distinctive, and praised those with simple, bold designs such as Quebec's Fleur-de-lis, which ranked third on the continent behind Texas and New Mexico.
The Riel constituency association is proposing the government hold a provincewide public contest to develop a more modern flag.
But any change is likely to be an uphill battle.
Manitoba's opposition Progressive Conservatives say the current flag is an important symbol of the province's roots.
"I think it is good as is," Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen said.
"It reflects some important aspects of Manitoba's history. Certainly many of our traditions came here as a result of the British democratic parliamentary system. There's also a reflection with the bison in the flag of the important role that ... Manitoba's natural wildlife played with our First Nations and Metis people."
Premier Gary Doer did not comment. A spokesman for the premier's office says Doer attends conventions to listen to debates and "not prejudge what (the) convention may or may not pass."
The proposal to change the flag will have to battle for time and attention at the NDP convention.
With limited time set aside each year to debate some 200 or more resolutions, most issues never come to a vote. A similar flag proposal withered away on the convention agenda last year, as party members prioritized economic, social and labour issues.
And even if the party approves a call for a new flag, the demand is not binding on the government. Doer has rejected convention decisions in the past, including a call for the province to ban companies from hiring replacement workers during strikes.
Among the other resolutions this year is a call to encourage drivers to use snow tires in winter through either a subsidy or legislation.
Another constituency group wants the province to develop a "repopulation" plan for rural areas.
There are also proposals to make labour history a mandatory part of the high school curriculum, to establish a recycling program for beverage containers, and to allow free admission to provincial parks every weekend.
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