The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M., the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, invited the Manitoba Branch UELAC to a private reception in our honour at Government House on September 19, 2017. It was hosted by Her Honour, in recognition of our ancestors’ contribution to the development of our great country, and of the 85th anniversary of our branch.

At Government House, we were warmly welcomed by the Lieutenant Governor, who spoke with praise of our Loyalist ancestors. Following President Robert Campbell’s address, Margaret Carter and Wendy Hart presented Her Honour with several gifts: a novel With Nothing But Our Courage - The Loyalist Diary of Mary MacDonald, the Teachers’ Resource Book (prepared under the leadership of our own Margaret Carter), and our Loyalist Rose note cards. Margaret also presented Her Honour with a silk Loyalist Rose corsage, which she wore proudly for the rest of the evening. Our new branch banner was impressively on display beside the stage. Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, the Hon. Cathy Cox, Dominion President Barb Andrew, Assiniboine Branch President James Adair and Prairie Regional Director Gerry Adair joined us at Government House.

The food, refreshments, and warm camaraderie were all first class. It felt like a rebirth – an enthusiastic, strong beginning as we embark on the journey with our fellow Canadians into the next 150 years.