Madam Speaker, this weekend Brandon will celebrate the ninth annual Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival. This festival is a multicultural celebration of all that the great constituency of Brandon—Souris has to offer. The cultures represented at the festival this year include Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, English, first nations, French Canadian, German, Irish, Métis, Scottish and Ukrainian and for the first time the festival will feature pavilions for Mauritius and the U.S.A.
Last year, 60,000 visitors attended Winterfest and the organizing committee is expecting even more this year.
I want to congratulate the committee and the many volunteers who make it such an outstanding event. I wish to recognize the executive of this year's festival: Esther Bryan, Hope Roberts, Nick Vandale, Charlotte Tosch, Dorothy McHarg, Walter Gibbons and Elaine Arvisais. Without these dedicated individuals and many other volunteers, this event would not be possible.
Brandon—Souris is well-known for its hospitality and amazing community spirit. Our government is proud to support the Winterfest. I invite all Canadians to hop on a plane, train or automobile to come to Brandon for Winterfest.