The 'father of Manitoba' led the Northwest Rebellion in 1885
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Winnipeg (27 Sept. 2007) - Manitobans will get a new holiday as promised by the NDP government of Premier Gary Doer on the third Monday of February.
But rather than being Family Day, as the holiday is called in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and as is proposed in Ontario, the occasion will be known in Manitoba as Louis Riel Day.
Riel was a key figure in the founding of Manitoba and is often referred to as the father of the province. Arguably the most controversial figure in provincial history, he was born in Red River Settlement in 1844, educated in Montreal, and set up a provisional government in 1885. He was hanged for treason on Nov. 16, 1885, following the North-West Rebellion.
The name for the holiday was chosen by a panel of students who considered proposals submitted by peers at 114 schools. The final recommendation was made by the MB4Youth Advisory Council and accepted by Labour Minister Nancy Allan. She formally introduced a bill Tuesday in the legislature to create the holiday, starting in 2008. The legislation is expected to pass quickly.
Allan says the additional holiday will give Manitobans time to spend with family and friends, and pay tribute to the Métis hero. Stores will be required to follow Sunday shopping hours on the holiday, meaning most outlets will only be able to open between noon and 6 p.m.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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