New survey finds Manitobans are split on changing province's flag
There is a polarizing debate among Manitobans when it comes to our provincial flag. Probe Research wanted to know if we should replace the flag which contains a Union Jack and a bison.
The results of a survey showed almost a complete split.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
"I think a new flag would give the province more of a sense of sovereignty," one person told CTV News.
"I think the Manitoba flag is fine the way it is," another person said.
The results showed 49 per cent are in favour of something new, while 51 per cent say the current flag is fine.
Of those who want change, only 16 per cent are strongly in favour, while 27 per cent of those against are strongly opposed to a change.
"It tells me that a lot of people would be potentially in favour of a new flag, but they don't really have strong feelings about it. Whereas, those who are opposed are more likely to have strong feelings against making that change," said Curtis Brown with Probe Research.
A statement from Manitoba's Heritage Minister suggests the current flag is here to stay, at least for now.
"While we have no plans to redesign the flag, we'll keep listening to Manitobans on this and other issues," said Glen Simard in the statement.
But there are those who say our flag doesn't stand out, that it's too similar to the one in Ontario.
"With our flag, with its roots with the British Red Ensign and the Commonwealth, we don't have that uniqueness. It's actually used as an example of a bad flag design," said Mathew Hobson, a sales associate at The Flag Shop.
Hobson said he'd like to see what ideas people could come up with for a new design.
"With the bison or another provincial icon as the central focus," he said.
One person CTV News Winnipeg spoke with suggested there should be a design contest.
The survey showed there is more support for change from people in Winnipeg, younger Manitobans and Indigenous residents. On the flip side, older people and rural Manitobans lean towards keeping the flag intact.
Probe Research surveyed 800 adults in Manitoba from Aug. 1 to 9.
The survey had a margin of error of ± 3.46 percentage points.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Your body, my choice': Attacks on women surge on social media following U.S. election
Sexist and abusive attacks on women, like 'your body, my choice' and 'get back to the kitchen,' have surged across social media since Trump’s reelection.
Northern Ontario teen recovering in hospital after being attacked; ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.
Trump expected to name Marco Rubio secretary of state, reports say
Donald Trump selected U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to be his secretary of state, sources said on Monday, putting Rubio on track to be the first Latino to serve as America's top diplomat.
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
23andMe cuts 40 per cent of its workforce, discontinues all therapy programs
Genetic testing firm 23andMe said on Monday it is reducing about 40 per cent, or 200 employees, from its workforce and discontinuing all its therapies.
Dr. Ronald Weiss, Ottawa's 'Wayne Gretzky' of vasectomies, dies
Dr. Ronald Weiss, who performed nearly 60,000 vasectomies on Ottawa men, establishing him as the "Wayne Gretzky" of the procedure, has died.
Megan Fox is expecting a baby with Machine Gun Kelly
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting to grow their family. Fox announced her pregnancy in a social media post Monday.
Montreal man facing first-degree murder in woman's death; accused was on bail after allegedly threatening her
A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats against his partner is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.
Kitchener, Ont. teen facing 29 charges after serious threats made against schools, businesses and people
A 15-year-old boy from Kitchener, Ont. is facing a long list of criminal charges as the Waterloo Regional Police Service wraps up a lengthy swatting investigation.