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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7034620.1726094643!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
What passengers need to know about their rights ahead of a potential Air Canada pilots strike
While Air Canada has shared advice for travellers ahead of a possible pilots strike, an airline passenger rights advocate has more tips for Canadians who may be affected.
Consul general to New York to answer questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark will testify on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
Taylor Swift wins big at MTV Video Music Awards, ties Beyonce's record and thanks Travis Kelce
Taylor Swift's dominance continued at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she took home seven awards — including the night's biggest, the trophy for video of the year.
'Buy nothing': PSAC wants federal workers to boycott downtown Ottawa businesses
A union representing federal employees is asking its members to bring their own lunch to work, in an apparent retaliation against downtown Ottawa businesses as new return-to-office protocols begin.
'Spot, squish, report': Officials urging vigilance as destructive species heads north
They have a propensity to proliferate and a fondness for grapes, and while the distinctive red and white-spotted lanternfly may look beautiful, officials are urging vigilance as the invasive species tracks north.
Actions speak louder: What experts are saying about the body language in the U.S. presidential debate
The highly anticipated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was a heated matchup. Here's what experts who analyzed the exchange had to say.
Austria carries out raids against 72 alleged Islamic extremists ahead of 9/11 anniversary
Austrian security forces carried out raids against 72 alleged Islamic extremists this week ahead of the 23th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the United States, citing the potential for copycat violence on the date of the plane hijackings that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Jon Bon Jovi helps talk woman down from ledge on Nashville bridge
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi and a video production assistant persuaded a woman standing on the ledge of a pedestrian bridge in Nashville to come back over the railing to safety.
Inside a Manitoba ghost town, a group of ladies works to keep it alive
Abandoned homes line the streets of Lauder, a town that's now a ghost of what it once was. Yet inside, a small community is thriving.