Manitoba’s annual tradition canceled amid security concerns – Winnipeg
The Manitoba Legislature has canceled two long-running events that allow the public near-free access to historic buildings during the holiday season, partly due to security concerns, this year.
The cancellation is the latest sign of heightened security and fears over the safety of politicians, visitors and staff inside the tight-knit building.
At the annual Congressional Open House, usually held on a weekend in early or mid-December, people are free to roam the building, meet politicians, and enjoy snacks and musical entertainment.
Not this year.
A state civil service chief said safety concerns and construction on the east side of the building, which blocked part of the road, were factors. And there is no guarantee that this event will be held again next year.
Executive Council secretary Don Leach said in a written statement on Thursday that “large-scale construction on property and security issues will result in potentially thousands of visitors to the building in a short period of time.” Management raised safety concerns.
“The schedule for next year’s event will be reviewed and a decision will be made at the appropriate time.”
The event has been put on hold for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. These restrictions were removed earlier this year.
A New Year’s Day embankment hosted by the lieutenant governor on Jan. 1 was also canceled this winter for similar reasons, another government official said.
The congressional grounds saw a series of long-running protests. Last winter there was a lorry blockade at the main driveway entrance to protest COVID-19 restrictions. On the grounds he also had two encampments. One corresponds to the discovery of a possible unmarked grave at a boarding school demolished by police in October.
Even before the encampment and blockade, security within the building had been tightened, with some doorways closed.
READ MORE: Manitoba Legislative Building Encampment Dismantled
Public figures from opposition NDP leader Wab Kinnew to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Ruthin say they have been threatened.
Progressive Conservative MP Shannon Martin has seen a shift in tone since being first elected in 2014.
“Unfortunately, the level of political discourse in Manitoba has deteriorated in recent years, both inside and outside Congress,” he said.
“Decisions regarding legislative building security are non-partisan and independent of government policy decisions. I have complete confidence in and trust in the work of the legislative building security staff.”
© 2022 The Canadian Press
Manitoba’s annual tradition canceled amid security concerns – Winnipeg
Source link Manitoba’s annual tradition canceled amid security concerns – Winnipeg
