GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND MANITOBA CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE BY SUPPORTING ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR

Media Release March 27, 2024

BRANDON—The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing financial support to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon, one of Manitoba’s key cultural events, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced here today.

Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $20,000 to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba for a one-year sponsorship of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. The sponsorship supports agriculture as the backbone of the provincial economy as a leader in innovation, research and job creation.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon is organized by the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. It is one of Canada’s largest agricultural events, showcasing the Manitoba Cup, livestock shows and sales, more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits, the Royal Farmyard and more.

The Manitoba Cup Equestrian Event is Manitoba’s premier horse jumping event, featuring competitors from Canada and the United States. In addition to show horse jumping, yesterday’s event included hackney and heavy horse events.

Quotes

“The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is an annual tradition for folks in Manitoba and beyond. This event gives students and young people a hands-on agricultural experience and celebrates the vitally important contributions that our producers make to our rural communities and the economy.” – Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay

“Our government is pleased to support the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair’s Manitoba Cup Equestrian Event and participate in a week that features Manitoba’s thriving agricultural sector and brings Manitobans together to enjoy a fun-filled event. The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has a rich history in Manitoba and showcases agriculture in our province through education, awareness and community pride.” – Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn

Quick Facts

  • The winter fair was first held in March 1906 to promote the sale of livestock and to encourage improvement in the breeding lines and care of animals. Granted patronage during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970, the event became the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. 
  • The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.