Those travelling on the stretch of Highway 10 from the US border to Riding Mountain National Park will notice some new signage along the way.

On Monday, the 195 kilometre stretch was officially unveiled as John Bracken Highway, in honour of the province's longest-serving premier.

“We are pleased to establish the John Bracken Highway through the fertile southwest agricultural land of Manitoba north to the rolling hills near Riding Mountain,” said current Premier Brian Pallister.  “We congratulate his family and join with them in celebrating the memory of a man dedicated to family and to the people he served.”

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John Bracken served as premier from 1922 to 1943Bracken served as premier from 1922 to 1943. He represented The Pas in the Manitoba Legislature. In 1943, Bracken became the leader of the federal Conservative Party before stepping down in 1948. He is known for having the word ”Progressive” added to the party name.

“John Bracken entered politics at a challenging time for our province,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen, who spoke at the event today in Brandon on behalf of the premier.  “His tenure as premier of Manitoba is impressive in its span and truly remarkable in its accomplishments in weathering the economic climate of the time.”

An unveiling ceremony was held Monday at Brandon's Riverbank Discovery Centre in front of family of friends.

“This is a tremendous honour to have bestowed on the Bracken name, a lasting tribute to our father and grandfather,” said Michael Bracken, grandson of the former premier.  “He was a leader in many ways as the head of our family, a politician and an educator.”

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Family gathered at Brandon's Riverbank Discovery Centre on Monday to watch the unveiling