The bison is about to have company as Manitoba’s official emblem.
Premier Kelvin Goertzen announced Friday that his government has introduced legislation to add the polar bear as an official emblem of Manitoba.
“Northern Manitoba is known internationally for its polar bears,” said Goertzen.
“Tourists come from around the globe to see and learn about these majestic animals in their natural habitat in Churchill.
“Recognizing the polar bear as an official symbol of Manitoba would help build on our province’s brand as the polar bear capital of the world.”
The first mammal to be made an official Manitoba emblem, the plains bison, received that designation in 2014. Other animals recognized by the province include the great grey owl, pickerel and the mosasaur — a marine dinosaur whose bones were discovered near Morden in the 1970s.
“It’s wonderful to have the government recognize these beautiful — and threatened — animals,” said Ron Thiessen of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).
“We hope they will prioritize the need to secure polar bear habitat. Revitalizing the stalled process to create a polar bear provincial park as well as supporting regional Indigenous communities in their efforts to establish northern protected areas are excellent opportunities.
“Manitoba is the only place in the world where polar bears dig dens in the earth, rather than in snow. These unique and critical birthing areas must be protected. A polar bear park and Indigenous protected areas would also help to bolster the northern tourism industry.”
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