Gary Filmon, who sat in Manitoba's top chair from 1988 to 1999, says his new book, Yes We Did: Leading in Turbulent Times is an inside look at some of the era's biggest stories.

The Flood of the Century changed the landscape of Manitoba and the lives of thousands of Manitobans. "I remember it as a time of high tension, high emotion, and a tremendous sense that we have got to really do this right," Gary Filmon said. For him, the spring of 1997 was a time he'll never forget.

The "little guy from Shawinigan" will be honoured tonight at a star-studded tribute to his 50 years of public service.