Amid 51st state threats, some Winnipeggers say Canada Day feels more important this year

As the city gears up for Canada Day celebrations on Tuesday, some Winnipeggers say they're feeling more patriotic this year due to frequent annexation threats coming from leadership in the United States. 

Kerry LeBlanc told CBC News on Monday that he's always been proud to be Canadian, but he's been even more vocal since Donald Trump's recurring 51st state jabs. 

"I think as we get attacked by the U.S., we need to really bond over our unity and unify our country over our flag," said LeBlanc, who was born and raised in Winnipeg. 

LeBlanc was at The Forks on Monday with his friend Brad McGregor, who was visiting from China. LeBlanc said he plans to show McGregor The Leaf in Assiniboine Park and the Interlake region while on a road trip up to Gimli, Man.

"This will be the first time I've ever spent Canada Day in Canada, and I'm very excited about it because people here are so patriotic and I'd like to experience some of that and join in," McGregor said. 

Some Winnipeggers told CBC News they like to spend the holiday relaxing with a cold drink while enjoying some time off. 

Keith Otto was at The Forks on Monday doing just that, having a drink with a group of friends on Monday. 

"I've definitely thought a lot more this year about what it means to be Canadian and I've been a lot more thankful that I am Canadian," Otto said.

The ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. were also front of mind for younger Canadians ahead of Tuesday's holiday.

"I think this year, more than ever, Canada Day is going to be super important," said Yaara Perlov. "I think Canada should really show its independence this year."

While Aelil Weinberg-Bauer said he likely won't go out to any of the events planned in the city tomorrow, he thinks Canada Day celebrations are important in 2025. 

"I think Canada Day is very important now, especially with what we're thinking as Canadians, because we should have independence. I think it's nice to celebrate Canada and what we have and to recognize how strong we are as Canadians," Weinberg-Bauer said. 

Cheryl James said her family will be honouring their Indigenous culture and traditional ceremonies on Tuesday. 

"It's a colonial holiday. It's not something that I recognize. What we're doing is we're reclaiming our traditional practices," James said, adding she will be spending the day at home with her family.