On the heels of Folklorama, the Legislative Building hosted a diversity celebration honouring 20 years since the Provincial Nominee Program. 

Multiple Folklorama pavilions were on hand with food and dance as the Manitoba Government celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the Provincial Nominee Program.

"This is about celebrating our ethnic diversity in Manitoba," said Cathy Cox, the Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage.

The Provincial Nominee Program was announced in 1998. Immigrants with skills could receive a Manitoba Provincial Nomination Certificate. This document significantly sped up the immigration process.

"It offered immigrants the opportunity to come here to Manitoba, have good jobs, and become a part of our vibrant community," Cox explained.

While events like Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, predate the program, Cox says events like that have been significantly enhanced since then.

In Manitoba, there are more than 200 ethnic cultural groups speaking over 150 languages.