“It’s an emotional day for me,” Pallister stated, “it’s the last event I will do as premier of Manitoba and I want to say a thank you to everyone here, and through you and the media to say thanks to everyone in Manitoba for their support and their respect and for the ongoing opportunities given to me to be honoured as the premier of this province.”
Pallister continued by explaining a connection to the Peace Garden. He remembered his father working on the site in 1964. He added the garden meant a lot to he and Burgum, an important symbol and celebration of peace and coexistence between friends. This is not only on the federal level but also on the provincial. An example of that was when North Dakota helped out more than 3,000 Manitoban truck drivers by allowing them to be vaccinated on their soil.
“We don’t compete with each other as much as we build things together. That’s what we built with our trucking initiative and what we’re going to build going forward.”
Pallister then announced Manitoba would be investing $7.5 million into the Garden, matching the commitment of North Dakota. He said it was important as so many people have memories from the attraction and it is such a great spot for all visitors. The outdoor spaces are great for clearing your head, the premier said, particularly during a pandemic “that feels like it has lasted five years”.
Burgum thanked Pallister for not only being at the event but also for the times they had worked together. The governor called him an incredible neighbour to share ideas with, and gave him credit for working out the trucker initiative.
Burgum too had personal stories of the Peace Garden. In the summer of 1971, he had finished his first year of high school and wanted to go to football camp. His mother said he could go to that camp, only if he went to music camp. He cut the deal had a great time at the International Music Camp at the Garden. He said many people would have many such memories.
Burgum said North Dakota has provided about $14 million for Garden improvements since 2013, and added next year will be the 90th anniversary of its establishment. It had him thinking of the future.
“When we think about looking ahead to the 90th and in 11 years the 100th, we should think bigger of what this could mean, not just to Manitoba and North Dakota but what it could mean to the world to have a symbol of cooperation here,” Burgum said.
He put out a challenge for the 100th anniversary, for those supporting the Garden to once again have a soaring symbol to replace the old Peace Towers. Also, Burgum added he was happy with the greater role First Nations in the area have in the attraction, including adding quotes from their tradition to the Peace Chapel.
“I’m really excited about the future of the International Peace Garden and what this will mean not just to us but as a symbol to the rest of the world.”
CEO Tim Chapman said the support received meant the future of the Peace Garden has never looked so bright. He said the investment would ensure the Garden would continue to be a beacon of hope for generations to come. They are working on making the gardens more sustainable, and a new playground, expanded conservatory and other works will serve everyone involved. Chapman said they would be doing a grand opening of the play area and conservatory in 2022 during the 90th anniversary. More information on the celebrations will come in the near future.
“We appreciate your support and encourage you to join us for many years to come in promoting the peace we are so fortunate to enjoy in this shared garden,” said Chapman.
Premier Pallister took advantage of the opportunity to honour Governor Burgum with the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. The order was created in 1957 to honour leaders in politics, business, sports and entertainment. The first recipient was Queen Elizabeth II. In the case of Burgum, the entire State of North Dakota was included in the honour.
Pallister said COVID has been akin to a war over the past year and a half, and the battlefields have been our own communities. He spoke of the suffering we have experienced over the pandemic, but also of the allies we have had. This is what North Dakota was when our truckers needed vaccinations. Burgum never hesitated, the premier said, and added it was one of the reasons he thought so much of him.
Burgum thanked everyone in North Dakota who helped with the vaccination effort, saying the good feelings expressed toward him and his state are reciprocated.
After the event, Pallister explained his quick departure from the premier’s office. He was planning to leave the position soon, and a leadership race was beginning. He wanted to not be a distraction and not have the appearance of interfering or taking sides in what can be a divisive process.
On Wed., Sept.  1, Kelvin Goertzen took over as interim leader and premier.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff