Manitobans will have to wait until next year to celebrate Manitoba's 150th anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Manitoba joining Confederation and many activities and events to commemorate this significant milestone were planned by the Manitoba 150 Host Committee Inc.

Premier Brian Pallister announced the province is postponing this year's celebrations that would mark the milestone until 2021 for the safety of Manitobans.

"The health and well being of every Manitoban has been and is going to continue to be our number one priority above all else. By postponing the remaining Manitoba 150 events Manitobans will have the opportunity to fully enjoy these special occasions when we are out on the other side of this pandemic, and boy will we have something to celebrate."

All remaining events and public activities associated Manitoba 150 are being postponed, but funding will remain in place to support community projects and events when public health advice advises it is once again safe to hold large public gatherings, according to Monique LaCoste and Stuart Murray, co-chairs of the Manitoba 150 Host Committee.

"We wholeheartedly support the premier's decision to pause our celebration. It's the right thing to do at this time because our main focus has to be the health and safety of Manitobans and of course our economy."

The Unite 150 Concert featuring a full slate of Manitoba artists, originally planned for June 27 at the Manitoba Legislative Building, will be rescheduled in 2021.

“Once it is safe for Manitobans to gather for Unite 150 under the watchful gaze of the Golden Boy, the theme ‘United in Celebration’ will truly take on its full meaning,” Pallister says.