Province Lights Legislative Building Blue To Mark World Diabetes Day

The Manitoba Legislative Building will glow blue this evening as the province joins the Canadian Diabetes Association in acknowledging World Diabetes Day, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross said today.“Two million Canadians have diabetes and by ‘Lighting the Leg Blue’ we’re joining hands with the Canadian Diabetes Association in raising awareness about the impact diabetes has on Manitoba families,” said Irvin-Ross. “Working together, we can strengthen public awareness about preventing diabetes and improving care for Manitobans who been affected by diabetes.”

“We are thrilled the Government of Manitoba has chosen to be part of this worldwide show of support in the fight against diabetes,” said Greg Unger, regional director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Manitoba/Nunavut Region. “As one of the first provincial legislatures in Canada to go blue on
Nov. 14, we are a shining example to the rest of the country and I’m sure more provincial legislature buildings will follow next year.”

Blue is the colour used in reference to the International Diabetes Federation’s campaign against diabetes. Notable landmarks that will be basked in blue this year include the Obelisk in Buenos Aries and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Newcastle, U.K. Last year, this event had participation from more than 10 Canadian monuments including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The Manitoba Legislative Building lights will be turned on at approximately 6 p.m. At that time, a blue light will project onto the central tower and the Golden Boy.

The United Nations first declared Nov. 14 World Diabetes Day as a World Health Day in 2007. Nov. 14 marks the birthday of Sir Frederick G. Banting, the Canadian who co-discovered insulin. World Diabetes Day was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization.

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