On a crisp January afternoon, the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature echoed with chants of solidarity as members of Winnipeg's Iranian community gathered to voice their support for protesters in Iran.
A Show of Solidarity on the Legislative Grounds
The rally, which took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, saw a diverse group of Manitobans of Iranian descent and their allies unite for a common cause. Organized to draw attention to the ongoing unrest in Iran, the event featured speeches, banners, and collective chants demanding change and freedom for the Iranian people.
Photographer Zachary Kitchen of CTV News Winnipeg captured the scene, documenting the determined faces of participants braving the winter weather to make their voices heard. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, focusing on raising awareness within the local community and applying international pressure.
Connecting a Winnipeg Gathering to a Global Movement
This event in Winnipeg is part of a wider wave of international support. Similar rallies were planned or occurred across Canada, including one scheduled for Calgary City Hall that same Sunday afternoon. The gathering underscores how diaspora communities in Canada actively engage with and advocate for issues in their countries of origin.
The protesters in Winnipeg aimed to amplify the messages of those risking their lives in Iran, calling for an end to governmental oppression and for fundamental human rights. Their presence at the provincial legislature was a strategic choice, symbolizing a call for Canadian political leaders to acknowledge and respond to the situation.
Local Action with International Resonance
The rally demonstrates the potent role of local civic action in global affairs. For the Iranian-Canadian community in Manitoba, public demonstrations serve as a crucial outlet for expressing solidarity with family and friends abroad and for fostering a sense of agency despite the physical distance.
Events like this also highlight Canada's multicultural fabric, where citizens maintain deep connections to international struggles while contributing to the social and political landscape of their adopted home. The gathering at the legislature stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of protest and the universal pursuit of justice, echoing from the streets of Iranian cities to the heart of downtown Winnipeg.
