Cablegate: Manitoba Day in Los Angeles

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UNCLAS OTTAWA 001911

SIPDIS

APP WINNIPEG 03/001

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON PGOV PREL CA
SUBJECT: MANITOBA DAY IN LOS ANGELES

1. The Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles, Colin
Robertson, hosted a broad Manitoba trade mission led by
Premier Gary Doer as a part of the Consulate's Canada Day
celebrations. The trade mission included announcements of
several important business deals and entertainment ventures.
The most surprising announcement was a contract for the sale
of over 1 million pounds of Manitoban carrots (from leading
produce trader Peak of the Market) to Western Veg-Produce of
Bakersfield. Peak of the Market CEO Larry McIntosh told
Consul that he couldn't believe he was selling carrots to
California, a traditional carrot exporter. Maple Leaf
Distillers also announced plans to expand its distribution
system to provide spirits and liqueurs (worth some $20
million annually) to some 2000 outlets in California.

2. On the entertainment front, Manitoba bands were
highlighted at a top L.A. club in a "Manitoba Sound Night"
featuring Holly McNarland, Doc Walker, McMaster and James,
and Waking Eyes. And one of Winnipeg's most famous
citizens, "Let's Make A Deal" host Monty Hall, was honored
for his charity work by Manitoba Lt. Governor Peter Liba
with the Order of Manitoba.

3. Among the business deals announced were the opening of a
Los Angeles office by Frantic Films, a film and TV
production and post-production firm, and a cooperative
production agreement between the Manitoba Theatre Center and
the Rubicon Theater in Ventura, which includes an exchange
of productions between the theaters as well as the co-
production of a Eugene O'Neill play. Winnipeg-based John
Aaron Productions announced plans with two other U.S. film
producers for cross-border productions of several films,
including "American Woman," about Winnipeg's own rock band,
"the Guess Who."

4. COMMENT: Provincial and city officials realize that the
U.S. presents the greatest opportunities for economic
growth, but also that the lack of awareness in the U.S.
about Winnipeg and Manitoba is among their greatest
obstacles. Events such as "Manitoba Day" are less about
sales but rather represent a concerted effort to raise the
profile of the region as a business and investment
destination. End comment.

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