May 12: Manitoba's birthday; Winnie the Bear dies; Roblin resigns.

Manitoba's changing boundaries (source)

May 12, 1870 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANITOBA ! George-Etienne Cartier's Manitoba Act is given Royal Ascent. It carved out a small patch of the Northwest Territories to create Canada's 5th province. 

The name "Manitoba" is an adaptation of the Cree words for "The Great Spirit Speaks".  

For more on the birth of the province see Manitobia: Life and Times.

May 12, 1966 - The flag of Manitoba is proclaimed and raised for the first time. 

Prior to this, the province did not have a flag. The country recently dumped the Red Ensign in favour of the Maple Leaf design so the province adopted it in part to appease those who would be upset with the loss.

May 12, 1915 - Premier Rodmond Roblin resigns as the Royal Commission into the Manitoba Legislature Scandal finds that there was a misappropriation of funds. For more on the scandal.

May 12, 1989 - The Manitoba Legislature Building in Winnipeg is designated a Provincial Heritage Site.

May 12, 1934 – Winnie the bear dies at the London Zoo at the age of 20.

A London celebrity in her own right, it was after her death that Winnie, short for Winnipeg, became famous as the inspiration for the literary character Winnie the Pooh. (Image source and a great Pooh history at Pooh Corner)

May 12, 1967 - Manitoba Conservation Officer William McLeod is shot by an impaired trapper. He died from complications resulting from the wound.