Character References - The adoption of The State of Minnesota by The Province of Manitoba

PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Legislative Building, Regina

CHARACTER REFERENCE Re: Province of Manitoba - Application to Adopt State of Minnesota File: MB-MN-2026-001

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to provide a character reference for the Province of Manitoba regarding their application to welcome the State of Minnesota into their family.

Saskatchewan has been Manitoba's neighbor for 120 years. In that time, we have observed Manitoba to be:

Reliable: When we need something, Manitoba is there. Power sharing agreements, transportation corridors, emergency response coordination—Manitoba shows up.

Patient: Manitoba does not rush. They wait. They consider. Sometimes we wish they'd make decisions faster, but we acknowledge this patience is a virtue when raising a large, complex dependent like a US state.

Friendly: Their license plates say it. "Friendly Manitoba." We can confirm this is not merely marketing. They are, in fact, quite friendly. Almost aggressively so. It can be a lot, but Minnesota will appreciate it.

Financially Stable: Manitoba Hydro is a crown jewel. Literally. They have stable revenue, low debt relative to other provinces, and the ability to provide for additional family members.

Experienced with Diversity: Manitoba has successfully integrated communities from around the world. Winnipeg's Folklorama celebrates 40+ cultures annually. They know how to welcome newcomers.

Hockey-Competent: The Jets are back. The passion is real. Minnesota will feel at home.

Our Assessment:

We believe Manitoba is well-suited to welcome Minnesota. They share values, climate, geography, and an inexplicable attachment to lakes. This is a natural fit.

We note that we (Saskatchewan) were approached to co-sign Alberta's adoption of Texas. We agreed. We were not approached to co-sign Manitoba's application—apparently they asked Ontario instead. We are not offended. We understand. Ontario has more... prestige, we suppose.

We remain available if Ontario continues to be "unavailable."

Respectfully,

Province of Saskatchewan "Land of Living Skies" Also patient. Also overlooked. We understand.

PROVINCE OF ALBERTA Office of the Premier Edmonton

CHARACTER REFERENCE Re: Province of Manitoba - Adoption Application

To the Court of King's Bench (Family Division), Winnipeg:

Alberta is pleased to provide a character reference for our sibling province, Manitoba.

Let us be direct: Manitoba is the nice one.

In the family of Western Canadian provinces, Alberta is the loud one. Saskatchewan is the quiet one. British Columbia is the weird one who thinks they're better than everyone because they have an ocean.

Manitoba is the nice one.

This is not an insult. When you are adopting a state that prides itself on "Minnesota Nice," you want the nice one handling it.

Our observations:

1. Manitoba will not overwhelm Minnesota. Alberta's approach with Texas is necessarily assertive—Texas requires structure and intervention. Minnesota requires gentleness. Manitoba provides gentleness.
2. Manitoba has practice being overlooked. Minnesota is often forgotten, confused with Wisconsin, ignored by coastal elites. Manitoba understands this experience intimately. They will not forget Minnesota. They will not overlook Minnesota. They will notice Minnesota, perhaps for the first time in Minnesota's existence.
3. Manitoba will share. We have observed Manitoba sharing willingly—power, resources, transportation infrastructure. Alberta is more... transactional. Manitoba genuinely wants partnership.
4. Manitoba is patient. Their co-signer (Ontario) has not responded. Manitoba waits. They do not complain. They do not send aggressive follow-up emails. They simply wait, friendly and hopeful. This patience will serve them well with a state as passive-aggressive as Minnesota.

Our only concern:

Manitoba may be too nice. Minnesota may walk all over them. We recommend Manitoba establish clear boundaries early in the relationship.

But this is a minor concern. Overall, we enthusiastically endorse Manitoba's application.

We wish them success, and we look forward to coordinating our respective adoptions. Perhaps Texas and Minnesota can have playdates.

Regards,

Province of Alberta Currently preparing adoption paperwork for Texas We are less nice but very effective

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs Office of External Trade Relations Queen's Park, Toronto

Re: Your Request... (we think?) File: UNCLEAR

Dear Province of Manitoba,

We received your request.

We are not entirely certain what your request was for. Our filing system has been disrupted due to ongoing trade enforcement coordination activities. The staff member who normally handles intergovernmental family matters is currently assigned to supply chain logistics for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

However, based on partial review of your correspondence, we understand you may be seeking either:

a) A co-signature on an adoption application, OR b) A character reference for said application, OR c) Something else entirely

We are providing this letter in the hopes that it satisfies at least one of these potential requests.

Regarding Manitoba's Character:

Ontario has known Manitoba for 155 years, since before either of us were provinces (Manitoba: 1870, Ontario: 1867—we were first, for the record).

Manitoba is... fine.

This is not faint praise. "Fine" is high praise from Ontario. We are very busy and very important, and we do not have time to evaluate every province in detail. Manitoba is fine. They do not cause problems. They do not call too often. They manage their affairs quietly. They have a reasonably sized city and a great deal of wheat.

If Manitoba wishes to adopt an American state, we see no reason to object. Minnesota is also... fine. They are the Manitoba of America. Quiet. Cold. Nice. Easily confused with a neighboring jurisdiction.

This seems like a reasonable match.

Regarding Co-Signature:

If you require a co-signature, please re-submit your request to the appropriate department, which is not this one. We handle trade. We do not know why your request came to us.

We have forwarded your original correspondence to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs (a different division), and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (unclear why, but they were CC'd somehow).

You should hear back within 6-8 weeks, or never.

Regarding Our Current Availability:

Ontario is presently engaged in important activities related to trade relations with the United States. Our shelves require attention. Our supply chains require management. Our symbolic gestures require execution.

We do not have bandwidth for extensive participation in western adoption schemes at this time.

However, we wish Manitoba well. They are fine. Minnesota is fine. This is fine.

Regards,

Deputy Assistant to the Associate Undersecretary Office of External Trade Relations Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs Province of Ontario

cc: Someone (unclear who) cc: File cc: The other Ministry cc: Please stop CC'ing us on things

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA Office of the Governor Bismarck

CHARACTER REFERENCE (Unsolicited) Re: Minnesota Adoption Proceedings

Dear Province of Manitoba,

We understand you are preparing to adopt our neighbor, Minnesota.

We were not asked to provide a character reference. We are providing one anyway. We have thoughts.

On Minnesota:

Minnesota is fine. We have lived next to them for 136 years. They are very proud of their lakes. They mention the lakes frequently. They have a large mall. They mention the mall frequently. They believe their State Fair is the best State Fair. They mention this frequently.

They are, as they constantly remind everyone, "nice."

On This Adoption:

We support it.

Please understand: we are not trying to get rid of Minnesota. But we believe this arrangement may benefit them. They have always seemed... unfulfilled. They look north, toward Canada, with a certain longing. They apologize too much to be fully American. They put cheese curds on things.

They belong with you.

On Our Situation:

We notice that no one has offered to adopt North Dakota.

This is fine. We are used to being overlooked. We are between Minnesota and Montana. People drive through us to get to other places. Sometimes they stop for gas.

If Manitoba's adoption of Minnesota is successful, we will be directly adjacent to Canada. We would like to discuss our options at that time. Perhaps Manitoba would consider a foster arrangement. Or at least visitation rights.

We are also cold. We also have lakes (fewer, but still). We also understand being forgotten.

Just something to consider.

Our Endorsement:

Manitoba seems capable of providing Minnesota with the attention and appreciation Minnesota craves. We believe Minnesota will be happier in this arrangement. We support the adoption and wish all parties well.

Please remember us when you are drawing new maps.

Sincerely,

State of North Dakota "We exist" Population: 780,000 (please verify we're still here)

WINNIPEG JETS HOCKEY CLUB Canada Life Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba

CHARACTER REFERENCE Re: Province of Manitoba - Adoption Application for State of Minnesota

To Whom It May Concern,

The Winnipeg Jets organization is pleased to provide this character reference for the Province of Manitoba.

Our Relationship with Manitoba:

Manitoba brought us back.

When the original Jets left for Arizona in 1996, Manitoba mourned. For 15 years, the province waited. They built the arena. They demonstrated demand. They never stopped believing.

In 2011, the Jets returned. Manitoba's commitment to hockey—to us—was proven beyond doubt.

If Manitoba demonstrates this level of commitment to Minnesota, Minnesota will be well cared for.

On the Proposed Partnership:

We understand the adoption includes provisions for youth hockey development utilizing both Canada Life Centre and Xcel Energy Center. We enthusiastically support this vision.

Hockey is not just a sport in this region. It is identity. It is community. It is Saturday nights and early morning practices and dreams that start on frozen ponds.

Manitoba understands this. Minnesota understands this. Together, with two NHL-caliber facilities, two passionate fanbases, and a shared commitment to developing the next generation—this partnership could produce something special.

On the Wild:

The Minnesota Wild are our rivals. This is acknowledged.

But rivalry on the ice does not preclude partnership off the ice. We compete for 82 games (plus playoffs, hopefully). The other 283 days, we can collaborate.

We support Manitoba's application and look forward to the possibilities this partnership creates.

Go Jets Go. (And, we suppose, Go Wild Go, in a familial sense.)

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club

ONTARIO BUREAUCRATIC RESPONSE LETTER

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs

Office of the Deputy Minister Whitney Block, Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1

CERTIFIED MAIL — RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED PRIORITY: STANDARD CLASSIFICATION: INTERPROVINCIAL — FAMILY MATTERS (UNUSUAL)

Date: January __, 2026

To: Province of Manitoba Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Legislative Building 450 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8

Re: Your Correspondence Dated [DATE] Regarding Co-Signature Request for Adoption Application (File: MB-MN-2026-001)

CC: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) CC: Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
CC: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (unclear why) CC: Office of External Trade Relations (they keep responding to things) CC: File

Dear Province of Manitoba,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding your intent to adopt the State of Minnesota and your request for the Province of Ontario to serve as "Interdependent Relationship Partner / Co-Signer" on the associated Court of King's Bench adoption application.

Your request has been received.

Your request has also been reviewed, circulated, re-reviewed, misfiled, recovered, re-circulated, and partially understood by several departments within the Ontario government. We appreciate your patience during this process.

SECTION 1: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

We acknowledge receipt of the following documents:

•  Letter of Intent (1 page)
•  Draft Form AA-3: Notice of Intent to Receive a Child for Adoption
•  Draft Form AA-6: Adoption Placement Agreement
•  Draft Form AA-14: Declaration of Commitment
•  Map showing Manitoba and Minnesota (helpful, thank you)
•  Form AA-9: Consent of Parent to Adoption (not included; we assume the United States has not consented)
•  Explanation of why Ontario was selected as co-signer (not included)

SECTION 2: DEPARTMENTAL ROUTING SUMMARY

Your correspondence was received by the Office of the Deputy Minister on January 26 2026. The following routing occurred:

Office of Deputy Minister

Matter returned; current status: UNDER CONSIDERATION

We apologize for the response you received from the Office of External Trade Relations. That office handles trade matters. They should not have responded to your adoption inquiry. We have addressed this internally.

SECTION 3: ONTARIO'S CURRENT CAPACITY

We must inform you that Ontario is presently engaged in significant activities related to Canada-United States trade relations. As you may be aware, the Province has undertaken a coordinated response to American tariff actions, including but not limited to:

• Strategic product repositioning across 680+ LCBO retail locations
• Supply chain diversification initiatives
• Public communications regarding product origin awareness
• Shelf inventory management and reconciliation
• Coordination with federal authorities regarding trade countermeasures

These activities have required substantial reallocation of intergovernmental affairs resources.

Additionally, the Premier's schedule is currently committed to trade-related matters through Q2 2026.

We do not say this to diminish the importance of your request. We say this to explain why our response has been delayed and may continue to be delayed.

SECTION 4: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

While a formal determination has not been made, we offer the following preliminary observations:

4.1 On Manitoba's Suitability as Adoptive Province

Ontario has no concerns regarding Manitoba's character or capability. Manitoba is a stable, financially sound province with a demonstrated history of welcoming newcomers. Manitoba's Hydro resources, healthcare infrastructure, and cultural institutions appear adequate to support additional population.

Manitoba is... fine.

(This is meant as genuine praise. Ontario does not offer praise liberally.)

4.2 On Minnesota's Suitability as Adoptee

Minnesota appears to be a reasonable candidate for adoption. By American standards, Minnesota is practically Canadian already. They are polite, cold-tolerant, hockey-engaged, and quietly resentful of being overlooked by coastal populations.

The cultural alignment between Manitoba and Minnesota is self-evident.

4.3 On Ontario's Role as Co-Signer

We confess we do not fully understand why Ontario was selected as co-signer for this application.

Saskatchewan co-signed Alberta's adoption application for Texas. This made geographic and cultural sense—Alberta and Saskatchewan are neighbors with aligned interests.

Ontario and Manitoba are...

[handwritten marginal note: "Janet - do we border Manitoba? Please confirm."]

[second handwritten note: "Confirmed. Yes. Over 1,000 km shared border. How did we not know this?"]

...apparently neighbors. We have been informed by our Geography Division that Ontario and Manitoba share an extensive border and that both provinces are adjacent to Minnesota.

We apologize for any confusion. Queen's Park is very far from the Manitoba border. We do not travel in that direction often.

SECTION 5: REQUESTED CLARIFICATIONS

Before Ontario can make a determination regarding co-signature, we request clarification on the following:

1. Why Ontario? Please explain the rationale for selecting Ontario as co-signer rather than Saskatchewan, British Columbia, or another Western province.
2. What are the obligations of a co-signer? The adoption forms reference "interdependent relationship partner" but do not specify ongoing obligations. Would Ontario be responsible for Minnesota in the event Manitoba is unable to fulfill its obligations?
3. Does this create precedent? If Ontario co-signs Manitoba's adoption of Minnesota, will Ontario be expected to co-sign future interprovincial adoption applications? (We understand British Columbia may be preparing applications for Hawaii and/or Oregon.)
4. What is the timeline? Please advise on Manitoba's expected timeline for this adoption. Ontario's resource availability varies by quarter.

SECTION 6: INTERIM MEASURES

Pending formal determination, Ontario offers the following:

6.1 Character Reference

We have attached a Character Reference letter for Manitoba (Attachment A). This letter may be used in support of the adoption application regardless of Ontario's co-signature decision.

6.2 Expression of Non-Objection

Ontario does not object to Manitoba's proposed adoption of Minnesota. This should not be construed as endorsement, co-signature, or commitment of resources. It is simply an acknowledgment that Manitoba may proceed with its application without concern that Ontario will oppose the matter.

6.3 Continued Correspondence

Ontario remains open to continued correspondence on this matter. Please direct future inquiries to the Office of the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. Please do not contact the Office of External Trade Relations. They have enough to manage.

SECTION 7: EXPECTED TIMELINE FOR DETERMINATION

Ontario expects to make a formal determination regarding co-signature within:

•  30 days
•  60 days
•  90 days
•  When current trade-related activities have concluded and resources are available
•  Never (we will simply stop responding and hope you forget)

We appreciate Manitoba's patience. We understand this is not the immediate response you may have hoped for. We trust that Manitoba, being Manitoba, will wait politely without complaint.

SECTION 8: CLOSING

Ontario values its relationship with Manitoba. We have been confederal partners for over 155 years. We do not always understand Manitoba—the winters, the lakes, the insistence on friendliness—but we respect Manitoba.

If adopting Minnesota brings Manitoba fulfillment, Ontario wishes Manitoba well in this endeavor.

Please do not interpret our administrative delays as indifference. We are simply very busy and very important, and there are many things requiring our attention.

We will be in touch.

Or we will not, and you will follow up, and we will respond to that follow-up eventually.

This is the Ontario way.

Sincerely,

Hon. [Name Redacted] Deputy Minister Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs Province of Ontario

"Yours to Discover" (But not right now. We're busy.)

ATTACHMENTS:

• Attachment A: Character Reference for Province of Manitoba
• Attachment B: Routing Summary (detailed)
• Attachment C: Contact Information for Departments That May or May Not Be Relevant
• Attachment D: Map of Ontario (unsure why this was included, but it was in the file)

INTERNAL USE ONLY — DO NOT DISTRIBUTE: Note to file: Manitoba seems nice. Minnesota seems nice. This whole thing seems nice. Unclear why they need us. Possibly just want someone to notice them. Recommend we respond eventually. Low priority but harmless.