A host of provincial dignitaries gathered at the new Morden sign this morning to christen Bruce the Mosasaur during an official unveiling

Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Her Honour Janice Filmon, was present and spoke about the history of Manitoba being alive in Morden and that the sign was an excellent example of it.

Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) president, Dr. Kevin Campbell, shared what it felt like to see the recognition of their work for the city of Morden and province of Manitoba.

"The people who have been involved with the organization for all these years, we've known we've had something special and for it to be recognized now by the city of Morden with this fantastic display, for [the CFDC] to be recognized by the province of Manitoba with signature museum status is a great, great honour for us."

At the ceremony, it was announced that a new provincial emblem depicting Bruce had been adopted by the Province, and that the CFDC had received signature museum status in Manitoba.

MLA for Riel Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage, attended the ceremony along with MLA for Morden-Winkler, Cameron Friesen, Minister of Finance.

Friesen spoke about how exciting the unveiling ceremony was and the numerous significant announcements regarding Morden and the CFDC.

"It's very special," said Friesen. "What makes it more special for an official emblem that would feature the Mosasaur was actually an idea that Peter Cantelon (executive director of the CFDC) and I cooked up in my office one day. So to see the timing of the unveiling of this new emblem of Manitoba to correspond with the unveiling of this brand new skin-on Mosasaur, and the announcement of the signature status of the [CFDC]--this is a very special day. I could not be more proud for the CFDC or the city of Morden."

To officially unveil the replica, Her Honour, Lt. Governor Filmon, provided a traditional champagne christening for Bruce.