Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen was part of a contingent that welcomed Canadian Football League Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge and the Grey Cup trophy to the Manitoba Legislature Wednesday. Goertzen, who is a huge football fan, says this is a very special week for our province.

"The Grey Cup is a Canadian tradition. They call it the national party for a reason. I think it's because fans get together from every part of Canada, regardless of the team that they cheer for. Being a Bomber fan, of course I would like to have seen the Bombers in the game but I think we just celebrate the game, regardless of who is in the game."

Goertzen adds the Grey Cup event is one of those things that binds our country together. He urges us to go out of our way to welcome fans from other provinces.

"When you see visitors from outside of our province, even if they're from a rival CFL team, welcome them here and let them know that we're happy to have them in Manitoba."

The Grey Cup/Santa Claus Parade is Saturday in Winnipeg and the game itself takes place on Sunday.