Nominated by: G. Morriss

Why Duff Roblin should be a Great Manitoban:

Claim to fame: Manitoba premier, driving force behind the construction of the Red River Floodway

Manitoba dosage: 5

Fast Facts: Roblin is so synonymous with the floodway that even 40 years after its construction, it is still commonly referred to as Duff's Ditch...The Floodway is widely credited with saving Winnipeg from the same type of disastrous flooding Grand Forks sustained during the 1997 flood.

51 Comments

• He's the only politician who gave any thought to longterm planning. Winnipeg would be like New Orleans right now if it wasn't for him.

  Posted by: jackie warren | 2008-05-30 10:59:55

• There are many worthy candidates, but my first pick is Duff. He should win because his contribution to society saved the most people from death and heartache.

  Posted by: Brad Monteath | 2008-05-31 15:35:09

• Premier Roblin is the standard by which all Premiers in Manitoba are measured. His wisdom, character, and contribution to the province make him the Greatest Manitoban.

  Posted by: John Goshulak | 2008-05-31 15:38:58

• Duff Roblin put his political career on the line to build floodway around Winnipeg--a project that has saved the city countless times.

  Posted by: Allan Parker | 2008-06-02 12:52:58

• Despite huge opposition, he did what needed to be done.

  Posted by: Nelson | 2008-06-04 08:56:25

• Two words: The. Floodway. (But, if more words are required: he did something bold, controversial and expensive because it would serve the long-term needs of the people - something that our current government would never do for us.)

  Posted by: Richard | 2008-06-04 08:58:59

• He was responsible for the building of the Floodway in the late 1960's. This has prevented the many floods that Winnipeg could have had without it.

  Posted by: John Magel | 2008-06-05 08:33:16

• Duff Roblin. He was a great premier for our province.Since the 1950 flood ,he has saved the city of Winnipeg from severe flooding by having the floodway designed and built.Mr. Roblin belongs in the Manitoba Hall of Fame for his great imagination

  Posted by: Rogeanne Genest | 2008-06-12 14:32:26

• he was a great premier for our province.Since the 1950 flood,he has save the city of Winnipeg from severe flooding by having the floodway designed and built and the flood gates are opened on the outskirt of the city and the red river flows into the floodway to prevent extensive flooding of the city.mr. Roblin belongs in the Manitoba Hall of Game for his great imagination. Congratultions!

  Posted by: Rogeanne Genest | 2008-06-14 09:34:43

• Dufferin Roblin is nominated at least twice in this contest. Now over 90, Duff continues to work in several capacities for the people of Manitoba. He would be an altogether stellar choice.

  Posted by: John Richthammer | 2008-06-16 12:55:15

• All the comments indicate that this man was not afraid to think outside the box. He should be revered this this act of courage.

  Posted by: Henry | 2008-06-22 07:55:05

• All the comments indicate that this man was not afraid to think outside the box. He should be revered for this act of courage.

  Posted by: Henry | 2008-06-22 07:56:26

• One of our greatest Premiers, one of his greatest achievement the Wpg. floodway.

  Posted by: Linda Gilroy | 2008-06-22 10:09:57

• Riel may have started this province, but it has been the vision of Roblin to keep this city of Winnipeg dry over the decades, so economic development could flourish. He knew what needed to be done, and to this day other politicians are still expanding his dream!What is Premier Doer doing right now - expanding the floodway. The action of one, lead to the actions of many who have followed him whether it be political, economic or social.Without his vision and determination, this area called Winnipeg, would not be where it is today.

  Posted by: Pam Tonsaker | 2008-06-25 08:32:24

• I live near the floodway. I am watching the progress on the improvements. I am so great full for Duff Roblin's long sited plan to establish this floodway to save Winnipeg from major disasters with floods. His for site was amazing even with so much criticism.

  Posted by: marietta Spearman | 2008-06-26 07:31:56

• Duff Roblin was and still is a visionary. While it is great that he is recognized for the floodway, his efforts in the field of education are equally impressive. He was responsible for the three community colleges, two of three of our universities and significant improvements to our public school system. He definitely is the best Prime Minister who never was and it is too bad he wasn't.

  Posted by: Bob | 2008-06-27 13:09:17

• I lived through the 1950 flood as a 7 yr. old and know the devastation of having flood waters fill your home to the ceiling, and then being displaced, forced to go to a small country school where students bullied us. Despite the cynicism and pessimism of the day, Premier Duff Roblin took the bull by the horn and built this lucky city its greatest gift. Hats off to you for your vision and kindness.

  Posted by: Jan Nixdorf | 2008-06-28 11:32:34

• Only twice before in the long history of our province has such foresight and vision of the future been displayed: the Winnipeg aqueduct from Shoal Lake, and the multi-dam hydro development of the Winnipeg River by the City acting without the resources of Manitoba Hydro of today. Since the floodway opened nearly 40 years ago, no such foresight has been seen again and given the univeral, pervasive cognitive impairment of today's politicians, I doubt we'll ever see it again!

  Posted by: Gord Richardson | 2008-06-30 09:08:40

• I am only 16 years old but a couple years ago I did a book report on Duff's biograohy. I thought he seemed like an amazing guy. Part of the assignment was to write a pretend letter to the author talking about the book and themselves. However, I actualy sent my letter. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from him a couple weeks later. There I was speaking to a great role model and visionary. I was so impressed with his acheivements, one of which I drive over almost everyday, Duff's Ditch (Red River Floodway). Anyway, I must have talked to him for close to an hour and I really respect the fact that he isn't to busy to take the time and talk to the younger generations who will be maintaining his great legacies for the many years to come.

  Posted by: Alyssa Emond | 2008-07-01 18:06:40

• Well, as if there was ever any doubt as to Roblin's genius and foresight, the abundant, recent media coverage of the floodway he created as a major world-class engineering marvel and masterpiece leaves no doubt as to his worthiness for the designation 'Greatest Manitoban'.

  Posted by: Gord Richardson | 2008-07-05 14:49:38

• Duff Roblin contracted companies to dig a ditch with other people's money. Wow! What a great person. What a visionary. I pay someone to mow my lawn. Does that make me a great person? Give me a break. Thanks for the ditch but that doesn't make you a great Manitoban.

  Posted by: Arnold Smith | 2008-07-06 08:11:37

• Building a ditch may not be as glamorous as starting a war (rebellion) or a dozen other things Manitobans are famous for - but the value to Winnipeg and Manitoba of a strong flood control measure is incalculable. We would have had 1 more beig flood and who knows how many small ones, otherwise. The costs he has saved Winnipegers is tremendous. The will and foresight to build for a furture he might never see - courageous!

  Posted by: Maurice | 2008-07-07 06:45:19

• He built the ditch that saved Winnipeg and he is to be commended for that. That being said this is a guy who was one of our worst premiers. He introduced the Provicial sales tax that has hampered business in Manitoba for years. The greatest Manitoban not a chance.

  Posted by: john braken | 2008-07-07 09:28:58

• Duff Roblin had the foresight,knowledge and courage (guts) to fight for his belief in the flooday in spite of all the naysayers and penntpinchers

  Posted by: Bob Handler | 2008-07-07 10:56:05

• Duff Roblin was the last great Manitoba statesman. As Premier, he was guided by a simple proposition, i.e. what is the right thing to do, not what is the most politically expedient. A gentlemen in every sense of the word. Our current crop of politicians, federal and provincial, would do well to emulate Duff Roblin.

  Posted by: Brian Mansfield | 2008-07-07 13:46:21

• TO JOHN BRACKEN: With the exception of resource-rich Alberta, ALL provinces have sales tax and major undertakings like the floodway have to be financed. Money doesn't grow on trees. To condemn Roblin over sales tax is childish and petty. Ask Winnipeggers in flood-prone areas of the city if they share your views.

  Posted by: Gord Richardson | 2008-07-07 14:30:49

• I agee with Mr Braken. Mr Roblin did do a good job in being the main person in bringing the floodway project to reality. He definately deserves the recognition. Duff Roblin did not bring in the sales tax to pay for the flood way. Sorry. It will go down as the biggest blunder in Conservative history. I am a business person I know. We are stuck with it today. I am voting for the Guess who. All they did was put Winnipeg on the map. Sorry Duff.

  Posted by: jason Katz | 2008-07-07 16:46:47

• Duff was a politician. He was a Manitoban. But he was not a great Manitoban. What personal risk did he take. Was he ever in physical danger. There were emergency personnel on stand by if he got a paper cut from writing memos. Did Duff put all of his own money on the line? (several times)

  Posted by: Peter Richards | 2008-07-07 20:44:16

• i would like to cast avote for Duff Roblin as the greatest Manitoban.

  Posted by: .donna plant | 2008-07-09 16:06:31

• I think Duff Roblin has done the most for the Manitoba people. And isn't that what this 'poll' is all about?

  Posted by: Arla Desilets | 2008-07-10 06:58:16

• After seeing doentown Grand Forks drown and burn in the 1997 flood-of-the-century, I will be eternally grateful to Duff Roblin for having the foresight to save Winnipeg, the economic hub of Manitoba, from a similar fate. Had central Winnipeg been destroyed, like the Cedar Rapids business centre was this spring, all Manitobans would have suffered not only financially but also culturally and historically. Duff Roblin's political bravery in the face of a thunderous opposition is what every Manitoba needs to positively acknowledge and this is what makes him great.

  Posted by: Jackie | 2008-07-10 16:51:52

• This is the 3rd time that my vote wasn't counted because it said I had already voted today when in fact I had not voted.

  Posted by: clark sinnott | 2008-07-11 08:47:22

• Clark - you probably are trying to vote from work? (at 15:47) Your whole office is sharing one internet connection (and address), so probably someone else voted already. I bet the freep avoid duplicate votes by remembering the internet address of the voter.

  Posted by: MD | 2008-07-11 12:38:09

• One cannot only think of the floodway when thinking of Mr. Roblin's career as premier. He overhaulted our education system, from all levels of the public system to post-secondary (funding all 3 technical colleges, helping Brandon College and United College (which became the U of Winnipeg). Beyond education he reformed hospital and medicare as well, brought in our flag, and repealed the law which allowed English as the only language of instruction in schools. I find it a hard case to find anyone who has had a wider impact on Manitobans.

  Posted by: Blake Hamm | 2008-07-11 21:28:50

• This great man protected many Manitobans from becoming wet. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

  Posted by: Damien | 2008-07-12 11:53:55

• It would be cool to present the Greatest Manitoban award to someone that is alive to accept it. (He's still alive, right?)

  Posted by: Nina Chavez | 2008-07-12 14:43:08

• Duff is not the greatest, not even close. GET RIEL!

  Posted by: J.D. | 2008-07-13 03:23:18

• I've read of other accomplishments than 'the ditch'. I liked the time spent with that 16 year old, and the park developments. But the ditch stands out. It's not just the flood preventing, but the way it lets the river be a river. A brilliant concept. It makes us unique -- and safer.

  Posted by: Jane B | 2008-07-13 05:01:01

• I've read of other accomplishments than 'the ditch'. I liked the time spent with that 16 year old, and the park developments. But the ditch stands out. It's not just the flood preventing, but the way it lets the river be a river. A brilliant concept. It makes us unique -- and safer.

  Posted by: Jane B | 2008-07-13 05:01:28

• I've read of other accomplishments than 'the ditch'. I liked the time spent with that 16 year old, and the park developments. But the ditch stands out. It's not just the flood preventing, but the way it lets the river be a river. A brilliant concept. It makes us unique -- and safer.

  Posted by: Jane B | 2008-07-13 05:03:48

• I agree with Arnold Smith. Duff's great vision should be seen in light of the financial and political terms. As Rocky Kravetsky is showing us , "Public Projects" sometimes involve massive profits for private companies. Sometimes these profits are filtered back to the politicians (or their Party) who made the decision. This aspect of "Duff's Ditch" has been under-reported.

  Posted by: Phil G. | 2008-07-13 06:19:33

• Duff's ditch may have helped Winnipeg, but his sales tax and reckless spending helped Manitoba (remember Manitoba, Winnipeg?) become a "have-not" province.

  Posted by: Bob T | 2008-07-14 05:03:14

• Like Clark above, I was also informed, twice, that I had already voted that day when I had not. And I'm not using a computer at work, I'm the only person with my e-mail address.

  Posted by: Barbara | 2008-07-16 07:17:18

• Duff Smuff. I have lived in Northern Manitoa my whole life. I never even heard of the guy. And yet he was apparently our premier sometime. I am an engineer with a big company in the North. Just remember the people who designed the floodway forgot about their backdoor flooding. The Brukild dike had to be built to stop the water from coming in the back door of the city. It should be called Duffs Doof. Why was he not thining of that when he built it. Or did he build it.

  Posted by: samuel donaldson | 2008-07-16 17:15:55

• Remember "The Flood of the Century". Thanks to Duff Roblins' vision, the City of Winnipeg survived that massive threat. Definitely the Greatest Manitoban!

  Posted by: Jan L | 2008-07-17 12:05:23

• Duff Roblin's name has been on my mind many times throught the past few decades. Building the 'ditch' was the right thing to do - he had a lot of opposition - but he did it anyway. (If you don't want to vote for someone - don't! But don't write stupid negative comments about whaty they should have done. No one on this list deserves that!

  Posted by: Karen S | 2008-07-18 08:02:42

• Duff Roblin's name has been on my mind many times throught the past few decades. Building the 'ditch' was the right thing to do - he had a lot of opposition - but he did it anyway. (If you don't want to vote for someone - don't! But don't write stupid negative comments about whaty they should have done. No one on this list deserves that!

  Posted by: Karen S | 2008-07-18 09:03:14

• Built a ditch. Big Deal. It takes a lot more than that to hold the title of greatest Manitoban. If he wins it because of the vote blocking going on by the free press. I have tried to vote everyday and many days it stated I had voted already, but I had not. There really is no greatest Manitoban. Sorry.

  Posted by: katrina koss | 2008-07-18 11:42:18

• Thank you duff for contracting companies to build a huge circle that some engineer drew up! Yes your "bravery" to sign some documents and have a few press conferences while other people did all the work is something that all white collar Manitobans should be proud about! You are the guy that all of the people who are racist followers vote for because Riel too strong (and not white enough) for them to admire.

  Posted by: Damien | 2008-07-19 14:14:33

• Some of the negative comments seen above show why Winnipeg is stagnant - the good people get fed up wuth the negativity and move to where people are positive and proud, leaving the negative people to run and complain about what could be a great city.

  Posted by: John | 2008-07-20 07:13:28

• Although there are a lot of great people nominated, we have to be very grateful to Mr. Roblin for his foresight which has saved our city many times over from flooding. When I see what happens to other areas in Canada, the USA, & other places in the world where water causes huge amounts of damage, we must appreciate that we do not experience the devastation caused by flooding. I can only imagine what others experience when this happens, knowing that our city and its people is saved. Thank you Mr. Roblin and the people of Manitoba for allowing the floodway to be built, even when a lot of people were probably against the HUGE expenditure of money at that time. BUT look at what it has saved in human misery and cost. In 1997 our home would have been destroyed had it not been for the Floodway. Our family is grateful that we did not experience the loss that others would in a similar situation in other areas. And for this our family nominates Mr. Duff Roblin.

  Posted by: Donece Hughes | 2008-07-20 08:21:21

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