I am relatively new to Winnipeg, and this is the first time I have heard about this tour through the Manitoba Legislature that focuses on it’s Freemason imagery and architectural elements. The guide is a fellow named Frank Albo who has done extensive research on the building. Now, I know very little about Freemasons and Freemasonry myself, which is why I should probably take this tour. If I were to do so, I would probably go to Frank’s website (Frankalbo.com).
But, what really caught me attention was the fact that Al Jazeera had picked up this story and ran it over the weekend. It’s significant because Al Jazeera is an international news organization, and it’s owned and funded by the Qatari government. In Qatar (a country that up until recently I lived in), and other Muslim countries, there is a tremendous amount of disdain and a strong lack of trust for Freemasons, and often they are demonized and myths beyond what already exist about them have been developed. So, it begs the question: What is the agenda with this story? Is it trying to say, “Hey, look at this quirky tour!” or is it, “Hey, we are right and the Freemason’s pose a danger! Here is the proof, in the middle of Canada!” Hmmmmmmm. Regardless, it’s interesting.