Changing flags is not usually a vote winner for political parties. The debate over the Canadian flag change had many hurt feelings but went through. It is widely regarded now as being the right choice and recognized around the world instantly.
The flag in 1966 reflected the strong British feelings that still remained within the province. It didn't take much account of the French presence that was as much a part of the province's development and still was at the time. Nor did it show anything about the indigenous presence.
The British flag evolved over time so if our example is Britain, we can use that as a basis for change. I think there are areas of the present flag we can agree on. A bison is a great symbol for a flag. The colour isn't bad. But a crest on a flag is too busy and the Union Jack is too prominent give the founding of the province and those involved in making it happen.
Will a new flag ever come? It seems unlikely the new NDP government would wade into that one. However, if political pressures come groups of people left off the present flag, they might have second thoughts that they didn't have an international competition to determine a design that wins acclaim.
One thing worth considering is that if organizations like the Jets can have a new uniform and a heritage uniform, why can't a province? It isn't like the flag need disappear for ever. The Canadian Red Ensign flies at war memorials. Perhaps, there could be protocols of when the old Manitoba flag is flown such as Manitoba Day.
Flags do change. Manitoba is over 150 years old. The present flag does not accurately reflect the past and it certainly look like it represents the future either. A confident government might let the process play through and not put their thumb on the scale. Let's see what Manitoba thinks.
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