It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending Pemmi-Con, the 15th North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC), July 19 – 23, 2023 in Winnipeg. It is an honour to welcome you to our incredible city and to Canada, as the first host city outside of the United States. Concurrent with Worldcon 2023 in Chengdu, China, Winnipeg’s sister city for more than 30 years, the coming year is positioned to be one of the most special World Science Fiction Society events to date. 

Listed as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2021 by Time Magazine for our arts, culture and history, I am confident Winnipeg is poised to captivate and inspire. Our city’s rich Indigenous and diverse history is itself a marvel. The mosaic of SCi-fi and thousands of years of history here in Winnipeg will ensure an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

I want to express my appreciation to the exceptional list of Winnipeg 2023 Guests of Honour: Dr. Philip J. Currie, Julie Czerneda, John Mansfield, Waubgeshig Rice, Nisi Shawl and Katherina Vermette, Ghost of Honour Lorna Toolis and Toastmaster Tanya Huff. It is a striking line up of outstanding local and national talent who, together, embody the knowledge and stories of our country and a deeply shared passion with the global Sci-Fi community. 

I would also like to recognize the Winnipeg in 2023 NASFiC Bid Committee, the RBC Convention Centre, Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg, Tourism Winnipeg, and event co-chairs Robbie Bourget and Linda Ross-Mansfield for their commitment to bring the world of NASFiC to Winnipeg and Canada for the first time. And of course I want to thank all the organizers and volunteers whose efforts will ensure 2023 Winnipeg will be a memorable success. 

Best wishes to all for a safe, fun and thrilling Pemmi-Con 2023. 

Warmly,

Mayor Brian Bowman

The City of Winnipeg