Manitoba Expands Eligibility for Veteran License Plates

Individuals currently serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, and other military services can now display a veteran license plate on their vehicles in Manitoba. This regulatory change, announced by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the provincial government, and the Royal Canadian Legion, aims to broaden the definition of a veteran and increase recognition for those who have served.

Previously, eligibility for the veteran license plate was limited to individuals who had completed a minimum of three years of honorable service in the Canadian Armed Forces. The recent amendments now allow current and former members of the armed forces, peace officers serving in special duty areas, and those who completed military training and were honorably discharged to qualify as veterans.

Tara Seel, an MPI spokesperson, stated, “What we are doing is expanding the definition of veteran. We are handing this over to the Royal Canadian Legion because they’re the ones who know what a veteran is. They can be the gatekeepers for that.” The Royal Canadian Legion will now determine future qualifications for the plates, which remain free for eligible veterans.

Since the program’s inception in November 2004, MPI has issued approximately 5,680 veteran plates across the province at no cost to recipients. The new regulations also extend to members of the RCMP, individuals who served in wartime with the Merchant Marine, and those in Ferry Command.

RCMP Sgt. Major Bettina Schaible, who oversees the preservation of RCMP history and tradition, emphasized the significance of recognizing RCMP members as veterans. She noted, “The RCMP is not only Canada’s national police force, we are the only police force in the entire Commonwealth that is also a regiment.” Members of the RCMP have participated in various conflicts globally for over 140 years, including significant contributions during the First and Second World Wars and in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2014.

In addition to serving in conflicts, RCMP members receive support from Veterans Affairs Canada for service-related injuries or illnesses. “Regular and civilian employees of the RCMP continue to participate in Canada’s peacekeeping assignments throughout the world and work closely with the United Nations in various conflict areas,” Schaible added.

Cody Klassen, the provincial services officer for the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, mentioned that the changes had been in consideration for some time. He also encouraged applicants for the plates to contribute $5 to the poppy fund, which supports veterans. In Winnipeg, motorists displaying veteran plates are allowed to park free on streets with paid parking.

“The license plates are a symbol of pride for the person’s service,” Klassen stated. “It lets people recognize they are a veteran and that they served their country.” This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the contributions made by various service members and aims to foster a sense of community and respect for their sacrifices.