A Canadian flag is shown on the uniform of a member of the military in Trenton, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg)
Manitoba Public Insurance, the provincial government, and the Royal Canadian Legion have expanded eligibility for veteran licence plates, allowing more current and former service members to qualify.
The regulatory change, which took effect on November 5, removes the previous requirement that Canadian Armed Forces members serve at least three years to be recognized as veterans. The Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion will now oversee eligibility, aligning it with the national definition of “veteran.”
Under the new criteria, eligibility extends to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, peace officers who served in special duty areas, wartime Merchant Navy and Ferry Command members, and those who completed basic training and were honourably discharged.
MPI has already issued more than 5,600 veteran plates, which are available at no cost to those who qualify.
In support of veterans, non-veterans can purchase the “Support Our Troops” specialty plate for $70. MPI provides $30 from each purchase to Support Our Troops.
