As B.C. Legion Week wraps up, the B.C. government is announcing an expansion to the veteran's licence plate program to include currently serving Canadian Forces members.

From June 24 to 30, B.C. Legion Week showcases the work and contributions of the BC/Yukon Legion. As part of the government's recognition of the dedication and commitment of those who serve their country, commemorative veteran's licence plates will now be available to current members of the Canadian Forces who hold a trade qualification.

This expands the existing veteran's licence plate program that began on June 6, 2004, proclaimed Juno Beach Day. The British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association worked closely with government at the time and has been instrumental in working to achieve this expansion of the program.

The specially designed plates, which feature a powder blue background and a red poppy, are currently available to veterans who served during war time or in a postwar capacity as well as veterans who served during a NATO or UN operation, including members of the RCMP and Municipal Police.

Starting September 1, 2012, currently serving members of the Canadian Forces - both regular and reserve - can apply for plates under the expanded program by submitting an application form, supported by proof of service and a one-time $5 administrative fee. Once confirmed, veterans can order their plates through Autoplan brokers.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General -

"By expanding the veterans licence plate program to men and women in B.C. currently serving in the Canadian Forces, we are expressing our thanks as a province for their contribution to our country.

"We have worked very closely with a number of veterans' organizations who support expanding veteran plate eligibility as a demonstration of the gratitude British Columbians have for their service to our country. I look forward to eligible members ordering their plates and displaying them proudly on their vehicles."

Colonel Rob Roy MacKenzie, Commander, 39 Canadian Brigade Group -

"On behalf of the Regular and Reserve sailors, soldiers, airmen, and airwomen who are serving in B.C., I'd like to thank the provincial government and the veteran groups for extending this program to our ranks. Whether representing Canada during international peacekeeping, security, and combat operations abroad, or assisting civil authorities during domestic operations here at home, our members are proud to serve their country and community."

Dave Sinclair, immediate past president BC/Yukon Command, Royal Canadian Legion -

"It is very appropriate that this announcement comes during Legion Week in B.C. On behalf of the BC/Yukon Command, Royal Canadian Legion, Korean Veterans Association and Canadian Peacekeepers Veterans Association, I am grateful that the B.C. Government has expanded the veteran's licence plate program to include serving personnel of the Canadian Forces. I know the serving military will be proud to display the veterans licence plate to show their dedication and commitment to our county."

Lt Col. (Ret'd) Archie M. Steacy, BC Veterans Commemorative Association president -

"I'm very pleased that currently serving members will now receive recognition of their military service to Canada. This meaningful legacy, paying tribute to Canadian sacrifice, accomplishment and valour, resonates with the public each and every day, as they view these beautiful British Columbia Veteran Licence Plates. It reminds us all that we have a great deal to be thankful for, because of the selfless service of our Canadian Service men and women."

Quick Facts:

• Since the veteran's licence plate program began, over 39,000 veterans living in B.C. have received a specialty plate.

• The expanded veteran's licence plate program brings B.C. in line with other provinces that offer veteran's licence plates to active Canadian Forces members.

• Commemorative veteran's licence plates in B.C. have a powder blue background and a red poppy, an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance of those who died in the line of duty.

For more information visit: http://www.icbc.com/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

BACKGROUNDER

Veteran's Licence Plate Program

Who is eligible?

Veteran's plates are available to any person who owns or leases an eligible vehicle and:

A. Is a current member of the Canadian Forces - regular or reserves - with a trade qualification.

B. Served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, or the Gulf War as a member of:

• The Canadian Armed Forces,

• An Allied force,

• The Canadian or Allied Merchant Navy, or

• The Ferry Command,

and has been honourably discharged.

C. Served as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with a trade qualification and has been honourably discharged.

D. Served in the United Nations or NATO operations as a member of:

• The Canadian Armed Forces,

• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, municipal police, or

• A United Nations or NATO Alliance Force,

and has been honourably discharged.

E. Served as a similarly qualified member of a British Commonwealth of Nations Force

and has been honourably discharged.

Eligible vehicles

Veteran's plates can be used on motor homes and most passenger vehicles such as SUVs, station wagons, sedans and convertibles. Veteran's plates can also be used on motorcycles and most trucks, vans, or buses with a GVW of 5,000 kg or less.

Veteran's plates cannot be used on:

• Trucks, vans, or buses with a GVW greater than 5,000 kg

• Antique vehicles with vintage licence plates

• Collector vehicles licensed with collector licence plates

• Trailers

• Vehicles with conditional licences, except when the vehicle is owned by a war amputee or a person who is receiving a 100-per-cent disability pension

• Farm tractors, special fleet vehicles and industrial vehicles

• Company or organization-owned vehicles, even when driven exclusively by a veteran

How to apply

Before you can obtain veteran's plates, you must get approval from an authorizing service organization by completing the form, Application for Veteran Plate Eligibility, available from:

• British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association, http://bcveterans.org/

• BC/Yukon Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/

• Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, http://www.cpva.ca/

• ICBC, http://www.icbc.com/

• any Autoplan broker

Submit the completed form, copies of the required documentation and a $5 fee to one of these authorizing service organizations:

• British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association, Ph: 604-876-2838 (Vancouver)

• B.C./Yukon Command, the Royal Canadian Legion, Ph: 604-735-8166 (Vancouver)

• Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Ph: 250-391-1568 (Victoria)

The authorized service organization will mail the approved form back to you within three weeks.

How to obtain your veteran plates

Present the approved application form and required documentation to your local Autoplan broker who will then place an order for your veteran's plates. It will take up to four weeks for the plates to be sent to your broker.

To claim your plates, you must provide the broker with your current plates and owner's certificate of insurance, plus your licence and vehicle registration.

Costs

Application fee: A $5 administrative fee associated with processing.

Note: There is no fee for additional eligible plates ordered. ICBC does not collect any portion of this fee.

Plate replacement fee: Veteran's plates are free when you surrender your current documents and regular plates. If the surrendered plate set is incomplete, there is an $18 plate replacement fee.

New plate fee: For new-vehicle purchases, and lease-vehicle buyouts or trade-ins, you must purchase new regular plates for $18 before you can obtain veteran plates.

For more information visit: http://www.icbc.com/