Following the fatal shooting of three Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers in Moncton, N.B., in 2014, the Royal Canadian Legion updated its definition of “veteran” and members of the legion and the RCMP have been asking Alberta’s government for this change since September 2015.
The expanded eligibility criteria for veterans’ licence plates now includes active and honourably discharged members of the RCMP, to align with the legion’s definition of “veteran.”
“Every year at this time, Canadians from coast to coast to coast remember the brave women and men who put themselves at risk to fight for our freedoms and our safety. Recognizing members of the RCMP as veterans is a small action Alberta’s government can take to show our gratitude for their service.”
“Including members of the RCMP in the veterans’ licence plate program has long been a goal of the Alberta-NWT Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. We are proud to be able to provide them with this recognition.”
In addition to active and honourably discharged members of the RCMP, veterans’ licence plates can be issued to:
- Alberta residents who have been honourably discharged after serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, an allied force or the merchant marine.
- Alberta residents who have been released from the Canadian Armed Forces under Sections 3(a) or 3(b).
- Currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces with a minimum of three years of active service.
- Those who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves with a minimum of three years of paid service.
- Members of Canadian police forces who served under NATO or the United Nations.
“While our history with Canada and its battles is long, it is more likely that people will recognize us as the Mounties they see on patrol all over rural Alberta. We are as proud of our service in those communities we serve today as we are of our sacrifices on the battlefields of the past. The Alberta RCMP appreciates the Royal Canadian Legion for this recognition, as well as Service Alberta for implementing this change.”
“Each and every day, our men and women in uniform risk their lives to keep our communities and our families safe. The expansion of this criteria, at the request of the Royal Canadian Legion, supports the invaluable work they do to care for our veterans and honours the continued contributions from Royal Canadian Mounted Police members.”
Quick facts
- The veterans’ licence plate program launched in 2005 to recognize and honour the service of Alberta veterans.
- To date, more than 28,000 veterans’ licence plates have been issued in Alberta.