The Alberta is changing the licence plate, and Albertans have a say. Photo of some of the proposed designs
The Alberta Government is hosting a tournament to decide the look of the province’s next licence plate.
The tournament will be taking place from October 15 to November 5, and Albertans will be able to take part in the tournament and vote on a new provincial licence plate design.
According to Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, provincial licence plates are more than a piece of metal hanging off the back of a vehicle.
The current licence plate was designed in 1984, and has a red wild rose, along with the words Wild Rose Country.
Premier Smith adds that Alberta has grown since the current licence plate was created.
The new designs will be based on the Latin motto of our Province, Strong and Free.
Premier Smith says that including the motto on the licence plate will serve as a nod to the national anthem, as well as Alberta’s position as a strong a sovereign province within a united Canada.
As part of the tournament-style online vote, Albertans will get to choose between eight designs in the first round.
The following rounds will narrow down the designs until the winner is chosen.
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, says they are making changes to licence plates now to help modernize them.
When asked about the Strong and Free motto being included on the plate and if it’s dipping into the realm of politics, as the UCP uses that motto on their website, Minster Nally says it’s not political.
Premier Smith was asked why they decided to announce the licence plate change now when there are other issues in the news, such as the teacher’s strike, which she explains.
It was also asked why in 2014, when Premier Smith was the leader of the Wildrose Party, she called the removal of Wildrose Country from licence plates at that time as politically motivated, but now she supports its removal.
It is estimated that changing the licence plates will cost between $25,000 and $50,000, which will be coming out of internal resources.
Once the new licence plates are released, Albertans will be able to voluntarily pay $28 fee for the plate.
Alternatively, the plates could be obtained for no additional cost when the vehicle registration is due.
The current plates can continue to be used once the new ones are released, as long as it is still in good condition.
To see the designs and vote for your favourite, click here.
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