Alberta residents have been very generous in their support of military families through a new licence plate.
The Support Our Troops licence plate was made available on July 22 as a way to show respect for and help aid Canadian service men and women in Alberta.
Local MLA Jeff Johnson, who is also the provincial government’s liason with the Canadian Armed Forces, received his plate Friday, which also happened to be the same day the Alberta government announced more than $220,000 has been raised in the less than four months the special plates have been up for purchase.
The plates cost $75, with $55 going to the Support Our Troops program operated by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Service.
That translates into more than 4,000 plates scooped up by Alberta residents, a remarkable number and shows how residents feel about the military in the province.
Johnson explained buying and displaying the plate is a great way to literally, and monetarily, show your support for those that look out for our country, especially at this time of year,
Service Alberta minister Stephen Khan added, “The Support Our Troops licence plate is both a statement of pride and a show of support for our military families. I encourage Albertans to consider ordering a Support Our Troops licence plate this Remembrance Day. I’m glad to have my plate as a way of saying thank you to our military.”
The program aids injured personnel and provides financial assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
At the announcement, Director General at Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Commodore Mark Watson stated the plate is a fitting reminder of the sacrifices being commemorated this week.
“Through the program and the generosity of Albertans, this initiative will help the extraordinary and unique needs of military members and their families,” he added.
The plate is a tribute to the first four Alberta soldiers to die in the Afghanistan misson, all were members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton and compliments the Veteran’s plate already in circulation.
The plate can be ordered through any registry agent across Alberta.
