Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the Government of Manitoba, and the Royal Canadian Legion have worked together to bring forward a regulatory amendment to allow more veterans to display a veteran licence plate on their vehicle. The amendment, which came into effect on November 5, 2025, expands veteran eligibility criteria under the Vehicle Registration Regulation.
Previously, the definition of veteran included a three-year honourable service requirement for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. The new regulation removes this requirement. Moving forward, the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion (MNOC) will manage eligibility criteria and align with the national definition of “veteran.”
The expanded definition being used going forward allows for veteran plate eligibility for current and former members of the CAF, RCMP, peace officers in special duty areas, and wartime service in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command, as well as individuals who completed CAF basic training and were honourably discharged.
“At MPI, we recognize the service and self-sacrifice of our veterans, and we feel it is important to follow the guidance of the Royal Canadian Legion on who should be able to proudly display their service to Manitobans and Canadians on their vehicle,” said Satvir Jatana, President and CEO of MPI. “Expanding the eligibility to include all service is the right thing to do and speaks to the true intent of the plate.”
“Broadening the eligibility for the veteran’s licence plate to include all of those who have provided service to Manitoba and Canada supports this government’s commitment to honouring veterans,” said the Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for MPI. “Transferring the management of veteran eligibility criteria to the Royal Canadian Legion ensures that the decisions are made by those with direct expertise and connection to our veterans.”
MPI has issued more than 5,680 veteran licence plates. These plates are provided at no cost to eligible veterans who apply.
“The Royal Canadian Legion Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command welcomes the Government of Manitoba’s and MPI’s support in updating the eligibility criteria for the veteran licence plate program,” said Cohen Rutledge, Provincial Executive Director of MNOC. “This update helps us to further recognize those who have served our nation, reflecting a modern understanding of military service and sacrifice. By honouring veterans through this program, we strengthen our collective commitment to acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. We are proud to support this positive step forward for veterans and their families.”
This more inclusive approach to eligibility reflects the diversity of service that exists in Manitoba.
“It is important that we honour all service,” said the Honourable David Pankratz, Special Envoy for Military Affairs with the Government of Manitoba. “By expanding our definition of veteran, we are honouring and remembering Manitoba veterans as an integral part of the freedoms that we have in our country and in this province.”
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, an organization that helps veterans and their families overcome challenges they face as a result of their service.
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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]