EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/09/13 -- The Province of Alberta unveiled a new "Support Our Troops" licence plate today during a ceremony at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton.
"Albertans admire the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who put their lives on line, away from the comforts of family and home, as they stand up for the rights and freedoms of Canadians and people around the world, said Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Service Alberta. "The Alberta government is honoured to offer this licence plate as a way we can demonstrate our gratitude to them and give back to members and their families through the Support our Troops campaign".
"This is a tremendous example of the Government of Alberta's support for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces," said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. "On behalf of our sailors, soldiers, airmen and women and special forces, thank you."
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these licence plates will go to the Support our Troops campaign to assist members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their families. Alberta will be the second province to offer "Support our Troops" licence plates once they become available in the new year.
"Our troops are proud of their service to Canada and appreciate the recognition from Albertans. I know they will be honoured when they see these licence plates on the vehicles of Albertans and the proceeds will help provide essential support to those who need it," said Brigadier-General Christian Juneau, 3rd Canadian Division Commander, Army in Western Canada.
The new licence plate complements the Province of Alberta's veterans' licence plates, featuring a poppy in honour of former and currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other Canadian police departments who have served under NATO or the United Nations. Nearly 21 000 veterans' licence plates have been issued since the program began in February 2005, and in 2011, the Government of Alberta extended availability of the licence plates to motorcycles.
Notes to editor / news director:
Photos of the unveiling will be available on the 3rd Canadian Division Flickr site www.Flickr.com/LFWAPAO
For additional information:
Province of Alberta: Dave Prisco, Chief of Staff Service Alberta, Dave.Prisco@gov.ab.ca, 780-499-6734.
Department of National Defence: Lieutenant Navy Tony Wright, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs Officer, 780-973-4011 ext 7415, BB 780-288-5082.
Contacts:
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca
