For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 12, 2009

DUNLOP PLEASED WITH NEW LICENCE PLATES FOR TROOPS

Orillia:  Seven months after Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop tabled a Private Member’s Resolution that asked the government to support our troops by designing a graphic licence plate, the province has announced it will now issue licence plates embossed with a yellow ribbon and the words “Support Our Troops.”

“Placing a yellow ribbon on a licence plate is a sign of loyalty to family, friends or loved ones away in the military,” said Dunlop. “It is also a symbol for welcoming them home and I believe this is a great way to honour our troops who are protecting the freedom that we as Canadians enjoy.”

Dunlop introduced the idea of a special licence plate in May, 2009 after a constituent e-mailed him with the suggestion.

Graphic plates are available in Ontario with logos of various groups, organizations and other recognized symbols.
 "You can get plates with the Toronto  Maple Leafs hockey team  logo on them, so  why not have one to recognize our soldiers?,” asked Dunlop.

Starting February 1, 2010, regular, personalized and sample licence plates can be ordered through select ServiceOntario locations and driver and vehicle licence issuing offices across the province.  Personalized licence plates with the new logo will also be available for order online at www.ServiceOntario.ca and by phone at 1-800-AUTO-PL8.  This new licence plate complements the existing veteran’s plate, which features a poppy in honour of those who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

A portion of the money from the sale of the new plates will go to the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund, which helps soldiers and their families.

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For more information contact:
Garfield Dunlop, MPP
705-327-4500 (cell)