Provincial release:

Nova Scotians who have played a role in making Canada and the world a safer place to live will be able to obtain a veteran’s specialty licence plate in honour of their contributions sooner.

The Province is removing the minimum length-of-service requirement to apply for the plate, which is available to past and current members of the armed forces, RCMP and others. Previously, members must have served at least three years.

“Our specialty licence plate program recognizes our veterans for the sacrifices and achievements made by those who have served – and continue to serve – during times of war and peace,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “We are taking steps to broaden the eligibility to make sure we are honouring those Nova Scotians who make the selfless act to protect our province and country.”

The Province worked with the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of the Royal Canadian Legion on eligibility changes, including removing the requirement for members of wartime allies’ armed forces to have served in a theatre of war.

Under the updated definition, a veteran is considered to be any person who is serving, or who has honourably served, in the Canadian Armed Forces, the armed forces of another Commonwealth country or its wartime allies, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime, or as a peace officer on a special duty operation.

Quotes:
“Our veterans have done, and continue to do, so much for us. It’s important that we recognize their dedication every way we can. This is another way we can say thank you for a job well done.” 
— Barbara Adams, Minister responsible for Military Relations

“I am glad this has moved forward in the best interests of all veterans by waiving the waiting period which will allow more veterans to be immediately recognized for their service to their country through this specialty plate.” 
— Don McCumber, President, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command,Royal Canadian Legion

Quick Facts:
– in 2002, Nova Scotia was the first province to institute a government-issued Veterans’ Licence Plate to recognize the contributions of veterans
– there are about 8,000 veterans’ plates currently issued for vehicles in Nova Scotia
– application forms are available online or at any Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia location or any branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Nova Scotia

Additional Resources:
Veteran plate application form: https://www.novascotia.ca/sns/pdf/ans-rmv-veteran-plate.pdf

Department of Public Works on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks