Opposition groups hope to nip licence plate change in the bud

CTV Calgary: Licence plate website bumper stumper? Chris Epp reports on pushback in the province's decision to remove the Wild Rose Country slogan from licence plates.

Opposition is growing to the province’s proposal to drop the ‘Wild Rose Country’ slogan from Alberta’s licence plates and a petition is now circulating online to keep the saying alive.

The catchphrase has been part of the plate since 1973 and the province says it lacks certain safety features.

“Our current licence plate is more than 30 years old and lacks features to help make our roads and communities safer. This new plate will make it easier for police to spot vehicles that are unregistered, uninsured, or stolen,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Service Alberta.

Three new designs were released earlier this week for Albertans to vote on and the old slogan is replaced by the province’s website.

The Wildrose Party says people should be able to choose a new design and also provide feedback on a slogan.

“From the feedback we’ve received, many Albertans have told us they feel a great deal of pride in their province and many don’t want to be defined by just a government website,” said Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith.

The Wildrose Party has launched an online poll of its own and gives people five options for the bottom line of the new plate:

A petition is also making the rounds online and on Facebook.

The petition is calling on the government to keep the “Wild Rose Country” slogan and apply reflective coating to any newly registered plates.

“The ‘Wild Rose Country’ slogan has been on Alberta licence plates since 1973, reflecting our unique Western heritage,” said campaign spokeswoman Caitlyn Madlener. “It is disappointing to see that Alberta’s Government would make such a transparently political decision.”

Madlener says over 400 people have signed on so far.

A poll conducted by CTV Calgary on July 8 showed 74 percent of respondents disagreed with the decision to remove the slogan from plates.

Do you agree with the decision to remove Wild Rose Country from Alberta’s licence plates?

Yes  1085  (26%)

No  3028 (74%)

Total number of votes: 4113

CTV Edmonton also conducted a poll asking viewers about the change.

The province is changing Alberta licence plates, including the slogan. Do you think replacing ‘Wild Rose Country’ with ‘Alberta.ca’ is a good idea?

Yes  2325  (26%)

No 6541  (74%)

Total number of votes: 8866

To vote in the Wildrose Party poll click HERE.

To sign the online petition, click HERE.