Posted on 02/20/2013, 11:08 am, by mySteinbach

In recognition of Manitoba’s deep French roots and proud heritage, bilingual licence plates will soon be available. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger.

“I am very pleased to announce this special program in honour of Manitoba’s francophone community,” said Selinger. “And what better time to unveil these new licence plates than during the Festival du Voyageur.”

Manitoba’s bilingual licence plate will look distinctive and display the recognizable ‘bienvenue.’  The initiative will be administered by Manitoba Public Insurance and will be available beginning Feb. 25 at more than 300 Autopac outlets across the province.

“With these new licence plates, we recognize the importance of bilingualism in our province as well as the importance of la francophonie to Manitoba’s history and culture,” said Selinger.

Manitoba’s new, bilingual plate has drawn the praise of the province’s francophone community.

“The SFM applauds the provincial government’s action, which acknowledges the significance of past and present contributions made by Manitoba’s francophone community,” said Daniel Boucher, president and chief executive officer of the Société franco-manitobaine. “We know how important an initiative such as this one is to the francophone community and to all who believe in linguistic duality.”

Drivers can switch from their current plates to bilingual plates for $15 at any of the province’s 300 Autopac agents. For newly registered vehicles, the cost of either the English or the bilingual plate is $7.