Alberta raises $2.5 million through Support Our Troops program

On January 15th, 2020, CEO of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Sean Cantelon, spoke with Nate Glubish, Service Alberta Minister and military liaison, Brad Rutherford, to express his appreciation for the province’s ongoing support for CAF.

Back in 2014, Alberta launched the Support Our Troops program, which residents of the province responded to strongly. Nearly 45,000 plates have been purchased since the initial launch. Through this public support, almost $2.5 million has been raised for Support Our Troops. Operated by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Support Our Troops offers financial guidance and support to military families.

“The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces provide a tremendous service to our province, country, and the international community and it is difficult to find ways to express our appreciation to them and their families for their service and sacrifice,” said Nate Glubish, minister of service Alberta. “This program enables Albertans to show their support in a small but meaningful way. It is inspiring to see these plates on so many Alberta vehicles, knowing the significant difference these donations have made to the lives of military families.”

Support Our Troops was a program founded to help those struggling with the unique challenges military personnel and their families face as a result of their service. The funds raised from the Support Our Troops specialty licence plate program are used to help current and former CAF members and their families through providing access to children’s programs, scholarships, family assistance, supporting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as many other initiatives.

Brad Rutherford, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces, explained, “There is no higher form of public service than to risk one’s life in defence of our country or in maintaining public safety. Albertans share a great pride in our military members, and so does our government.”

“We are proud to support the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families with the Support Our Troops licence plate program, which provides funding for an array of important services. I encourage all Albertans to participate in this valuable program,” he added.

CEO of CFMWS, Sean Cantelon said, “We truly appreciate the Province of Alberta’s endorsement and support of this program, which serves as an excellent role model for other provinces who are putting in place similar programs.”

Specialty plates are sold at Alberta registry offices for $75 plus applicable registry fees. Out of the total cost of each specialty plate, $55 goes directly to the CAF Support Our Troops program, while the remaining $20 is retained in order to offset the cost of production and mailing.