Well, I seem to have waded into the middle of a bit of controversy on the issue of veterans plates in BC, and what constitutes a veteran. If you missed it, here is Global’s coverage on the issue.
I think that Global’s coverage was fine, but there were some points I made that unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor. Here’s a quick summary of where the Legion stands:
For the purposes of veterans plates, we are really looking for a standard definition across the country of who is eligible. We don’t have one now, so someone who has a veterans plate in one province may not have it in another. Since the Legion is vetting applications in all but one province (BC), it makes sense and should be reasonable to expect we can apply the process consistently
The RCMP deserves consideration. They are a national force that has a long history of service to this nation, including military:
– the first Commanding Officer of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), was Sam Steele, then a Superintendent in the Northwest Mounted Police
– during the Boer War, members of the NWMP served as part of the Canadian Mounted Rifles. It was because of their service in South Africa that King Edward VII gave them the title of Royal Northwest Mounted Police in 1904
– During WWI, the RNWMP raised three Squadrons for overseas service: A Squadron in France, B Squadron as part of the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force, and a squadron that served with the Canadian Light Horse.
– During WWII, the RCMP formed a Provost Company out of volunteers from their ranks.
– The RCMP was accorded the status of a regiment of Dragoons in 1921, and is entitled to wear battle honours for its war service.
– RCMP have deployed across the globe in support of peacekeeping.
– the RCMP is specifically included in the Veteran’s Bill of Rights, and its members are eligible for veteran benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada.
Anyways, that’s the Legion position. There are many who agree, just as there are many who do not. I am interested in your views, so if you have an opinion on the matter, please feel free to leave a comment.
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If an RCNP member served outside of Canada and wears a UN ribbon. Fine if not, no Vets plates. That being said. As the alegion is behind this for money and not us Vets. I totally refuse to assist the Legion, give to the Legion as I did every year and will not support the Legion in anyway. If this passes you can also keep my Vets plates. I do not speak for the thousands against this, just myself. I am ashamed of the Legion and the disrespect they are showing us.
The Legion does not make any money from Veteran’s plates.
The BC Veterans Commemorative Association {BCVCA} is the originator of the BC Veteran Licence Plate. Eligibility is based on the Federal definition of a “military” Veteran, BCVCA is the government’s agent and has been for 14 years. The Legion has their own definition of a Veteran which has no formal standing within governments. The Legion wants to increase their membership by offering “non military” RCMP a Veterans Licence Plate. This is a denigration of Veterans’ sacrifice and valour and for the Legion to do this, is well, disappointing.. BCVCA endorses any program which honours First Responders including the RCMP and this has been communicated to the RCMP Deputy Commissioner. The Legion has created this national controversy – but – in BC it will be challenged. The preservation of Veterans legacies is paramount, and BCVCA is mandated as the steward.
I agree with the above comments from Mr. George Bull!
” If an RCMP member served outside of Canada and wears a UN ribbon fine, if not, no Vet’s plates.”
The poppy symbol is worn above medals and the only allowed symbol to do so. This is sacred.
My father was killed in WWII in France where the poppies grow …..
Let the R.C.M.P. design a plate for their own veterans.
I have already given my opinion on the matter and you did not listen. Consequently, I have now terminated my Legion membership and will speak out publicly on the matter. The fact is that the Legion has cheapened the meaning of the word ‘veteran’ by including non-military forces.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made a commitment that they can be ordered to go to war at any time. That is why they are veterans. The RCMP is a police force and not a military force. They neither train for war, nor can they be ordered to deploy. That is why they are not veterans.
I acknowledge that members of the RCMP have volunteered to deploy on operations with the military and therefore have no problem with those specific RCMP members being honoured as veterans. However, this neither qualifies the entire RCMP as a military force, nor all of its members as veterans.
You cannot claim to speak for the Legion. The decision to change the definition of a veteran was made in a 2014 conference which many members either did not know about or did not have an opportunity to attend. Moreover, most Legion members have never spent a day in any military uniform and cannot speak with any authority on what it means to be a veteran.
Finally, I have the highest respect for the RCMP and would wholeheartedly support the creation of their own license plate, or a general first responder plate. However, if the RCMP become eligible for the same veteran plates, I will turn mine in.