08/02/2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB - As a result of the work that Bernadette Smith has done with MMIWG2S families over the past three years on Bill 204, specialty license plates to raise awareness about the MMIWG2S crisis will soon be available through Manitoba Public Insurance. Smith is the NDP MLA for Point Douglas. 

“These plates are an opportunity to commemorate lost loved ones and raise awareness about the ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and the 2SLGBTQ community,” said NDP MLA Bernadette Smith. “Purchasing a plate is also a great way to support MMIWG2S families.”

“The specialty plates are thanks to a collective effort by families to bring awareness and hold the government to account to the 231 calls to justice and ensure our loved ones are not forgotten” said Brenda Osborne, mother of Claudette Osborne-Tyo.

This spring Smith’s Bill 204, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act (Licence Plates for MMIWG2S Awareness), was passed into law, officially clearing the way for MPI to create MMIWG2S license plates. A portion of each sale will go towards education funds for the children of MMIWG2S families.

“This is an important step to raise awareness and support MMIWG2S families,” said Smith. “Our Manitoba NDP Team will always fight for more support for families and invest in the services we need to keep our women, girls and two-spirited relatives safe.”