September 12, 1996
(Government Services and Lands)

The John Cabot logo will be featured on a new license plate that the province is introducing as part of the 500th anniversary celebrations in 1997.

The announcement was made jointly today by Government Services and Lands Minister Ernest McLean, whose portfolio includes the Motor Registration Division, and by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Sandra Kelly.

Mr. McLean said the unique plate is a marvellous way to promote the anniversary both inside and outside of the province. The logo, which includes a drawing of the explorer, is presented on an ocean blue background to lend significance to Cabot's voyage here by sea. The Minister said the new plate will enable motorists travelling on highways throughout North America to become a little more familiar with the man who discovered the New Founde Lande in 1497.

"The observance of our 500th anniversary is generating considerable enthusiasm all across Canada, throughout the United Kingdom, and in other parts of the world," Mr. McLean said. "It is important that we use every means at our disposal to promote what promises to be a spectacular celebration in 1997."

At an unveiling ceremony today, Minister Kelly accepted the first set of plates from Minister McLean.

She said they will serve to raise the visibility of the 500th anniversary celebrations and be a major boost for the Province's tourism industry. She noted that, for some time now, the Cabot logo has been promoted nationally and internationally.

"The reproduction of the Cabot logo on our licence plate means that it will be seen by people all across the province on a daily basis and certainly this will serve to keep the celebrations prominent in their minds," said Ms. Kelly. "Additionally, and of equal importance, the anniversary celebrations will be promoted wherever Newfoundlanders and Labradorians travel in their motor vehicles."

Minister Kelly said most jurisdictions throughout North America use vehicle license plates to promote their province or state. She said the inclusion of the Cabot logo will serve to generate additional publicity at minimal cost for the 500th anniversary celebrations in 1997 and hinted at the likelihood of the plates eventually becoming a collectors' item.

Minister McLean said the new plates will be introduced gradually for new vehicles or as replacement plates when previous plates have been lost.

"There will not be a universal change of plates and anyone requiring a set of new plates will have to pay the $15 fee and complete the appropriate documentation at an office of the motor registration division," said Mr. McLean.

Approximately 30,000 sets of the Cabot plates will be distributed and will remain in existence until there is a universal change.

The last time the province changed the design of license plates was in 1993 when it introduced the Viking Plate. The 1993 plate featured a Viking sailing ship against a background sunset and contained the promotional slogan "A World of Difference".

There has not been a universal change of plates since 1982.

Contact: G. Callahan
729-3142

L. Cochrane
729-0928