Bill proposes licence plate for MMIWG

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This article was published 05/10/2022 (1152 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba lawmaker has proposed a specialty licence plate to raise money for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.

Point Douglas MLA Bernadette Smith introduced a private member’s bill Wednesday to create a licence plate to commemorate the victims.

The bill, which would amend the Drivers and Vehicles Act, was introduced one day after the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and LGBTTQ+.

“It’s clear that more needs to be done to protect Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people in Manitoba,” the NDP MLA said.

A licence plate with the abbreviation MMIWG2S and either a red hand or red dress would be available for purchase with funds going towards charity, if the bill is passed. The current session of the legislature concludes Nov. 3.

Smith’s sister, Claudette Osborne-Tyo, went missing 14 years ago. The 21-year-old was last seen on the night of July 25, 2008, near Selkirk Avenue and King Street.

Smith later co-founded the Coalition of Families of Missing and Murdered Women in Manitoba and the Drag the Red initiative.

“This licence plate would help to raise awareness and inspire action to be taken,” Smith said. “As well, the money collected will benefit the children left behind of these women and girls and two-spirited people who have been murdered or gone missing in Manitoba.”

According to the bill, the province would be required to consult with people and organizations representing the interest of families and MMIWG2S prior to selecting a registered charity.

— Staff