Manitobans have chosen the loon to grace new specialty licence plate

Manitobans have voted and their choice is the loon.

More than 62,600 people voted for their favourite specialty licence plate design this summer with the loon coming out on top, one of four designs submitted by Manitoba Public Insurance in support of Manitoba Parks.

“Manitobans love our provincial parks, and this licence plate will help you show your support,” stated Premier Wab Kinew in a press release. “Thousands of Manitobans voted for their favourite design option, with the loon coming out on top. I look forward to seeing these licence plates on cars across the province in both English and French (a first).”

A portion of the proceeds from every licence plate sold will go to the Manitoba Provincial Parks Endowment Fund through The Winnipeg Foundation. The money will support park improvements that enhance ecological integrity, improve public safety, enhance accessibility, and enrich visitor experiences in Manitoba parks, according to the press release.

“Our government thanks everyone who took the time to vote on the proposed designs. The response was overwhelming and demonstrates Manitobans’ strong support for our provincial parks,” stated Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes in the release.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, a non-profit dedicated to connecting people to nature through partnership-driven conservation, habitat protection, and long-term land stewardship, brought forward the application for the new plates as a way for people to show their love of nature.

“Widely recognized as a Canadian symbol, the loon is a fitting reflection of the pride Manitobans feel in the natural and special places found right here at home,” stated Andrea Laughren, Nature Conservancy of Canada regional vice-president for the Prairies. “Our natural spaces, including our provincial parks, support healthy ecosystems and connect people to nature, helping make Manitoba such a special place to live, visit and explore. This new licence plate gives Manitobans a meaningful way to celebrate and care for what is uniquely theirs, today and for generations to come.”

Since 2011, MPI has administered the specialty licence plate program on behalf of the Manitoba government and currently offers 19 specialty plates. To date, more than 215,000 specialty plates have been sold, generating more than $6.4 million in charitable proceeds.

The new Manitoba Parks loon licence plate will be available for purchase at MPI service centres and MPI brokers offices in spring 2027.