Timothy Yakabowich wanted a personalized “D-DAY” licence plate to honour his father who fought in World War II, but the request was denied by Manitoba Public Insurance twice — once for being considered violent, and once for being considered political.
Yakabowich’s father served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He was on Juno Beach when it was invaded on June 6. 1944, also known as D-Day.
“I really wanted this plate in honour of my father who served at D-Day and was severely injured,” said Yakabowich, 56.
Yakabowich, now retired, is also a veteran himself. He served with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry for 22 years, and says he did six tours overseas.
“I purchased a motorcycle and I wanted to get personalized plates, and I requested D-DAY to commemorate the veterans of the past and current, and to recognize my father who was part of that operation.”
Yakabowich had applied for the plate in August 2023. On Jan. 25, he got a letter from MPI informing him that his plate was denied for a reason described as “violence or related to criminal activity.”
“We realize slogans can have different meanings to different people. MPI cannot approve slogans that maybe considered offensive, suggestive or not in good taste in any language,” the letter stated.
Second request
The letter gave him an option of submitting another request. Yakabowich then wrote a second letter to MPI requesting reconsideration.
He also sought the help of the Royal Canadian Legion, an organization that supports veterans and their families, and his MLA, Grant Jackson, who Yakabowich says wrote to the minister of justice on his behalf.
“That process took over two months, and I finally spoke to somebody from MPI who explained to me over the phone that the plate was denied because it’s a political issue,” Yakabowich said.
He received a second formal letter of denial from MPI on April 25, which stated the denial of his “requested slogan(s)” was upheld for the reason of being a “political or social movement.”
When CBC asked MPI about Yakabowich’s case, they stated that they did not want to comment on matters pertaining to individual customers and MPI works with them directly to address any questions or concerns.
Yakabowich says he’s frustrated with their decision.
“Isn’t there anything like self-expression and free speech? I can see where certain plates would be offensive, but I don’t understand how this could be offensive to anybody.”
He feels D-Day is commemorated in Canada as an important part of history, and denying this plate is a “double standard.”
“I can’t fathom why D-Day licence plate could possibly offend someone? I thought this plate is something to be proud our heritage, of what Canada is, by all cultures,” said Yakabowich.
Other rejected plates
In the letter that Yakabowich recevied from MPI, it states that he can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. He says he’s taking that step, and the registrar will “have a third look at this.”
Yakabowich isn’t the first Manitoba to publicly share his frustration with rejected licence plates.
In 2017, MPI revoked a Nicholas Troller’s Star Trek-themed “ASIMIL8” plate, saying it was deemed offensive to Indigenous people because of the history of government assimilation policies. Troller took that battle to the courts, but lost.
Then in 2019, a Winnipeg man went to court to have his personalized “NDN CAR” licence plate returned after it was deemed offensive by Manitoba Public Insurance. He was able to keep the plate after settling out of court with the insurer.
Referring to court documents in 2019, the Canadian Press shared examples of other licence plate requests denied by MPI, including HYZNBRG, HOLYCOW, PWALKER, BEAVER, MMMBEER, OVRTAXED, SOBR1 and NOTACOP.
In the letter sent to Yakabowich, MPI refers to its website, where guidelines on personalized licence plates are published. The guidelines call phrases on the plates slogans, and states that slogans can be denied if they are considered:
- Profane, derogatory, abusive, or obscene.
- Sexually suggestive.
- Discriminatory.
- Violent or related to criminal activity.
- Alcohol or drug related.
- Speed related or promoting risky driving behaviour.
- Religious.
- The name of a political figure, dignitary or law enforcement official.
- Related to political or social movements.
- Intellectual property (such as trademarks).
MPI charges $100 per personalized plate, while the cost of a regular licence plate and a bilingual plate that states Bienvenue is $7.
Timothy Yakabowich requested a licence plate saying D-DAY to honour his father who fought in World War II. The request was denied by Manitoba Public Insurance twice, as the insurer stated it could be linked to violence and is a political statement.