What’s the big deal about licence plate slogans?

It seems that Albertans are angry about their government's decision to redesign their licence plates sans a slogan.

Earlier this week, Service Alberta Minister Doug Griffiths announced that Albertans could vote on one of three new designs — all of the designs, however, included the province's website address, alberta.ca, instead of the iconic "Wildrose Country" motto.

That has caused a public outcry throughout the province: it's been one of the hot topics on radio talk shows, in coffee shops and on on-line forums.

In fact, according to the Calgary Herald's Don Braid, it's the "hottest political issue of Stampede week."

Some are suggesting that the move was political in nature — that the province's Progressive Conservative government didn't want the opposition Wildrose Party's name on the licence plates — while others just wanted a logo that binds the province.

Polls and petitions have now sprouted-up: A Calgary Herald poll suggests 72 per cent want Wildrose Country to remain on plates; A Change.org petition to save the slogan has over 2,000 names; and, surprise, surprise, on Thursday, the Wildrose Party launched their own online poll:

"From the feedback we’ve received, many Albertans have told us they feel a great deal of pride in their province and many don’t want to be defined by just a government website," party leader Danielle Smith said in a statement.

"Our online poll will give people a voice and hopefully pressure Mr. Griffiths to give Albertans a chance to decide on the slogan on Alberta’s new licence plate."

[ Related: Alberta to drop 'Wild Rose Country' from licence plates ]

It appears that the Alberta government is paying attention to the backlash.

"If we get overwhelming feedback that there should be a slogan, we will consider doing that," Kathleen Range, press secretary to Service Alberta Minister Doug Griffiths told the Herald.

The public outcry, however, is a little peculiar.

Alberta has a lot of real issues they should be dealing with: last week a report suggested a link between oil sand development and incidences of cancer in some First Nation communities; the province is facing a growing rural homeless problem; companies are facing a labour shortage; and, like a lot of other provinces, Alberta faces financial challenges with regard to their health care system.

But people want to complain about a licence plate slogan?

Canadians are generally an apathetic bunch — our protests to unpopular political decisions are generally muted.

One of the exceptions, apparently, is when you mess with Canadians'...ahem licence plates.

What do you think?

Are Albertans right to be upset about the licence plate change? Or is this much ado about nothing?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below:

Canada's license plate slogans:

British Columbia: Beautiful British Columbia

Alberta: Wildrose Country

Saskatchewan: Land of Living Skies

Manitoba: Friendly Manitoba

Ontario: Yours to Discover

Quebec: Je me souviens

New Brunswick: Be...in this place

Nova Scotia: Canada's Ocean Playgound

Prince Edward Island: Canada's Green Province

Newfoundland: (No slogan since 2002)

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