The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta has announced plans to redesign the province's iconic license plate, just a week after the Supreme Court of Canada decided to retire its traditional red robes. Premier Danielle Smith and Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally revealed the new design initiative on Wednesday. Albertans will have the opportunity to vote on eight proposed designs in a tournament-style format over the next month, ultimately selecting a new plate design.

Most of the proposed designs have drawn criticism for their lack of originality. Seven out of the eight options feature blue text, which would replace the classic red lettering that has been a hallmark of Alberta plates for 42 years. This change would align Alberta's plates with those of British Columbia and Ontario, potentially making it harder for witnesses to identify vehicles in police investigations due to the loss of the distinctive red color.

The remaining options include various photographic backgrounds, showcasing Alberta's natural beauty with images of mountains, trees, cows, and other rural elements. However, critics argue that the photographs make the plates visually cluttered. The new plates will also feature the slogan "Strong and Free," which is derived from the national anthem and reflects the UCP's political branding. This choice has raised concerns among some Albertans who feel it may not represent the province's diverse political landscape.

The previous slogan, "Wild Rose Country," which referenced Alberta's provincial flower, was used from 1973 to 2014 before being replaced. Many believe that if given the choice, Albertans might prefer to return to this phrase.

The design of the proposed plates has also faced scrutiny. Critics point out that the blue text often blends into the background images, making it difficult to read. In several designs, the horizon line is positioned too close to the text, creating visual tension. Additionally, the wild rose, which is intended to replace the hyphen in the slogan, may not stand out effectively against the busy photographic backgrounds.

Overall, the UCP's redesign initiative has sparked debate about the aesthetics and functionality of the new license plates, with many questioning whether photography is appropriate for such a small space. The outcome of the voting process will determine the future look of Alberta's license plates, but the current proposals have left many Albertans feeling dissatisfied with the options presented.