Boats registered before 2007 used the old system as Gerritt explained....32E9876 (E for Ontario and 32 for Ottawa)
New boat license numbers will begin with provincial digraphs (MB, ON, NB) followed by digits . License information will be entered into a computer-based system which will be available to Coast Guard Search and Rescue.
When you apply for the license in your name you may,
1. keep the old number
2. request a new one to get into the government license database
3. enter old license numbers into the system
Ccmt and I opted for number 3, changing the number might be like changing the name....