Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion is a national veterans’ and community service organization in Canada, established to support veterans, promote remembrance, and serve communities.

Overview:

• Founded: 1925 (in Winnipeg, Manitoba)

• Purpose:

  • Support veterans, including serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members and their families.

  • Promote Remembrance of those who served and sacrificed for Canada.

  • Strengthen communities through volunteerism, youth programs, and community services.

Key Activities:

1. Veteran Support

   • Advocacy for veterans’ benefits, pensions, and healthcare.

   • Assistance with Veterans Affairs Canada claims and services.

   • Housing and transition support for homeless and at-risk veterans.

2. Remembrance

   • Organizes Remembrance Day ceremonies nationwide.

   • Distributes poppies (through the annual Poppy Campaign) to raise funds for veterans.

   • Maintains memorials and promotes historical education.

3. Community Engagement

   • Supports youth programs (e.g., Cadets, scholarships, sports).

   • Provides meeting spaces and event venues at Legion branches.

   • Fundraises for local charities and community needs.

Membership:

• Open to:

  • Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members (serving or retired)

  • Veterans of allied forces

  • Ordinary citizens (as associate or affiliate members)

• Membership benefits include access to Legion events, support services, and discounts through national partners.

Structure:

• Over 1,300 branches across Canada.

• Organized into provincial commands and a national headquarters in Ottawa.

• Non-profit and non-partisan.

Notable Symbol:

• Red Poppy – Symbol of remembrance, worn in the weeks leading up to November 11 (Remembrance Day).