Membership

Legion members strive to make a difference. They share a heartfelt gratitude to those who have served our country and safeguarded our freedoms.

With 270,000 members in 1,350 branches across Canada, our numbers are one of our greatest strengths.

There’s a place for you in the Legion — whether you’ve served, are part of a military family, or simply want to support Canada’s Veterans.

As Canada’s largest Veteran and community service organization, our membership includes currently serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, as well as parents, spouses, children and grandchildren of Veterans. We also welcome Canadians with no military affiliation who care deeply about those who served.

Every member plays a role. Some volunteer in their communities. Others support by keeping their membership active. Together, we help Veterans and their families, promote Remembrance, and strengthen support systems across the country.

Our mission is to serve Veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country.

The Legion advocates for the care and benefits of all who served Canada.

The Royal Canadian Legion was founded by Veterans and for Veterans. We advocate for the care and benefits for all who served Canada, regardless of when or where they served.

The Legion supports those who served our country with a wide variety of services.

The Legion also provides representation and assistance to Veterans, including currently serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families, and access to our services is available to them at no cost, whether or not they are Legion members. The Legion helps thousands of Veterans each year and makes significant positive changes in their lives.

The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets.

The Legion understands the importance of honouring past sacrifices and acknowledging the courage of those who served and still serve today. Through Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Poppy campaign, commemorative activities, youth education programs, and more, the Legion helps Canadians to honour and remember.

The Legion serves our communities and our country.

Legion Branches are the cornerstone of communities across Canada, and provide one of the largest volunteer bases in the country. With 1,350 Branches from coast to coast to coast, our members provide local services and supports to build a stronger Canada. Whether helping local Veterans, supporting seniors, providing youth sports programs, raising funds, volunteering to help those in need, or simply offering a place to gather for fun and celebration, Legion members provide essential services in their communities.

The Legion is a member-based, non-profit organization devoted to honouring and supporting Veterans.

The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) is a member-based, non-profit Veteran support and community service organization, with 270,000 members and 1,350 branches across Canada. Membership is open to any Canadian or citizen of an allied nation 18 years of age or older, whether or not they have served in the military.

Legion members elect our leaders at all levels.

The membership elects the Legion’s leadership through Branch, Provincial, and Dominion elections. We encourage all members to participate in developing the Legion’s direction by getting involved at the Branch level, voting in Branch, Provincial, and Dominion Command elections, and taking on leadership roles within the organization.

The Royal Canadian Legion’s governance follows a democratic model, with elected officers at all levels. The Dominion Executive Council (DEC) includes the Dominion President, Senior Elected Officers, and Presidents of each Provincial Command and Special Section. Additional non-voting members, such as the Dominion Grand President and select committee chairs, sit on committees to support the work of DEC.

The Legion operates at three levels – national, provincial, and local. Driven by the dedication of volunteers, every level is led by elected representatives and funded independently.

Dominion Command is the national headquarters and is responsible for all national advocacy, Veteran representation and assistance, national program development and administrative oversight of the organization.

On a national level, positions and policies are determined by the Dominion Executive Council (DEC), the national governing body of The Royal Canadian Legion. DEC members are comprised of the Dominion President and the Senior Elected Officers, elected by the membership at Dominion Convention. DEC also includes the President of each Provincial Command and Special Section.

Legion Headquarters is the administrative and operation arm of Dominion Command. Legion Headquarters develops and facilitates national programs, administers memberships, oversees the Veterans Services Department and supports the Service Officers at the Command levels.

Provincial Commands have an executive elected by members within the Command. They provide direction and support to their branches and ensure they abide by Legion By-laws. Each Command has trained professional Command Service Officers who assist Veterans with benefit applications and support.

Provincial Commands also develop provincial programs and initiatives to meet Veteran needs. Provincial Commands hold Provincial Conventions every two years to determine provincial policies and direction for the Command.

Legion Branches are autonomous and independently operated. Their policies and activities are defined by their membership in accordance with Legion By-laws, allowing them to meet the needs of local Veterans and support their community. Branches have an elected executive and committees that guide their activities, and volunteer Service Officers who can assist local Veterans and refer them to the Provincial Command for specialized help.

Volunteerism is one of The Royal Canadian Legion’s core activities. At its heart, the Legion is a grassroots organization that has its greatest impact through volunteer, community-based activities. Legion members comprise one of the largest volunteer bases in the country, committing millions of volunteer hours each year.

Through its local Branches and members, the Legion raises funds and supports essential services for those in need, and responds to the unique needs of their community. Our work at the community level includes outreach and assistance programs for Veterans and their families, fundraising to support essential community services, offering supports for seniors and families in need, organizing commemorative ceremonies and promoting Remembrance, and more. In times of local or regional crisis, Legion Branches and Legionnaires are there to support those who have been adversely affected by an emergency.

There are many ways to get involved and have a direct impact on your community. Please contact us at Branch 59 to find out more.

Legion Branches are central places for people to gather and feel connected to their neighbours. In many places, they serve as the primary community centre, hosting weddings, town meetings, community BBQs, memorial services, and other important events and activities.

Legion Branches are the cornerstones of communities. We encourage everyone to visit Branch 59 in Antigonish and find out all we have to offer.

Many Canadians don’t realize that the Legion is one of the largest supporters of community youth activities in the country. The Legion promotes Remembrance to the younger generation and works with schools and youth organizations to keep the memories of our Fallen Veterans alive. The Legion also supports youth leadership programs and activities such as Cadets, Scouts and Guides, and youth sports, helping build the next generation of leaders. Locally Branch 59 is the sponsor of the 285 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.