Re: Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles

by bosn181 Wed 12 Dec 2018, 6:52 pm

from what i read is 48 affordable housing units for veterans and their families and gives the redevelopment a total of 473 market homes. so kind of looks like a small amount for vets and most of units for others.

by JAFO Wed 12 Dec 2018, 10:33 pm

That's the way I read it too bosn. A 10 to 1 ratio of civilian housing to veteran housing....yeah veteran advocates my arse! Flip the ratio and then the Legion can be called a "Veteran's Organization".

by **RunningLight** Sat 29 Dec 2018, 2:07 pm

Ladies of the Donkin legion
Nikki Sullivan (nicole.sullivan@cbpost.com)
Published: Dec 28, 2018

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 CB-28122018-Donkin-Legion-Ladies-NS_large

New executive dedicated to finding new members, keeping legion alive
DONKIN, N.S. — Five women have been elected to the top executive chair positions of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 5 in Donkin for what appears to be the first time in the organization’s history.

Linda MacKay, 74, was re-elected as president. Also re-elected were 67-year-old Pat Milley (first vice-president) and 69-year-old Marilyn Budden (treasurer). New to their positions are Mary Fraser, 49, as secretary and Jean Gardiner, 71, as second-vice-president.

“No one else would take it,” said Gardiner laughing while sitting with the others in the legion on Dec. 11, tea and homemade coffee cake on the table.

“Some of the men that were nominated declined,” added MacKay, who is her sister.

There was a time when a woman on a legion executive wouldn’t have been allowed; even membership would be scarce.

Milley remembers wanting to join but being told she couldn’t because neither her father nor grandfather were war veterans. The Newfoundland native’s father was an air-raid warden in the Second World War and not recognized as a veteran until more recently. Her grandfather was too young for the First World War and too old for the Second World War.

Women in legions were so rare, Milley said, that in 1977 she wasn’t allowed to hold a women’s dart league at the Donkin legion because “they’d have to put a bathroom in.”

Over the years this has changed due to declining membership numbers across the country. Rules have relaxed, more women are joining and more women are volunteering to hold executive committee positions.

Declining membership is one of the top priorities of Donkin legion’s new executive and the passion the women have to increase numbers is obvious.

“We have to get more of our cousins to join, more sons and daughters of former members,” said MacKay, brainstorming recruitment ideas during the interview.

Donkin legion has about 65 members but the executive chair estimates at least 20 of these people live outside of Cape Breton. Milley said one of their members lives in Germany.

Out of the remaining 45, the women believe more than 20 are over the age of 70 which means they can be limited in how much help they can give to legion events or operations.

“There’s declining health among these people … we need some young people with energy,” Milley said, “As you age there’s only so much you can do.”

“We need more members, but it’s hard,” said MacKay, who is a retired teacher.

Each of the new executive has strong family ties to the military and have made a commitment to keeping the legion going in memory of veterans. They also believe legions are important community organizations.

Milley has been involved with the Donkin legion “up the ranks and down” for about 27 years in and out of various executive roles and her brother and some brothers-in-law have served in the Canadian military. Milley’s late husband, Wayne Milley, was president of the legion.

MacKay and Gardiner’s grandfather, Rubin Morford, was a founding member and both he and their father, Victor Morford, served as president. In the 1980s, MacKay did some work with the legion, left for a while then was brought back in by Milley in 2015.

Gardiner, who grew up in Donkin but now lives in Glace Bay, joined about three years ago, as did Budden and Fraser, who also manages the bar at the legion.

As the women sit around the table, drinking tea and eating cake, they reminisce about past times at the legion — the rare times a veteran would share a war story, the card shark who loved to play tarabish and the accomplishments of past legion members.

And the topic of recruiting new members creeps into every happy laugh and fond memory. The importance of this might weigh heavier on MacKay and Gardiner, whose grandfather was nicknamed “Mr. Poppy” and “Mr. Legion” because of his dedication to keeping it going.

“Wilf Edmunds (a Donkin veteran who served as Dominion president of all Royal Canadian Legions) told me if it wasn’t for our grandfather the Donkin legion wouldn’t be here,” MacKay said.

“Back then they didn’t have (poppy selling) committees. Our grandfather would go door-to-door until they were all sold.”

nicole.sullivan@cbpost.com

https://www.capebretonpost.com/living/ladies-of-the-donkin-legion-271761/

by Terrarium Tue 29 Jan 2019, 8:17 pm

Guelph Legion says member accused of 'stolen valour' will never represent them again

Gerry Conway once told local high school students of his service in Vietnam that Stolen Valour Canada says never happened

Jan 29, 2019

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 20171109-lourdes-ts-3

Gerry Conway, who served in the Vietnam War, speaks to students at Lourdes high school Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

The Guelph branch of the Royal Canadian Legion says a member accused of misrepresenting his military service and achievements at a local school and other official legion events will not be representing the legion in the future.

Gerry Conway once told Our Lady of Lourdes high school students about his Vietman War experiences at a Remembrance Day event. His story included having urine thrown on him upon returning to the United States and being called a "baby killer."

"I can guarantee you one thing, he will not be representing the legion in any form or respect again, that you can quote me on. Not in Guelph. Hopefully anywhere," said Roy Fagel, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234.

Fagel preferred not to go into details about what measures the local legion took after looking into allegations of stolen valour against Conway.

"We have looked into it. It's been looked after, that's all I can say."

Fagel said the branch preferred to handle the matter internally.

"It was certainly disturbing for us to hear this," Fagel said. "It certainly wasn't overlooked."

He said the local branch has "gone as far as we're going to go with it at this time."

Pamela Sweeny, executive director of the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command, was unaware of the accusations against Conway.

The organization Stolen Valour Canada outed Conway on its website, saying he falsified his military record and wore unearned medals and emblems on his uniform.

Stolen Valour Canada made Conway a member of its Hall of Shame, saying he has "absolutely no military service," and no entitlement to many of the insignias and medals he wore - including a Purple Heart for being wounded - at various public events.

They said it was his “obvious and frankly ridiculous uniform embellishments” that prompted further investigation.

In 2017 Conway, speaking at a Remembrance Day event, told students at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School about being “spit on” and called “baby killer” when he returned from his second tour of Vietnam.

Stolen valour is a term used to describe people who falsely claim or embellish military service and/or wear military badges and awards they didn’t earn. Stolen Valour Canada is a group dedicated to exposing those people.

Their motto is "if you didn't earn it, don't wear it."One of those medals worn by Conway is the purple heart, awarded to U.S. service members wounded in combat.

Conway has not replied to several requests for comment regarding the allegations. His wife previously told an intermediary that the allegations by Stolen Valour Canada were "false" and that her husband is "very, very upset."

Stolen Valour Canada previously posted what it says is an email exchange with Conway where he allegedly admitted to falsifying his service.

“We stand behind our findings on Mr. Conway. He didn’t experience the things he claims and his stories paint a false picture of life as a veteran," Stolen Valour told GuelphToday when the story first broke.

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelph-legion-says-member-accused-of-stolen-valour-will-never-represent-them-again-1218606

by **Rockarm** Mon 04 Feb 2019, 7:10 am

Tough times ahead for the Redcliff Legion

By Taylor Chartrand February 3, 2019

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 Vlcsnap-2019-02-03-17h12m26s195

R edcliff, AB - The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 has been around for awhile, 1926 to be exact.

As you can imagine, that is a lot of wear and tear on a building and because of that, the Redcliff Legion has some serious renovations ahead.

After speaking with Branch #6 President Stephen Marshall and other Legion representatives, they said they have roughly $60,000 worth of upgrades coming their way in the near future.

"One of our big things is our heating units," explained Marshall. "We have four major heating units on the roof that aren't operating the way they should be. If you go into an establishment and it's cold inside, it doesn't make for a good atmosphere."

In addition to that, Marshall said the Legion also has a couple other projects that need to be looked after as well.

"Eventually we'll be looking at upgrades to the kitchen and we'll also be replacing the carpets around the facility as well. We also plan on remodeling the dining room as one of our future revenue generators."

Marshall said these renovations are long overdue and they won't be able to soak up the cost without the support of the community.

"I feel this place is the backbone of the town. The costs associated with our renovations are definitely up there and it's more than what we can raise ourselves with 50/50's. We need the community support to get this place back to where it needs to be."

As a former veteran, this facility holds a special place near and dear to Marshall's heart.

"It's got so much nostalgia. You come in, walk around and there's trophies that go back years and years. There's pictures on the walls of all the veterans from here who served in the war. You walk around and see nothing but history."

Marshall said he wants to keep the legacy of the Legion alive.

"As the veterans get older, they're leaving us. We need to keep this building open, like every other legion in the country, so the younger people know who was here, what they did and what they died for."

To begin their fundraising efforts, the Legion has started a 50/50 that will be drawn on June 16th at Redcliff Days. Tickets are available at the Redcliff Legion.

https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/588153/tough-times-ahead-redcliff-legion

by **Replica** Wed 06 Feb 2019, 5:27 pm

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 Fort-St-John-Canadian-Legion-FB-Image

Home - News - Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion reminds Veterans they will help

Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion reminds Veterans they will help

TRACY TEVES
FEBRUARY 6, 2019

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – With the extreme weather temperatures the Legion wants to put the word out to Veterans and their families that find themselves in a cold-related emergency that they will help.

In speaking with Gregg Nicoll, Service Manager for the FSJ Royal Canadian Legion, the Legion itself does not have any facilities to help Veterans yet can help with problems due to the cold weather such as a furnace being out, a car not starting or hot water heating not working.

Nicoll goes on to share if a Veteran or their family in the household cannot afford a technician, for a one time service the Legion can help provide the service yet they are unable to maintain the service for the situation.

“If there is an emergency situation such as the car won’t start or the heat is out we can jump in and render assistance,” said Nicoll

Nicoll directs Veterans to call the Legion if they require assistance at 250.785.3917

Nicoll goes on to say, “Sometimes Veterans don’t have immediate family to check on them.”

This is a timely reminder from the Legion, consider if you have a neighbour that might need help to check in on them as the temperatures can lead to medical situations if a person is without heat or unable to leave their home.

https://www.energeticcity.ca/2019/02/fort-st-john-royal-canadian-legion-reminds-veterans-they-will-help/

by Jackson Fri 15 Feb 2019, 3:50 pm

Legion comments on volatility in VAC leadership

Feb 13, 2019

With the latest change in leadership at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), The Royal Canadian Legion remains increasingly concerned that the Canadian government is not duly focused on the needs of our Veterans and that no one really has full focus on this portfolio.

The time has arrived for the Canadian government to create one department, joining VAC and the Department of National Defence (DND) to ensure our Veterans are taken care of from recruitment into retirement.

We have witnessed several puzzling changes to VAC’s leadership in recent years, and we now question just how committed government is to Canada’s Veterans. On their behalf, we ask that the Veteran portfolio overall be treated as a vital one, and that government take swift action so that critical issues related to our Veterans’ well-being are dealt with immediately.

In addition, we ask that political pundits, media and others cease their talk about “demotion” if a minister is assigned to the Veteran’s file – which is actually an honour - and redirect their energy towards tackling societal issues they have the power to address. Our Veterans helped establish and help maintain the very foundation of our way of life and freedom in Canada. Without our Veterans, other ministerial departments might not even exist today.

https://www.legion.ca/news/2019/02/13/legion-comments-on-volatility-in-vac-leadership?_cldee=bWptY25laWxAbmIuc3ltcGF0aWNvLmNh&recipientid=contact-669382c01e4be61180d2c22412537408-c628015ecd2d4507806ecb29846f7d0c&esid=92f3c3f7-cf36-4700-a1ee-7fd450134a74&fbclid=IwAR24D_CDUMhHwDmlwjnnuz90yI-f7ib_AlbEF9a31BKvCJcvl8fjeTzYXCQ

by LeiaRC5 Mon 25 Feb 2019, 7:26 pm

Legion news

Preliminary review of Pension For Life for injured veterans is alarming
Feb 25, 2019

The findings in the recent Parliamentary Budget Officer Report, The cost differential between three regimes of Veterans Benefits, causes The Royal Canadian Legion great concern. The report indicates Veterans, specifically those most seriously ill and injured, will receive less financial compensation than is provided under the current Veterans Well-being Act.

The Legion has long said the most seriously ill and injured Veterans, those who are unable to work and whose quality of life has been drastically impacted; need the ability to lead a financially secure life, and to reintegrate into civilian life. It is those seriously ill and injured Veterans who are suffering the greatest under the current Veterans Well-being Act (previously New Veterans Charter), and whom, according to the report will find themselves again greatly disadvantaged financially if entering the system after April 1 under Pension for Life.

This contradicts the Canadian government promise that no Veteran would be worse off under Pension for Life. Our understanding was that Pension for Life would offer better and substantially more simplified suite of benefits and would not result in a reduction in financial compensation for anyone. While the Legion understands the report focuses solely on financial compensation and does not factor in the other suite of benefits to help both the Veteran and their family, we are discouraged the government has broken its promise, and alarmed that once again Veterans will receive less financial compensation.

https://www.legion.ca/news/2019/02/25/preliminary-review-of-pension-for-life-for-injured-veterans-is-alarming?_cldee=bWFyeWJhcnQxQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ%3D%3D&recipientid=lead-742b227ccbf0e81180f1bef95a85c9a4-5112d76db020449fa5c77a8c58a6a2a1&esid=d468f14b-2e1b-44a5-8164-ae20f312ee74&fbclid=IwAR2qvHZPpuB9dTRXttjNoqWKGCFtoR7oA0GfN4310Xk3W7X8rmlaU2Emils

by Cooper Fri 01 Mar 2019, 6:10 pm

The Royal Canadian Legion welcomes new Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada

March 01, 2019 16:47 ET | Source: The Royal Canadian Legion

OTTAWA, March 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Canadian Legion welcomes Canada’s new Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay.

“We look forward to working directly with Minister MacAulay at the first available opportunity,” says Dominion President Thomas D. Irvine. “Knowing his vast experience in government including as a past Secretary of State for Veterans and his understanding of seniors’ issues, this appears to be a very positive appointment.”

The Legion hopes to explore a range of issues with Minister MacAulay as soon as possible, including sharing concerns about the new Pension for Life program set to be released on April 1, and advocating for an improved transition system for Veterans leaving military life.

http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/01/1745562/0/en/The-Royal-Canadian-Legion-welcomes-new-Minister-of-Veterans-Affairs-Canada.html

by Stanleyz Sun 17 Mar 2019, 8:25 am

March 16, 2019

‘Cowardly act’: Royal Canadian Legion branch robbed of building access ramp

By Brayden Haines
Reporter Global News

WATCH ABOVE: The Royal Canadian Legion in Pierrefonds is hoping to track down whoever stole the access ramp to their building earlier this week. As Global’s Brayden Jagger Haines reports, members of the community are calling it a despicable crime.

A bright yellow, six-foot-long access ramp which was being used by the Royal Canadian Legion in Pierrefonds-Roxboro has gone missing.

Members believe the hand-made ramp was stolen.

The portable walkway was last seen by members Thursday evening, and the legion suspects the access ramp was taken sometime Friday night.

The walkway served as a safe passage for the elderly to access the 234 branch building off Gouin Boulevard, carrying them over the harsh ice and snow of a Quebec winter.

John Clendinneng says the ramp was essential for him and other elderly members.

“At my age, traction isn’t best,” he said.

Even though the weather has gotten better and the ramp was going to be removed in the near future, Clendinneng says it’s still a great lost.

“We don’t need the ramp today, but we could’ve used it in the future,” Clendinneng said. “It’s a godsend; we needed that ramp.”

Members of the legion took to social media condemning the act, and servicemen and women expressed that they’re shocked and appalled by the suspected robbery.

“How low can you go?” said Fraser Debny of the Royal Canadian Legion 234 branch. “It’s a despicable act, taking something from the most vulnerable members of society — our handicapped, our veterans and our elderly.”

The Pierrefonds Legion has not filed a formal police report, and says they do not plan on doing so.

“Police have bigger fish to fry,” Debny said.

This is the second time the 234 Grand Vanier branch has fallen victim to theft.

Several years ago, a brass plaque honoring veterans lost in the major wars was stolen from a monument.

Debny says the Legion does hope the public out cry will hasten the access ramp’s return, but he says no one is holding their breath.

“Whoever did this cowardly act, bring it back,” Clendinneng said. “That’s all. That is what I hope we see.”

https://globalnews.ca/news/5064162/royal-canadian-legion-robbed-access-ramp/

by RevForce Tue 23 Apr 2019, 12:36 pm

NEWS PROVIDED BY

HomeEquity Bank
Apr 23, 2019

OTTAWA, April 23, 2019 /CNW/ - The Royal Canadian Legion and HomeEquity Bank are pleased to

announce a new partnership that gives Legion members an additional way to finance their retirement with a CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 HomeEquity_Bank_The_Royal_Canadian_Legion_and_HomeEquity_Bank_he

"We are happy to join HomeEquity Bank to offer Legion members an option to help support their retirement and make life more comfortable," says Thomas D. Irvine, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President.

Legion members who are 55 plus may access up to 55 percent of the value of their home, tax-free, without having to pay it back until they choose to move or sell. This can be a smart and comprehensive solution to planning for retirement.

"We believe in supporting our Canadian Veterans who selflessly served. Enabling Canadians to live the retirement they worked hard for and deserve is part of our core values at HomeEquity Bank, which is why we are very excited about this partnership. We look forward to providing Legion members with the opportunity to retire the way they want and in the home they love," says HomeEquity Bank President and CEO Steven Ranson.

Legion members can now receive a special offer on HomeEquity Bank's product offerings. The CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a loan secured against the value of a home, but unlike a conventional mortgage, it does not require regular mortgage payments. Instead, the loan is only repaid when owners decide to move or sell the home.

HomeEquity Bank is Canada's only bank dedicated solely to providing Canadian homeowners 55 plus with the opportunity to enjoy their retirement without compromising where and how they live.

The partnership will be officially announced to Legion members in the May/June issue of the Legion Magazine.

ABOUT The Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to making a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families, providing essential services in communities, and remembering the men and women who sacrificed for our country. With 260,000 members in 1,400 branches, The Royal Canadian Legion reaches across our vast country. For more information, visit https://www.legion.ca.

ABOUT HomeEquity Bank.

HomeEquity Bank is a Schedule 1 Canadian Bank offering the CHIP Reverse Mortgage solution. The company was founded over 30 years ago as an annuity-based solution addressing the financial needs of Canadians who want to access the equity of their top asset – their home. HomeEquity Bank is committed to empowering Canadians age 55 plus to live the retirement they deserve, in the home they love. For more information, visit https://www.chip.ca.

SOURCE HomeEquity Bank

For further information: Niary Toodakian, 416-557-9975, n.toodakian@heb.ca

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-royal-canadian-legion-and-homeequity-bank-help-legion-members-retire-on-their-terms-843215944.html

by Gridlock Sat 04 May 2019, 8:25 am

Royal Canadian Legion to investigate hate-group presence in local Alberta branch, ban them

Raffy Boudjikanian · CBC News · Posted: May 03, 2019

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 Canada-protest

A member of the Soldiers of Odin Canada displays a patch during a rally in Toronto against the federal government's anti-Islamophobia bill on March 4, 2017.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/soldiers-of-odin-grande-prairie-legion-1.5123011

by Gridlock Sat 04 May 2019, 9:13 am

Gridlock wrote:
Royal Canadian Legion to investigate hate-group presence in local Alberta branch, ban them

Raffy Boudjikanian · CBC News · Posted: May 03, 2019

A member of the Soldiers of Odin Canada displays a patch during a rally in Toronto against the federal government's anti-Islamophobia bill on March 4, 2017.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/soldiers-of-odin-grande-prairie-legion-1.5123011

Banned by Facebook, shunned by politicians, Soldiers of Odin hold event at Royal Canadian Legion branch

Raffy Boudjikanian · CBC News · Posted: May 02, 2019

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 655945132

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/soldiers-of-odin-legion-1.5119042

by Lucifer Wed 08 May 2019, 8:04 am

Legion seeking new members

Frank Peebles / Prince George Citizen
MAY 7, 2019

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 Legion-membership-drive-08-jpg

Remembrance Day participants enter the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 after the annual ceremony in 2012. The local Legion branch is holding a membership drive.
- DAVID MAH, PHOTOGAPHER

https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/legion-seeking-new-members-1.23815003

by Garrison Thu 09 May 2019, 5:49 pm

Kamloops posted May 9, 2019 by John Luke Kieper

Kamloops Legion searching for D-Day veterans ahead of 75th anniversary

As we approach the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Army Navy Air Force Veterans clubs are looking for D-Day veterans from the Kamloops region to join in the celebration.

A special celebration will take place on June 6th at 11 a.m. at the Battle Street Cenotaph to pay homage to those who stormed the beaches in France.

Royal Canadian Legion - Topics & Posted Articles - Page 13 D-Day850

If residents know of any D-Day vets, the Legion would like to give them a special invite to the event. Families are also encouraged to attend the milestone as well.

The event will feature a ceremony honouring the vets as well as a reception afterward at the Royal Canadian Legion on Landsdowne Street.

Anyone who knows of any vets looking to get involved is asked to contact Craig Thomson at (250)374-1742.

https://www.kamloopsbcnow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kamloops/Kamloops_Legion_searching_for_D_Day_veterans_ahead_of_75th_anniversary/

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