This spring has been a landmark moment for Legion membership, with strong growth being seen nationwide. Now is the time to build on that success by connecting with new members and keeping them actively involved at the Branch level. Consider simple ways to engage—host a welcome or orientation night, pair new members with long-time members, invite them to volunteer on a committee or at an event, or create informal social opportunities to help them feel part of the Branch community. Small efforts like these go a long way in building lasting connections and strengthening the future of the Legion.

Last week, Legion membership surpassed 300,000—up 24% (+58,700) from last year—achieving the national target set by delegates at the 2018 Convention.

New member growth has been especially strong, with a record 82,000 new members (+259% over the same period last year). This milestone reflects the outstanding efforts of Branches in welcoming and engaging members.

Let’s keep the momentum going—continue reaching out, engaging new members, building connections, and encouraging renewals as we grow toward 2027 and beyond.

To mark the Legion’s 100^th anniversary, the Centenary Commemorative Pin has been authorized for wear in accordance with Legion Dress Regulation 105(e) of the Ritual and Awards Manual.

The pin may be worn on the right lapel of the Legion blazer, positioned directly below the “Support Our Troops” pin, until December 31, 2026.

We encourage all members to wear the pin with pride as we celebrate this historic milestone.

Get your pin while supplies last.

The Dominion Command Sports Committee is calling for Branch applications to host any one of the 2028 Dominion Member Sports Championships:

• Cribbage: Friday 28 April – Monday 1 May 2028
• Darts: Friday 5 May – Monday 8 May 2028
• Eight Ball: Friday 26 May – Monday 29 May 2028

Memo and application forms are below:

• 2028 Dominion Member Sports Championships Hosting Memo
• 2028 Dominion Member Sports Championships Hosting Application Form

For more information, please contact the Dominion Sports Committee Coordinator, Emily Gentès, at 1-888-556-6222 ext. 342 or at egentes@legion.ca.

Amendments have been made to sections 803 and 804 (Cenotaphs) in the Ritual, Awards and Protocol Manual. Please download the updated manual.

The Convention Call for The Royal Canadian Legion 2026 Dominion Convention was sent to Branches in February. Convention documentation, information and resources for Branches and Delegates are available online at Legion.ca/2026Convention. Bookmark this page as it will be updated as information becomes available.

New at the Convention This Year:

• A Centenary Banquet
• New elections nomination process

More information about the Centenary Banquet and the new nomination process is included in the Convention Call.

Our 100th anniversary is something to be proud of—why not show it? Branches can purchase Centenary merchandise like hats, apparel, flags, and banners to sell and display. It’s a great way to spark conversations, build excitement, and get members involved in the celebration.

Special pricing is available for Branches, helping support your local activities. View the full collection and place your order—browse the catalogue to get started.

The Royal Canadian Legion and The Legion National Foundation are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 National Youth Remembrance Contests. We extend our sincere thanks to Branches for your continued support of this important program. Your commitment to the program and to the youth in your communities is at the heart of its success and helps inspire the next generation.

As part of The Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary, the 2026 Memorial Cup is paying tribute to our century of service and Remembrance.

On May 22, the Kelowna Rockets will wear a special Legion-themed jersey in honour of this milestone. The jerseys are now being auctioned online, with all proceeds supporting the Legion’s Poppy Fund and helping Veterans and their families across Canada.

Bid now: https://chl.ca/auctions/

Learn more about the Memorial Cup: https://chl.ca/memorialcup/

There are administrative orders and directives set by the Canadian Armed Forces to address currently serving members with financial situations. Poppy Funds may not be granted to a currently serving member without guidance from a SISIP financial counsellor. If a currently serving member applies for financial assistance with you or your Branch, the best course of action is to re direct the member to the SISIP financial counsellor on base, the military family resource centre or their local CAF chaplain’s office. Should the financial counsellor on base deem that Poppy Funds would benefit the member, the SISIP counsellor will reach out to the appropriate command office to discuss the case.

Please ensure the Branch Service Officer and Branch Poppy Fund administrator review the full details in this pdf.

Branches received an email on April 10 notifying Branch Membership Administrators they can now update Centenary and renewing members’ categories directly in the Member Services Portal—including reviewing and completing any previously submitted requests.

To update: log in under the Branch profile at https://portal.legion.ca/login, open Create/View Branch Members, search for the member, open their profile, select the correct membership type, and click Update.

Once completed, the member becomes active immediately and receives an updated digital membership card by email.

To help support day-to-day Branch operations, The Royal Canadian Legion has partnered with two trusted national providers offering preferred rates and cost-saving programs for Branches.

The Legion has partnered with Moneris, Canada’s leading payment processor, to offer Branches preferred rates on secure credit and debit card payment services. This makes it easier for your members and customers to pay with confidence.

Services include:

• Point-of-sale countertop and mobile terminals
• Moneris Online ecommerce solution for online payments

Through our partnership with Entegra, Branches can access rebates and savings on many of the products and services needed to run restaurant and hospitality operations. Membership is free for Legion Branches and includes access to preferred pricing with both current and new suppliers.

Categories include: food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more.

For full details and how to get started:

Each year, the first Sunday in June marks Canadian Armed Forces Day to honour their contributions, service, and sacrifices. We extend our sincere gratitude to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces—past and present—for their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting our country and supporting peace around the world.

Download the 2026 calendar and start planning the dates and activities your Branch will promote, commemorate, celebrate or raise awareness of over the coming year.

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other Members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.

All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services website.