Membership

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome · Who Can Join · How Can I Join · Why Should I Join · Application Form · Eligibility

Welcome

The Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1925 with a membership of 50,000. The Legion's commitment to the Remembrance of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, is as valid today as it was then. Today the Legion is one of the largest community service organizations in Canada with more than 400,000 members and approximately 1,600 branches in Canada, the USA and Europe.

As well as service to veterans and the community, the Legion has a strong and continuing commitment in promoting Canada's contribution to world peace, the protection of Canadian sovereignty and the preservation of national unity.

As the years take their toll on Canada's veteran population, the Legion needs the infusion of new blood in order to maintain the many services provided by The Royal Canadian Legion to communities across Canada.

Membership was originally restricted to those who had served in Canada's Armed Forces and Merchant Navy. The Royal Canadian Legion is proud of its military heritage and still maintains close ties with the Armed Forces today; however, over the years, categories of membership have evolved to include other members of the community. Find out how you can join!

Who Can Join?

You may be eligible for membership in a Canadian branch of The Royal Canadian Legion if you are a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject and are of federal voting age. You may be eligible for Non-Voting membership if you are a non-Canadian citizen or a non-Commonwealth subject from an Allied nation. There are four membership categories, each with different qualifications. The criteria for each category are as follows:

Ordinary Membership

You may be eligible for Ordinary membership if you have served or are serving in:

The Canadian Forces or Her Majesty's Forces (including regular force or reserve force under class "C" service); or
the Forces or underground forces of any of Her Majesty's allies in any war, conflict or police action in which Canada was involved; or
the Merchant Navy or non-military services in an actual theatre of war in which Canada was involved; or
Her Majesty's reserve forces including Cadet Instructors on the Cadet Cadre for not less than one year; or
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for not less than one year; or
the Forces of a country while that country was a member of NATO or NORAD in alliance with Canada; or
the Forces of the United States; or
the Vietnam War with the Armed Forces of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or South Vietnam, and were a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject at the time of service; or
the Canadian Coast Guard as an officer or crew member who has two or more years active service on the high seas or inland waterways; or
a city, municipal or provincial police force as a police officer for not less than one year

Associate Membership

If you do not qualify for Ordinary membership you may be eligible for Associate membership if you:

are the child, stepchild, adopted child, grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, widow/er, parent or spouse of someone who is or was eligible for Ordinary membership; or
are the child of an Associate member; or
have served in The Royal Canadian Sea, Army or Air Cadets for not less than 3 years; or
have served as a cadet civilian instructor for not less than 3 years; or
have served as an officer in the Navy League of Canada for not less than 2 years; or
have served in the Polish Armed Forces after WW II below the rank of officer; or
have served in a City, Municipal, Volunteer, Un-organized Territories or Federal Fire Service for not less than one year
are the spouse, parent or sibling of an associate member who qualified subject to the above criteria

Affiliate Voting Member

If you do not qualify for Ordinary or Associate membership but support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion you may apply for Affiliate Voting membership.

Affiliate Non-Voting Member

If you are a non-Canadian citizen or a non-Commonwealth subject from an Allied nation and support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion, you may apply for Affiliate Non-Voting membership. These members shall have the same rights as all other members except the rights to vote and hold office. A member admitted under this Section is not permitted to apply for voting status unless otherwise qualified.

How Can I Join?

Membership in The Royal Canadian Legion originates at the local branch level. There are branches in most communities across Canada and these can be found listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory under the heading "Royal Canadian Legion". With approximately 1600 branches across Canada, the USA and Europe there are many choices and you are sure to find one that meets your needs.

You should apply for membership by contacting the branch most convenient to you. They will assist you in completing your application form and can advise you on your eligibility status and what documentation may be required. Each branch enjoys a measure of autonomy so activities, programs and membership dues may vary from branch to branch.

For information pertaining to the Military Member at Large Program you should contact our National office or for branches and posts in specific areas you may contact Provincial Command or State offices.

Why Should I Join?

By joining The Royal Canadian Legion you will have the opportunity to make new friends, become involved with your community and to develop and share your leadership skills. You will help to perpetuate the Remembrance of those who gave so much for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today and the proud heritage of this great Canadian organization will be enriched by the enthusiasm, energy and new ideas that you bring to it.

Here are just some of the many benefits membership in The Royal Canadian Legion brings:

Social Activities - Most branches have recreational facilities and may have licensed lounges. Members can enjoy a wide variety of social events such as dances, barbeques, entertainment and a host of other special events.

Member Sports - The Legion has sporting events such as darts, curling, cribbage and golf, with competitions ranging from local, provincial to national levels.

Member Benefits Package - The Legion has developed a relationship with a number of corporate partners to provide products and services to its members. Some of the partners include a home and auto insurance company, health care services, a credit card company, and an auto club to name a few. Only Legion members are entitled to the benefits offered.

Community Service - You can serve your community by assisting with the many Legion programs in support of youth, seniors, the disabled and others. The Legion also provides bursaries and scholarships to students from Secondary School to the University level and is the largest single supporter of Scouts and Guides in Canada. It is also a major supporter of sea, army and air cadets.

Leadership - You will have the opportunity to grow within this great organization. The Legion needs members who can take on the Leadership challenge. If this is where your interest lies you can become involved by serving on the branch executive. You may even wish to go to higher levels such as zone, district or provincial. You may even aspire to the national level. Every Dominion President who has served in this capacity started out as a branch member. You, too, could one day be President of the largest community service organization in Canada.

Service - As Canada's largest volunteer organization, tremendous intangible benefits are gained through the commitment of members to fulfill the mandate of remembrance, service to the community and our country. Our fallen comrades served in battle, you have "another way to serve" by joining The Royal Canadian Legion.

Legion Magazine - Your membership includes a subscription to the Legion Magazine which is published six times a year. It contains articles on various topics including history, current events and general interest stories, as well as keeping members up-to-date on the many and varied Legion activities. It also contains a section dedicated to the recognition of those who served their country.

The many opportunities and programs offered by The Royal Canadian Legion are identified throughout our web site or you may wish to contact your local Legion Branch or Post for more information.

The Royal Canadian Legion Welcomes You!

Application Form

Click here for an application form

Eligibility

The following documentation is required to determine eligibility for the various membership categories and should accompany your Membership Application Form.

Military service documentation can be obtained from the Services Branch - Personnel Records Unit of Library and Archives Canada.

Type of Membership	Qualify By	Documentation Required
Ordinary	Self	Proof of citizenship. Service record and/or discharge certificate.
Associate	Family Member	Proof of citizenship. Service record and/or discharge certificate of person who is or was eligible for ordinary membership. Marriage, birth or adoption certificates to establish relationship to person who is or was eligible for ordinary membership; or Marriage, birth or adoption certificates to establish relationship to associate member.
Associate	Common Law Spouse	Proof of citizenship. Verification that applicant has cohabited with the other person for minimum of one year; i.e., Income tax return, mortgage, lease, mailing address.
Associate	Navy League	Proof of citizenship. Documentation indicating rank of officer and that the two year service requirement has been met.
Associate	Cadet Cadet Civilian Instructor	Proof of citizenship. Documentation or a letter of confirmation from the Commanding Officer of Cadet unit indicating that the three year service requirement has been met.
Associate	Polish Forces	Proof of citizenship. Service record and/or discharge certificate indicating rank and dates of service.
Associate	Firefighters	Proof of citizenship. Documentation indicating service and that the one year service requirement has been met.
Affiliate Voting	Self	Proof of citizenship.
Affiliate Non-Voting	Self	Proof of citizenship.