At the Legion, we operate with the power of people working together.
The Legion is a member-based, non-profit organisation devoted to honouring and supporting Veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion 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.
The Legion operates at three primary levels
The Legion operates at national, provincial, and local levels. Driven by the dedication of volunteers, every level is led by elected representatives and funded independently.
National
Dominion Command is the Legion’s national leadership body, combining the elected Dominion Executive Council with Legion Headquarters. They set national priorities, oversee programs and Veterans services, advocate for Veterans, and manage administrative operations across the country.
Provincial
Provincial Commands support and guide Branches within each province or territory. They help implement national programs locally, coordinate regional Remembrance and Veterans initiatives, and provide resources to strengthen Branch operations while addressing community needs.
Local
Branch communities are the Legion’s local presence, delivering front-line support to Veterans and fostering connections in their communities. Operated largely by volunteers, Branches organize events, ceremonies, and programs that promote Remembrance and bring people together.
Legion governance and leadership
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.
Meet our Dominion President
Sharon McKeown
Dominion President
Legion Dominion President, Sharon McKeown
Sharon McKeown, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, has served in a wide range of leadership roles at the branch, provincial, and national levels. A member of Branch 136 Milton since 1981, she served nine years as Branch President and went on to serve as President of Ontario Command and Dominion Vice-President. She currently chairs the Dominion Command Poppy and Remembrance Committee, serves as Vice-Chair of the Veterans Services and Seniors Committee, and is Chair of the Board of Canvet Publications. A longtime community volunteer, Sharon is a recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and numerous Legion honours, including Life Membership and the Palm Leaf to the Meritorious Service Medal.
Operating with the support of Canadians and organisations
How we generate funds as a not-for-profit, membership-based organization
Funding to fulfill our mission is provided through membership dues, publicly accessible grants, fee-for-service contracts, fundraising, Branch events, the sale of Legion merchandise, and donations to the Poppy Trust Fund.
When organisations partner with the Legion, they help make a significant impact on the well-being of our Veterans.
There are many ways for organisations to partner with the Legion at the national, provincial and Branch levels to make a difference. Organisations can explore opportunities to deliver programs for Veterans, support Legion programs through donations and sponsorships, or offer special deals on services of interest to our over 270,000 Members and 1350 Branches.