Following a successful 50^th Dominion Convention, the Legion begins an exciting new chapter with a newly elected Dominion Executive and a renewed commitment to serving Canada's Veterans, strengthening our communities and building the Legion of tomorrow. With Legion Week underway and the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day just around the corner, it's a busy and important time for Branches across the country.

Delegates from across Canada came together in Winnipeg in late August for the Legion's 50^th Dominion Convention - setting priorities for the future and electing a new Dominion Executive to help lead the organization forward. Sharon McKeown from Milton, Ontario is our new Dominion President, succeeding Berkley Lawrence. She believes strengthening our Branches - the foundation of the organization where Veterans of every age and era can find comradeship, where communities gather, where Remembrance is kept alive and Canadians see our Legions in action - must be a priority of each level of Command.

Legion Week is our opportunity to show Canadians what the Legion means to Veterans, their families and our communities. Open your doors. Invite prospective members. Reconnect with current members. Showcase your volunteers and the work your Branch does locally. Every conversation and connection can help build a stronger Legion for the future. Access Legion Week resources at the link below.

Hosting or supporting a Remembrance Day ceremony? Add it to the national Ceremony Locator by early October. National advertising will direct Canadians to Legion.ca/ceremony to find events in their communities. Update last year's listing or create a new one now to make sure people can find yours.

The Dominion Executive Council has approved a standardized annual period for the National Poppy Campaign.

Beginning this year, the National Poppy Campaign will run annually from October 24 through November 11. October 24 is simply the earliest date activities can begin. Branches still have the flexibility to schedule local activities and Poppy Box distribution according to their needs and resources.

Questions? Contact your Provincial Command Poppy and Remembrance Chair or email remember@legion.ca

National renewal communications to Centenary members begin this month. Emails, social media and member communications will encourage renewal and highlight membership benefits and the Legion 100 Win Big Giveaway promotion. Branches can help by reaching out to Centenary members locally and encouraging them to renew. Please keep renewals current in the Member Services database so members who have already renewed don't continue receiving reminders.

Anyone who wishes to join and pay now for the 2027 membership year must first be processed as a 2026 member under the Free Centenary Membership offer. The Branch can then immediately renew the member for 2027 and process their 2027 membership payment.

Members who join under the Free Centenary Membership offer and renew for 2027 by December 19, 2026, will also be automatically entered into the Ford F-150 Truck Draw, with the winner announced in January 2027.

Starting in January 2027, new members can register and pay for the 2027 membership year through the Member Services Website or at their Branch.

2027 membership renewal stickers were sent to Branches in mid-August for members who had renewed for 2026 by July 22. Haven't received your stickers? Please contact Member Services.

Creating a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment helps strengthen the Legion and support a greater sense of belonging for all members.

To support this, The Royal Canadian Legion's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Awareness Program is now available on the Member Services Website, along with supporting resources and the EDI Learning Moment video for members to access and explore.

Commands and Branches are encouraged to participate in EDI learning and awareness activities on a voluntary basis. In September, Provincial Command Senior Elected Officers and Provincial Command EDI Representatives also took part in an EDI Foundations Virtual Session, coordinated through Provincial Commands.

The EDI Awareness Program supports the Legion's ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment. Participation encourages greater awareness, understanding and a sense of belonging among all members.

Keep an eye on your change! The Royal Canadian Mint's new 2026 $2 commemorative circulation coin honours 100 years of the Legion, Canadians who have dedicated their lives to national service and our enduring pledge: Memoriam Eorum Retinebimus - We Will Remember Them.

The Legion National Foundation is accepting applications from Legion members to represent their Provincial Command and the Legion on the 2027 Pilgrimage of Remembrance, July 3-17, 2027. Selected members will experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey visiting the First and Second World War battlegrounds, exploring museums, commemorations and final resting places of soldiers who fought in and around France and Belgium. Let your Branch members know about this great program. See the attached memo for details.

Applications are completed online and must be received before 31 October 2026 for consideration.

The National Veterans' Week Speakers Program connects schools and community groups with currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans during Veterans' Week. Encourage schools and community partners in your area to request a speaker and help Canadians learn more about service, sacrifice and Remembrance.

United Nations Day on October 24 marks the anniversary of the UN Charter entering into force in 1945 and recognizes the UN's commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation, values reflected in the service of Canadian Veterans and peacekeepers.

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.