President’s Message
It is an honour and privilege to serve as President of Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion.
Our mission is to serve Veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country.
Branches throughout our Command are involved in many projects and programs that continue to fulfill this mission.
Branches recognize and support the accomplishments of our youth through local cadet organizations in the awarding of the Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence as well as bursaries awarded to dependents of the Veteran community to further their education.
This year we mark 25 years since Canada’s Unknown Soldier was laid to rest at the National War Memorial, I am deeply grateful to all Canadians who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful tribute to those who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who will serve. Today and always, we honour them.
Each year Legion Branches carry out Remembrance Services and the annual Poppy Campaign. We thank all those who so generously support the annual campaign. Funds raised through the Poppy Campaign are used solely to support Veterans and their dependents and to perpetuate Remembrance.
Through generous donations from Branches and the public at large, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command extends emergency assistance to Veterans and their dependents in need from the Command Benevolent Fund.
NS/NU Command Veterans’ Outreach programs include such peer support and enrichment programs as Heroes Mending on the Fly, Hike Nova Scotia, The Veteran Farm Project, Operation Vet Build, Operational Stress Injury Social Support Family Programs, Art therapy, Buddy Check Coffee Breaks and a multitude of transition programs. Veteran Outreach programs make significant positive changes in the lives of Veterans and their families and help in overcoming barriers faced as a result of their service.
Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command’s Veterans Service Bureau consists of volunteer Branch Service Officers and two professional Command Service Officers who provide assistance at all stages of the VAC disability claim process, free of charge, whether or not the Veteran is a Legion member. Last year Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command’s Veterans’ Service Bureau was responsible for acquiring over $18 million dollars and supporting medical benefits in awards to ill or injured Veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is unwavering and will reflect across all of our work supporting all Veterans, their families and our communities. This is central to our impact and our mission: To serve Veterans, which includes serving Military and RCMP members and their families, to promote remembrance and to serve our communities and our country.
With 100 Branches in Nova Scotia and 2 in the territory of Nunavut, with a membership of 18,205 up from last year by 1800 members, Legion Branches are cornerstones of our communities.
As Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization The Royal Canadian Legion cares for all those who have served our nation. As members, we show our thanks by supporting and advocating for Veterans, by remembering their sacrifices, and by continuing the tradition of service in helping our communities.
The 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion will be celebrated in 2026, marking the centenary of its founding on July 17, 1926. Plans are underway to commemorate this significant milestone through various initiatives, including:
Membership campaigns and national partnerships to encourage participation and support.
Special events and activities, such as a Dominion Convention in Winnipeg, the birthplace of the Legion.
Development of exclusive Centenary-themed products, including a Centenary medal and a Centenary book.
A Centenary brand guide and promotional materials to assist branches in celebrating the event in their communities.
The Legion aims to raise awareness about its contributions to veterans and remembrance, and to strengthen its services and programs through these celebrations.
Through the dedication of thousands of volunteers The Royal Canadian Legion NS/NU Command remains steadfast in its commitment to honour and remember today and every day forward.
Next year, NS/NU Command will mark the 100th Anniversary of 5 Branches that received their charters in 1926. We encourage every Branch to begin thinking about hosting events in their local communities next year. These events could coincide with the Legion’s official start date of July 17th.
I invite you to join The Royal Canadian Legion where belonging truly matters.