Royal Canadian Legion offers free membership as part of centenary celebration

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 7, 2026.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

As the Royal Canadian Legion closes the book on its first century, it looks to start the next one off right with new members.

All new members to the legion who join in 2026 will be able to join for free, as part of the first step in the 100th anniversary celebrations.

“We are so proud of this organization and its members, and thrilled at the prospect of welcoming new members from all parts of Canada to our ranks during our centenary year, many of whom we hope will be with us for a long time to come,” said dominion president Berkley Lawrence. “Among them will be great volunteers, fresh ideas and all of them will truly strengthen our dedicated and growing membership of over 270,000 people.”

The Legion began in the wake of the First World War with an initial focus on advocacy for veterans and their families, something it has maintained as it has grown beyond this initial role with more than1,350 branches nationwide. Queen Elizabeth II granted the Legion the word “Royal” in 1960, and Canada’s Governor General remains the viceregal patron of The Royal Canadian Legion to this day.

Throughout the year, the Legion will hold special events at all levels and will announce new projects that will mark its entry into the next century. The Legion’s official anniversary on July 17 will also be highlighted with events in Ottawa and across the country.

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