Ontario Announces Liquor Licence Fee Rebates for Legion Branches
Royal Canadian Legion branches across southwestern Ontario will receive rebates on their liquor sales licence fees under a new provincial program designed to free up resources for veterans and community programs. The Ontario government announced the initiative on July 3, stating that eligible legion branches will receive full rebates on liquor sales licence fees for both new licences and renewals. The program took effect on June 1 and applies retroactively to April 1.
Attorney General Doug Downey emphasized the importance of legions in Ontario communities. “Ontario’s legions have long been at the heart of communities across our province, serving veterans, supporting local charities and bringing people together,” he said in a news release. The rebates aim to help these branches continue their vital work.
Eligible Branches and Financial Impact
Across Ontario, 391 Royal Canadian Legion branches currently hold liquor sales licences and are eligible for the rebate program. In the Chatham-Kent-Leamington region, branches in Ridgetown, Chatham, Tilbury, Wheatley, Merlin, Blenheim, Highgate, Comber and Pelee Island will benefit. The province estimates the program will reduce costs for eligible legion branches by nearly $250,000 over the next five years.
Branches with two-year liquor sales licences will receive rebates of $1,055, while those with four-year licences will receive $1,355. Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, noted that reducing operating costs will allow legions to invest more in services for veterans and local families. “Our government is proud to support legions by reducing costs so they can continue investing in the people, programs and services that matter most to veterans and local families,” he said.
Automatic Rebate Process
The province said Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion will not need to apply for the rebates. Eligible licence fees will be refunded automatically by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario within two to four weeks after a licence or renewal is approved. This streamlined process ensures branches receive the financial relief without additional administrative burden.
Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh, highlighted the long-standing contributions of local legions. “For generations, the volunteers at Legion Branches 255, 261, 594 and 644 have worked tirelessly to support veterans and bring our community together,” Dowie said in a release. “By reducing costs for our Royal Canadian Legion branches, our government is helping ensure they can continue delivering the services, programs and community support that veterans and families rely on.”
