OTTAWA, Ontario — Halfway through its anniversary year, the Royal Canadian Legion's membership has grown by 100,000 and now sits at well over 300,000, as existing members renew and thousands of new people join for free during 2026. The organization expects the figure to grow significantly by year's end.
Dominion President Expresses Optimism
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome!” exclaims Berkely Lawrence, Dominion President. “The increase in support across the country is an exciting development, bringing with it new energy, new ideas and great momentum as we head into our next century of service to our Veterans, families, and communities.”
Local Branches Report Record Growth
Many branches across the country have publicly shared their excitement about the growth. Branch 76 in Greater Sudbury has welcomed over 125 new members to date. Branch 109 in Goderich, ON, shared a heartfelt welcome on social media: “With 88 new members already this year, it’s clear… something powerful is happening here. Community is growing. Connection is thriving. And the Legion is stronger than ever… Moments like this remind us that we’re not just a building — we’re a place where people come together, support one another, and carry forward a legacy of service and remembrance… Welcome to the Legion family.”
Branch 176 in Forest, ON, posted: “Thank you to some of our newest members for joining us for our Meet and Greet … What a great group of people and some have already signed up to volunteer!”
Centenary Celebrations Planned
A highlight will be the organization’s official birthday on July 17, with a special ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, followed by a cake cutting event at Ottawa’s City Hall, including the unveiling of a new Canada Post stamp in celebration of the Legion’s milestone. Branches are also holding events on and around that date, from local parties to special piping performances.
Community Engagement Initiatives
The Legion is encouraging Canadians to take part in its “Don’t Forget to Remember” initiative, which invites people to share thoughts of Remembrance by writing on sticky notes at their local branches. The notes will be creatively incorporated into artistic renditions of Canadian Veterans and later displayed in public and shared online.
Over the past months, the Legion has released branded Legion 100 items from ballcaps to pins, many selling out repeatedly. The Legion’s Centenary “Win Big Giveaway” sweepstakes to win a Ford F-150 STX truck launched, with the grand prize presented by Ford Dealerships of Canada – official Centenary Partner. The Royal Canadian Mint has also released gold and silver Legion 100 commemorative collector coins and a collector set.
