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Veterans & Seniors

The Royal Canadian Legion's Definition of a Veteran

In its efforts to better reflect Canadian involvement in conflicts and peace support operations, the Legion delegates at the 45th Dominion Convention voted unanimously to update the definition of a Veteran contained in its General By-Laws.

The new definition of a Veteran in the Legion General By-Laws is now as follows:

A Veteran is any person who is serving or has honourably served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies, or as a Regular Member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or as a Peace Officer in a Special Duty Area or on a Special Duty Operation, or who has served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.

EDMONTON, AB, June 16th 2014.

Benefits you may be entitled to:

  • Disability Pension Program

  • Attendance Allowance

  • Prisoner of War Compensation

  • Health Care Program

  • Your Health Care Identification Card

  • Veterans Independence Program

  • Merchant Navy Veterans - Services & Benefits

  • Last Post Fund

  • Funeral, Burial and Gravemarking Assistance

  • Income-tested Benefits

Provincial Service Officer
Pat Royle
86 Aird Place, Suite 222
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
proyle@on.legion.ca
Toll Free: 1-888-207-3703
Phone: 613-591-0144
Fax: 613-591-0148
West Carleton Legion's
Veterans' Service Officer

Jim Wilson
Zone G6
Veterans Services Chair

Mel Porter
meporter@magma.ca
District G
Veterans Services/Legion Seniors
Aubrey Callan

Whether you are a Legion member or not, Legion Service is free to all Veterans.


Support for Seniors

With an increase in Canada’s aging population, including an increasing number of aging Veterans, the Legion is taking steps to support seniors.

Benefits available through Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans and their dependents are often not be aware that Veterans Affairs Canada offers a range of supports and services for aging Veterans and their spouses, to help them live independently, safely and comfortably in their own home as long as possible. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • financial assistance for hearing aids, medical appliances and health services
  • mobility supports and home adaptations 
  • home maintenance services
  • independent living services such as meals on wheels and housekeeping
  • supports and services for Veterans in long term care

The Royal Canadian Legion assists Veterans, their spouses and dependents in accessing benefits and supports available through Veterans Affairs Canada. As well, our Legion Command Service Officers can refer Veterans and their spouses to a variety of national, provincial and community programs, services and supports for seniors. 



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