Every two years at Dominion Convention, policy direction reviewed and resolutions(initiated at branch, Command and Dominion Command Committee levels) for advocacy to government—has been very effective in lobbying VAC in veterans' legislation
Relationship with Veterans Affairs Canada has been very collaborative and productive
Policy issues at Dominion Command level usually implemented by a committee or sub-committee, chaired by an officer of Sub-Exec or subject matter expert—subject matter and Committee recommendations are considered by Sub-Exec. and DEC
Currently, committees include: Veterans, Service and Seniors, Poppy and Remembrance, Membership, Public Relations, Constitution and Laws, Defence, Ritual and Awards, National Ceremonies, Sports, National Honours, Dominion Convention, Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (Canada), Appeals (Grievance Assessment), Finance and Veterans' Unity.
Operations
Legion functions as an advocate on personnel and policy issues for veterans, serving or ex-military and RCMP personnel including benefits, pay, size and structure of the Armed Forces
Other advocacy efforts include the Monarchy, Canadian Unity, Canadian Identity, Oath of Allegiance, the flag
Policy Development and committees
Every two years a Dominion Convention is held to review the policy direction of the organization and to develop specific resolutions for advocacy to government. These resolutions may be initiated at the Branch or Command level, or result from the activities of any one of the Dominion Command Committees. The resolution process has been very successful in lobbying Veterans Affairs Canada in the development of various pieces of veterans’ legislation
The relationship with Veterans Affairs Canada has varied with changing governments, but has been marked by a collaborative spirit to work effectively on behalf of veterans and their dependants. The current working relationship is close and productive with the Department actively seeking counsel and input from the Legion on a variety of issues.
Policy issues and initiatives at the Dominion Command level are normally implemented by a specific committee or committees. Each committee is chaired by a designated officer of the Sub-Executive Committee or a subject matter expert and Committee recommendations are considered by Sub-Executive and the Dominion Executive Council as appropriate for implementation.
The following Committees are currently established:
Veterans, Service and Seniors;
Poppy and Remembrance;
Membership;
Public Relations;
Constitution and Laws;
Defence;
Ritual and Awards;
National Ceremonies;
Sports;
Dominion Convention;
Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL)Canada;
Finance; and
Veterans' Unity.
Operations
On behalf of veterans, serving or ex-military and RCMP personnel, the Legion functions as an advocate on personnel and policy issues. These include concerns related to Veterans’ benefits,
to pay and benefits of current serving members, size and force structure of the Armed Forces and
a host of associated issues. The status of the Monarchy, Canadian Unity, Canadian identity,
the Oath of Allegiance, the flag and other such items are the subject of separate advocacy efforts. Presentations are prepared and submitted to the various Parliamentary Committees as the situations warrant.
