26 September 2005

Legion pleased with GG designate statement on Citizenship

Mary Ann Burdett
Dominion President
The Royal Canadian Legion

OTTAWA – The Royal Canadian Legion is very pleased with the latest announcement from the office of the Governor General Designate with regard to her dual citizenship says the Legion’s Dominion President, Mary Ann Burdett.

“We had asked for clarification on this matter previously,” says Ms. Burdett. “This is a welcome step and I am sure it will please a number of our veterans as well.”

The concern over the holding of dual citizenship had prompted many veterans to have the Legion voice its opposition to the appointment because of what was seen as divided loyalties. Moreover, the Legion’s executive also had to consider if the new Governor General would be asked to become its Patron. After an extensive review and in keeping with its Royal Charter the veterans’-based organization’s leaders decided to maintain its documented loyalty to the Queen of Canada and will request Madame Jean to serve in the traditional post.

“I am sure there will be lingering concerns for some and others will not agree with our decision,” says Ms. Burdett. “But I believe we have made the right decision given the circumstances. The announcement of her undivided loyalty to this nation clears the air and is certainly what we, our veterans and our members wanted to hear,” she concludes.

For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760.

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