Affiliated organizations supporting Veterans

The Royal Canadian Legion is proud to collaborate with national organizations to better serve our Veterans and their families.

Through the combined efforts of the Legion and national organizations, we are able to identify challenges and meet the needs of Veterans and their families. Please click on the links below to learn more about these organizations and how they support Veterans and their families.

In addition to the national programs below, Provincial Commands and Branches work with provincial and local organizations and programs to better serve their Veteran population.

Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research

The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) is an independent leader in Veterans health research in Canada. With a network of academic researchers from across Canada, it serves as a focal point for 45 Canadian universities who have agreed to work together in addressing the health research requirements of the Canadian military, Veterans and their families.

The Legion was one of the founding supporters of the CIMVHR Forum, recognizing its important work in identifying Veterans health issues, researching possible solutions and bringing them forward for debate, discussion and testing.

The Legion supports research by awarding an annual Master’s level scholarship through the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) to a student specializing in Military and Veterans Health Research. Ongoing, focussed research is critical for the care and support of Canada’s Veterans. View past recipients.

Veterans Transition Network

The Veterans Transition Network is a national non-profit initiative created to help re-integrate Canadian veterans with their families and communities. Their group-based program has helped well over 200 veterans work through their traumas, find fulfilling careers and rebuild relationships with spouses, partners, families, and children. 

The Legion is a primary provider of funds for this initiative, and we very proud to support them.

VETS Canada – Veterans Emergency Transition Services

VETS Canada helps Veterans in need move from the streets or shelters into affordable housing (if available) and connect Veterans with needed health care and access to benefits and services from other organizations.

The Legion and Vets Canada work closely together to identify Veterans in need and help them access the services they need.

Wounded Warriors Canada

Through a wide range of programs and services, Wounded Warriors Canada helps find solutions where gaps have left our soldiers in need. Their mandate is to help any Veteran in need as they transition to civilian life.

The Legion and Wounded Warriors Canada have have partnered to reach out to a new era of Veterans across Canada and ensure they have access to the benefits and services they deserve. The Legion also donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to the WWC PTSD Service Dog program to support everything from training to placement.

Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services

Nationally, the Legion sponsors a number of Canadian Armed Forces events each year, in support of programs that strengthen the health and wellbeing of Canada's serving and retired men and women. Events such as the Canada Army Run, Navy Bike Ride, and Air Force Run raise funds for important initiatives such as Support Our Troops, Soldier On, and the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund. The Legion also donates to other initiatives such as Operation Canada Day and Operation Santa Claus to support deployed CAF and RCMP members who are away from home over the holidays. 

Across Canada and around the world, Legion Provincial Commands and Legion Branches support a wide variety of local programs and initiatives that benefit Veterans and their families. 

Commissionaires

Commissionaires exists to support veterans and their families. Since 1925, Commissionaires has provided meaningful employment for veterans as they make the transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to civilian life. Beyond this, they aim to improve the lives of former service members, their families and the communities they serve.

In appreciation to those who served and those who support veterans, the Legion offers a special Welcome Program for Commissionaires employees who have not yet joined the Legion. legion.ca/commissionaires

Veterans and reservists have skills that are highly transferable to the security industry. Commissionaires values the leadership, teamwork, and discipline developed through military service. Find current career opportunities here: commissionaires.ca/careers

The Burns Way

A new hope for All veterans.  Learn more, volunteer.

For the first time in Canadian veteran history, Indigenous, non-Indigenous, and minority veterans have come together to create a safe, culturally secure place where all veterans can seek support.

The Legion is proud to support the Burns Way.  As a supporter, we will ensure that all our members and stakeholders are given the opportunity to learn about and help expand this innovative new program.  The Burns Way will provide access to anonymous peer support from trained veterans who share their lived experiences.

We encourage all our members to visit the Burns Way website to learn about this innovative program and to consider volunteering to become a peer advocate.  theBurnsWay.ca

Veterans helping veterans – it is what we do.

Office of the Veterans Ombud

The Office of the Veterans Ombud works to ensure that Veterans and their families are treated fairly and have access to the programs and services that contribute to their wellbeing. 

If you are a serving CAF member, RCMP member, Veteran, family member or representative and you feel you have been treated unfairly by Veterans Affairs Canada, or you would like information about programs and services that may help, the Office of the Veterans Ombud is here to help. Learn more

Operation Canada Day / Operation Santa Claus

Each year, The Royal Canadian Legion assembles gift packages for deliver to Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members on deployment. Operation Canada Day and Operation Santa Claus is an initiative of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. The gift boxes give soldiers a little piece of home, help build camaraderie and spark fun conversations, which are welcome activities when deployed away from loved ones over the holidays.