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Dear Editor:
In Rob McKinley’s May 19, 2023 article: Councillor Takes Aim at Local Legion After Repeated Funding Requests, Lac La Biche County Councillor, Darlene Beniuk described the The Royal Canadian Legion, McGrane Branch 28 in Lac La Biche as a "pub-style private club no different than any other bar on Main Street or at the end of the street."
The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest Veterans support and community service organization. Our mandate is to serve Veterans, their families, including RCMP, advocate on behalf of Veterans, promote Remembrance and to support our communities and our country. Not only in Lac La Biche, but across the country, local Legion branches raise funds through our annual Poppy Campaign. These funds are a lifeline to Veterans and their families in need. They provide the basic necessities to our Veterans struggling with food insecurity, homelessness, mental and physical health challenges.
Every day we change the life of a Veteran and their family by connecting Veterans with Branch and Command Service Officers who work to ensure Veterans can access pensions and benefits owed to them. In the first quarter of 2023, Veterans in Alberta received over $3 million for disability awards and pensions because of claims filed by The Legion on behalf of Veterans.
"Her comments are disrespectful and offensive..."
Alberta NWT Command President Rosalind La Rose regarding councillor Darlene Beniuk's recent comments
Beyond emergency needs, we support research. The Legion has contributed over $750,000 to support mental health and PTSD research and treatment programs at the University of Alberta.
Many local community sports, athletics teams, and cadet corps in Alberta depend on financial support provided by branches within the AB-NWT Command. These funds come from the operations at the local Branch, which use volunteers in various positions. Many local branches across the country have restaurant, catering and bar facilities open to all members and guests. The revenues these facilities generate go directly back into supporting those who have served Canada, our youth, and seniors.
You do not need to be a Veteran to join the Legion. Anyone with a desire to serve those who have served Canada can become a member and even take on volunteer leadership roles at branches or within the broader organization.
For a councillor to describe a Legion branch as nothing more than a common bar is a statement we can only hope is one based on ignorance. Her comments are disrespectful and offensive to those who work tirelessly to support Canada’s Veterans, their families, and our communities across the county.
Sincerely,
Rosalind La Rose
Alberta-NWT Command President
The Royal Canadian Legion.
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