The Fort Frances Legion Branch 29 will receive an additional $4,310.72 in federal funding to assist operations. MP Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay-Rainy River announced over $26,000 in additional funding from the Government of Canada to support local Royal Canadian Legions on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. This funding will assist the Legions with their operational costs so they can continue providing important support for Veterans. It’s in addition to $34,218 announced previously for the region’s Legions.
In addition to Fort Frances, funds are being allocated to three additional northwestern Ontario legions. Branch 145 Atikokan will receive $3,180.12, Branch 225 Kakabeka Falls will receive $4,310.72 and Branch 149, Fort William Polish Veterans is to receive $14,310.72.
The Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund is part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to protect jobs, provide emergency support and keep businesses afloat through the pandemic. Organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legions play a critical role in the well-being of Veterans, their families and the community.
“Almost every organization in Canada has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Royal Canadian Legions have been no different. This funding will help these organizations continue to provide services to our veterans and the broader community for years to come. Whether its selling perogies or providing much needed social support to veterans and their families, what would Northern Ontario be without its Legions?” said Powlowski.
In November 2020, the Government of Canada provided $14 million to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command to allow for the rapid distribution of financial aid to individual branches across the country. Dominion Command was responsible for determining which branches would receive funding.
Organizations receiving these funds will have access to the support they need to replace charitable and other revenue lost because of the pandemic, and will be able to continue their work with Veterans and their families during a time when it is needed most.
