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Royal Canadian Legion celebrates 100 years

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The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 17.

According to their official website, the Legion was originally established in 1925, to support veterans, but was only officially incorporated by a special act of parliament on July 17 1926.

To commemorate the celebration, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued limited-edition silver and gold coins. The coins design feature Legion members and meaningful symbols that represent veterans, remembrance and community.

“For generations, the Legion has been a gathering place for veterans, military families, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Jill McKnight. “Through the poppy campaign, remembrance activities, youth education programs, advocacy and community service, it has helped ensure that the stories, sacrifices and achievements of Canada’s veterans are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.”

Many local branches are celebrating the event as well.

The Yarmouth Legion is celebrating with a musical performance by Dave Coggins on July 17, and a number of activities over the weekend.

The Wedgeport Legion will celebrate on July 18 with a barbecue and cake cutting ceremony.

Details for events can be found online and on the Legion Facebook pages.

person sitting beside building looking straight to the street at golden hour

Feds fund support for homeless veterans in New Brunswick

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The federal government is partnering with New Brunswick’s Human Development Council to help connect veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness with housing supports in New Brunswick’s urban areas.

Saint John-Kennebecasis MP Wayne Long announced $1.3 million Friday would be invested through the Services and Supports stream of the Veteran Homelessness Program.

“Every veteran deserves a safe and stable place to call home,” Long said. “This project reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to honouring those who have served by ensuring they and their families have the support they need to rebuild and thrive.”

The HDC will partner with housing and support agencies in Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton to prevent and reduce veteran homelessness.

The initiative will fund a veteran connector in each city to provide comprehensive supports, including housing assistance, income entitlements and mental health and addiction services.

The program will also collect and maintain accurate data on veteran homelessness.

HDC executive director Randy Hatfield said the organization is grateful for the funding.

“No veteran should have to face homelessness alone,” Hatfield said. “This initiative combines compassionate outreach with evidence-based supports, ensuring that veterans at risk of homelessness are connected to housing, income and health services.”

According to the 2021 census, there are an estimated 461,240 Canadian veterans. As of October 2025, the federal government estimates approximately 1,800 veterans are experiencing homelessness in Canada.