Ontario’s Government for the People will exempt Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario from paying property tax
OAKVILLE — Ontario’s Government for the People reiterated its commitment to ease the burden on Ontario’s Royal Canadian Legion halls by ensuring they pay no property tax and looks forward to tabling legislation shortly.
“Legion halls play a vital role in communities across Ontario, for veterans and their families, and we want to make sure they can continue to provide services for years to come,” said Premier Doug Ford, addressing veterans, family members and guests at the 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. “Our veterans have paid their fair share to Ontario and to Canada. We remain committed to ensuring Legion halls in Ontario pay no property tax. It is the least we can do to recognize and honour the service and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.”
The Royal Canadian Legion offers vitally important services for Canada’s military veterans, including assistance in adjusting back into civilian life, advocacy on behalf of veterans, financial assistance programs, as well as support for families and seniors. In many communities across Ontario, the local Legion hall also acts as a central hub, bringing people of all ages together as host for countless social and family-based events.
Many Legion halls in Ontario are already exempt from municipal property tax. The government’s commitment is that all property occupied by branches of the Ontario Command of The Royal Canadian Legion would be exempt from paying property tax, starting in 2019.
“I’ve been lucky enough to meet and talk with hundreds of veterans across our province. They are rightly proud of their service,” said Ford. “This is just one example of how our government will do all we can to give their dedication to upholding our values and our safety the respect it deserves.”
“Veterans are Canada’s heroes,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our Government for the People remains committed to ensuring those who have courageously fought for our country receive the honour and respect they’ve earned. We’ll continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women of the Canadian Forces who have fought for democracy, freedom, and all the values we hold dear.”
Quick Facts
- The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization, with 270,000 members and over 1,400 branches across the country.
- The Ontario Command of he Royal Canadian Legion is comprised of over four hundred branches throughout Ontario. With a total membership of over 100,000, the Ontario Command of the Legion is the largest service-oriented organization in Ontario.
- Members of the Royal Canadian Legion include serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members, as well as families of veterans.
Leave a Reply