National--Dominion Command

Despite its vast size, the Legion is a democratic organization providing members, who demonstrate ability and dedication, opportunities to advance to the highest positions of authority.

Dominion Command Headquarters, located in Ottawa, implements policy approved by Dominion Convention, manages major Legion programs, liaises with Veterans Affairs Canada and other federal agencies, administers the organization and handles activities such as supply, veteran services and membership.

Dominion Convention

The major governing body of the Legion is the Dominion Convention which convenes every two years. The Dominion Executive Council (DEC), made up of representatives from each of the Provincial Commands, meets twice a year when Dominion Convention is not in session. In the period between meetings of the DEC, the Legion is run by the Sub-Executive Committee made up of the Legion officers elected at the Dominion Convention. Sub-Executive members chair the Legion's Dominion committees which include Veterans Service and Seniors, Constitution and Laws, :Youth, Poppy & Remembrance, Membership, Defence, Sports and Unity.

Provincial Commands

Each province has an office known as a Command of The Royal Canadian Legion as granted under the Dominion Charter or Act of Parliament.

Each Command is subject to the jurisdiction of Dominion Command, under the provisions of the Act of Incorporation and the General By-Laws of The Royal Canadian Legion. They are structured along the same lines as Dominion Command with a governing executive body and committees to manage specific programs. They are responsible for conducting Legion business and implementing Legion programs at the provincial level.

Districts and Zones

Some Commands, either because of their geographic area or the number of branches they must administer, group branches into zones and zones into districts. Officers are elected to fill leadership appointments at those levels.

Municipal--Branches

The branch is the most important element in the Legion structure. That is because the Legion is driven by its membership and much of its good works are accomplished at the branch level. Each branch elects a slate of executive officers who in turn chair committees which actually manage the branch's involvement in Legion programs.

At the branch level, members have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of activities, all of which will relate either directly or indirectly to major programs. In addition, they enjoy privileges of membership: access to branch sports and social events and the wonderful feeling of comradeship and being part of a long history of service.

Each branch, although under the jurisdiction of Provincial Command and the Dominion Command General By-Laws, must conform to the municipal by-laws of the city, town or district in which it is situated. Branches must conform to all local zoning regulations and are subject to such taxation as may be imposed.