Facing forward

It was a balmy weekend in early May, and the Edmonton Oilers hockey team had just won an exciting overtime game. The city had an energy typical in a place where a professional sports team is winning. But, about 40 kilometres outside the Alberta capital, the excitement started to dissipate. And, if you found yourself among the couple of hundred fans of the victors who came to Stony Plain, Alta., earlier that day, you would think serious work was ahead. It was.

Representing 162 branches stretching from Hay River, N.W.T., to Lethbridge, Alta., nearly 300 members of The Royal Canadian Legion arrived in town for the 53rd Alberta-Northwest Territories Command convention. An opening ceremony was held on the evening of May 2 in Spruce Grove Hall at the community’s Heritage Park centre.

Sergeant-at-Arms Don Ebbett led the colour party and a bugler throughout the hall to a temporary wooden cross serving as a war memorial for the event. Community leaders, Legion executive members and active service personnel then placed wreaths. Local cadets Joshua Dupuis and James Fowler were on hand for the event and were each presented the Legion’s Cadet Medal of Excellence, in recognition of their efforts to enhance the aims and objectives of that program.

Stony Plain Mayor William Choy was joined by his counterpart Jeff Acker from nearby Spruce Grove for the opening, and both spoke to those in attendance about the importance the Legion plays as a heartbeat of their communities.

New Alberta-N.W.T. President Dave Velichko shares a moment with his predecessor, Rosalind LaRose. [Michael A. Smith/LM]

As the Legionnaires settled into the hall the following morning, treasurer Chris Strong, a Royal New Zealand Air Force veteran, joked that the temperature inside was a lovely reminder of home. Talk of the heat, however, was soon forgotten as an impressive range of relevant topics, from modernization and internal business to support of youth sports—especially track and field—membership and Legion dress, took centre stage.

The convention’s tone was set when Dominion President Berkley Lawrence addressed delegates, reminding them: “It is here that you will consider important proposals designed to facilitate and evolve your work.”

There was a sense that the topics of the event’s debate were of long-term consequence, which Lawerence emphasized when he said, “our discussions, ideas and decisions will ultimately help the Legion collectively grow, modernize and remain highly relevant.”

That message was driven home by Alberta-N.W.T. Command President Rosalind LaRose of Stettler, Alta., Branch, when she told attendees they are the ones who “will carry our wonderful organization onward into the next century.”

And local Legions, despite a few branches closing, look to be headed in the right direction, with membership increasing for a third straight year, noted LaRose in her president’s report. At the end of 2024, the command had 34,653 members.

Meanwhile, the command’s financial health was also reported to be in good shape, with the auditor indicating that money isn’t being wasted frivolously, not even on staff salaries when compared to other non-profits. Ultimately, the command’s general fund reported net assets of $2,406,365 and appears to be positioned well for the future.

Still, First Vice Dave Velichko of Joe Wynne Branch in Edson, Alta., expressed concern. “Honestly,” he said, “I am worried about the future of the Legion.” He pointed to infighting as one of the biggest challenges facing the organization and said the issue is tarnishing not only the Legion’s reputation, but also its ability to attract new members and accomplish its mission.

“We were once an elite organization that worked well together,” Velichko told delegates. “We found ways to resolve differences, without making enemies with everyone in the process.”

He pleaded for members to keep disagreements in perspective. Delegates then queried Velichko about initiatives to attract new, younger members. He put the onus on branches, saying each knows its community best, and encouraged them to develop new ideas.

Both spoke to those in attendance about the importance the Legion plays as a heartbeat of their communities.

Scrutineers collect ballots during elections. [Michael A. Smith/LM]

Dominion President Berkley Lawrence congratulates outgoing Alberta-N.W.T. president Rosalind LaRose on her term. [Michael A. Smith/LM]

Before the election of a new executive, members heard committee reports and dealt with a variety of resolutions. Two specific items garnered the most attention: Legion sports and executive terms.

On the first, delegates seemed largely in favour of continuing both their member activities and supporting youth sports, which is manifest mainly through the Legion’s involvement in track and field. Command still plans to send teams to the national level yearly.

On the second, it was argued that limiting vice-presidents to no more than two consecutive terms could encourage new members to get more involved. A third vice-president position was also added in hopes of achieving the same result.

Delegates then got down to finalizing nominations for executive positions, and, as the voting approached, there was much chatter and tension in the air as some members discussed their options with one another. Others were more stoic and didn’t share their thoughts. After the voting, the executive featured several new faces.

Donovan Arnaud of Strathmore, Alta., Branch, and Kelly Lindbeck of Worthington Branch in Wainwright, Alta., vied with Velichko for president, while LaRose declined her nomination for the position. Velichko was elected.

Arnaud and Lindbeck were dropped to the first vice ballot, along with Scott Sadler of Onoway, Alta., Branch. Sadler prevailed. The third try was the charm for Lindbeck, who was elected to one of the three vice-president positions, along with Bob Peterson of Morinville, Alta., Branch and Tim Penney of St. Albert, Alta., Branch. Bill Hart of Camrose, Alta., Branch was elected treasurer, while Terry Kuzyk of Vegreville, Alta., Branch was named chair.

In addressing members after his installation, President Velichko promised that branches would see more of command executives and develop a greater personal relationship with them. “We are more than just another social club,” he reminded his fellow Legionnaires, “so, please, let’s work together to keep it that way.”