A long the banks of the iconic St. Lawrence, and not far from the Plains of Abraham where the consequential 1759 battle took place, members of The Royal Canadian Legion gathered May 17-19, 2025, for Quebec Command’s 60th Convention. In the shadow of such history, the Legionnaires put differences aside to ensure the organization’s bright future.
The cloudy, cool and wet spring weather was perfect for business indoors to review various committee reports recapping the Legion’s recent past in the province—and to discuss its future. Quebec Command President Tom Irvine was bullish on what lies ahead.
“In my three years as provincial president,” said Irvine, who spent much of his term leading from hospital after dealing with several health issues, “I am more than pleased with my committee chairs and committee members. They have worked hard building this command with increased membership, proper leadership and the drive to meet my objectives.”
Though Canada’s largest province by geographic area and second largest by population, the Legion’s presence in Quebec is relatively small compared to other provincial commands, with just over 100 branches and 12,000-plus members. This was evident by the smaller convention hall and the number of delegates in attendance.
But, as Irvine noted, “it means a lot” that the Legion is showing significant growth in the province.
“I am also pleased with the [membership] committee,” said Irvine, who then asked the two-member team to stand as he announced that they oversaw the addition of more than 600 new members this year. They were greeted by thunderous applause.
In his president’s report, Irvine also mentioned the creation of two new branches, though one other branch was suspended and is awaiting a decision on its future. He also emphasized the importance to identify and eliminate cases of stolen valour, which Irvine said has been reported more and more across the country, with most cases involving people in trusted positions.
“What stands out is that most of the individuals involved held key leadership roles within the organization,” said Irvine. “Branch presidents, VPs, sergeants-at-arms, etc., at both branch and district levels.”
Irvine added that eliminating future such occurrences is essential to preserve the integrity and credibility of the RCL.
Greetings from Dominion Command followed Irvine’s address, with Vice-President Valerie MacGregor representing national headquarters at the event. She largely echoed Irvine’s message, reiterating the importance of the Legion’s work and how crucial it is to continue to expand membership.
“People understand the importance of the work we do,” said MacGregor, noting, however, that the organization can’t get complacent. “One constant we are facing,” she said, “is the world is always changing and that means we are looking at new projects and initiatives that will ultimately have a direct effect on our work, including how we foster remembrance.”
MacGregor highlighted biodegradable poppies, Remembrance Day planners for teachers, and the co-ordination of national organizations to help combat veteran homelessness as examples of how the Legion is evolving, fostering remembrance in young people and making a difference in the lives of veterans.
In her constitution and laws committee report, chair Susan Donnelly shared great news with respect to member disputes, typically an ongoing challenge across the country. Just 10 complaints were lodged, and only one was legitimate; another needed mediation. Donnelly also oversaw the adoption of several new and amended bylaws, though she noted that many proposed changes had to be rejected due to missing documentation. Donnelly reminded delegates of the importance of including proper paperwork.
Dominion Vice-President Valerie MacGregor thanks outgoing Quebec Command President Tom Irvine for his service.[Michael A. Smith/LM]
New President Luc Fortier addresses delegates. [Michael A. Smith/LM]
Poppy chair Terrance Deslage also had an important reminder, urging members to review the Legion’s Poppy Manual, which outlines guidelines for how funds raised through the annual remembrance campaign can be used. He also reinforced the need of completing and submitting poppy reports on time.
“Your late reports are affecting our reporting,” said Deslage. “It is your responsibility to submit these reports as poppy funds are made available by the public and are part of the trust between Canadians and the Legion.”
“I offer you a Legion where every voice is heard, every branch supported, and information flows with clarity, respect, transparency and efficiency.”
In his report, treasurer Norman Shelton noted that the command is in good financial health, though he noted said more donations from branches would be beneficial to support the work of the service bureau. Shelton also oversaw the adoption of a motion to change how branches contribute income from the poppy campaign to Quebec Command. Going forward, branches will send five per cent of gross sales to the provincial HQ as opposed to the previous five per cent of net sales. The change should increase revenue allocated to the service bureau.
Ken Oullette, chair of the veterans and seniors services committee, also spoke about programs available to veterans who could benefit from more funding. He also updated delegates on his committee’s work, which included consultations with a wide-range of veterans groups, attending forums, and meetings with all levels of elected officials.
Elections for the provincial executive took place throughout business. Incumbent Vice-President Luc Fortier of Chicoutimi Branch and Rick Cartmel of Churchill Branch in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue were nominated for president. Fortier was elected. Another incumbent VP, Terrance Deslage of Greenfield Park Branch, won the first vice position over Robert Trépanier of la filiale cercle des Legionnaires de la capitale nationale Branch in Quebec City.
Trépanier, Yves Boucher of Trois-Rivières Branch, Sandra Morissette of Arthabaska Branch in Victoriaville, Ron Kappert of Greenfield Park Branch, and Jean St-Laurent of Quebec North Shore Branch were nominated for the three vice-president positions. Boucher, Morissette and Kappert were elected. Susan Donnelly of St-Eustache Branch in Deux-Montagnes and Norman Shelton of Chomedey Branch in Laval were acclaimed chair and treasurer.
“I stand before you with a simple but strong conviction,” said President Fortier in addressing delegates after his election. “I offer you a Legion where every voice is heard, every branch supported, and information flows with clarity, respect, transparency and efficiency.
“Our volunteers are the beating heart,” he continued. “Listen to them, support them, and provide them with complete tools, especially those in remote locations. I ask for your trust. Let’s make our command human, strong and engaged. And remember to always focus on those who serve.”
Advertisement
