Originally planned to take place in Saskatoon, The Royal Canadian Legion’s 48th dominion convention will be conducted by video conference on Aug. 13-15 this year. 

The decision was based on the safety of Legion members, predictive factors associated with the pandemic and restrictions imposed on the convention facilities, said Steven Clark, executive director of National Headquarters.

Delegates from Legion commands, sections and branches will convene online to make policy decisions and set the future course of the organization. 

This may pose a challenge to some, but current technology should ease the process, said Clark. The internet browser Google Chrome will be used and a minimum 5 megabits-per-second internet download speed is required.

The 14-page convention call was distributed on May 5 and registration through provincial commands opened immediately.

To register and participate in the online convention, each delegate has to provide a unique and correct e-mail address to be the main point of contact for registration and access to the convention site.

The convention call outlines constitutional requirements for how branches appoint accredited delegates (one per 100 voting members, essentially). Delegates must be members in good standing and be paid up to Dec. 31, 2021. For each accredited delegate, branches must complete a credential certificate and forward it to provincial command. Provincial commands need to provide delegate lists to the Convention Credentials Committee by July 5.

Five online events are scheduled for Aug. 13: one for delegate familiarization training and four workshops. The convention opening ceremony is on Aug. 14, followed immediately by business sessions, which continue the next day. The installation of officers and closing ceremonies take place after the close of business on the afternoon of Aug. 15. 

The convention call includes more details on the registration process, voting and proxies, resolutions, questions (in writing only) on reports and resolutions, candidates for office and significant timings. A detailed schedule of the three-day agenda is also included.

Fees are $30 for delegates and $10 for observers.

For more information, go to the convention home page, e-mail Convention2021@legion.ca or phone 1-855-330-3344.