BC/Yukon Command
#101 – 17618 58 Avenue
Surrey, BC V3S 1L3
Tel: (604) 575-8840
Fax: (604) 575-8820
info@legionbcyukon.ca
legionbcyukon.ca

September 15, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Response to Mr.Rankin’s article: 'My honour has been shredded': 94-year-old Vancouver

vet fights legion expulsion”
Surrey, BC, Canada
BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion values all those who have served their country. This
situation is very unfortunate and the decision to expel any member is not taken lightly. Expulsion from the
Legion is a rare occurrence and is only undertaken for serious offences such as theft or misappropriation of
Legion funds or Poppy funds, cases of stolen valour or fraud. Such a decision is finalized after all avenues
of appeal have been pursued and a thorough review of the matter has taken place by the next superior
command.
The complaint and appeal process is outlined in the General By-laws as set out by the founders of the
Legion, most of whom were First and Second World War Veterans. In summary, as with every member
against member complaint, once deemed properly lodged, the person against whom a complaint is
lodged will receive a copy of the complaint lodged against them. A complaint committee of Legion
members is then struck and the chair of the committee sends both parties details of the hearing date and
time via registered mail. Each party always has the opportunity to present their case and, based on the
facts presented in the matter, the complaint committee renders their decision. Both parties then have the
right to appeal this decision to an appeal committee made up of Legion member peers. If a decision of
expulsion is upheld, that decision is finalized at the National level. I can confirm that in all cases, this process
is followed and both parties are offered every opportunity to respond to any complaint allegation and
appeal any decision.
Sincerely,

Val Macgregor
President, BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion
Contact:

Bryan Lutz, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
604-575-8840
Toll free: 1-888-261-2211
bryan.lutz@legionbcyukon.ca
www.legionbcyukon.ca