The Royal Canadian Legion is seeing a surge in new members. As the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary, national membership grew by more than 100,000 people by the end of June, as branches across the country work to attract a new generation. At Branch 275 in Fergus, Ont., membership jumped by nearly 300 people this year. “At the end of 2025, this branch’s membership was 517. As of a couple of weeks ago – and this number has probably increased – it was 805,” said branch president Robert Stubbings. The legion is offering first-timers free membership for 2026 as part of its centennial celebrations and a national effort to bring more people through its doors. But Stubbings hopes the new members will want to stay. “The free membership isn’t a reason to join. It’s an incentive to join,” he said. Brenda Faultless is one of those new members at Branch 275. “I’ve enjoyed the meals on Friday night,” she said. “I’ve been involved in volunteering on different occasions. And I meet new people, lots of new people.” Faultless previously assumed the legion wasn’t for people like her. “I didn’t come to the legion before because I thought it was more for veterans,” she said. “But since then, I found out it’s not. Anybody can join.” Faultless has already paid for her membership for next year. New members who want to renew for 2027 will also have to pay, with fees ranging from about $50 to $70 depending on the location. The Fergus branch knows the free membership brought people through their doors, but they are already planning ways to keep them coming back. “There is an active plan in place that is targeted to the 300 new members,” Stubbings said. While the branch isn’t sharing the details just yet, their focus will be on giving members more reasons to participate in their local legion.
