Legions on Quadra Island, Powell River and northern Vancouver Island have received funding from Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC).
The Quadra Island legion received $3,000 while Alert Bay and Powell River legions received $10,000 and $11,919 respectively.
Other upper-Island legions that received funding include Sayward ($,6000) Port McNeill ($6,834), Gold River ($11,248 ), Port Alice (11,919), Port Hardy (10,000) and Comox ($10,000).
The funding is part of the $20 million Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund announced by the federal government in November as part of its COVID-19 economic response plan.
The Royal Canadian Legion received $14 million out of this to distribute to branches across the country. In addition the funding also provides financial support to ANAVETS, True Patriot Love, VETS Canada, and an additional 38 organizations.
鈥淭he Legion鈥檚 branches are some of our most important partners in supporting our Veterans, and in making sure that Canadians remember the sacrifices they鈥檝e made. I鈥檓 proud that the Government of Canada is able to provide them with the funding they need to make it through the pandemic as we continue to work together on behalf of our Veterans and their families, 鈥� said Veteran Affairs minister Lawrence MacAulay in a statement announcing the funding.
North Island-Powell River MP and NDP Critic for Veterans Affairs said in a statement that she was 鈥減leased鈥� and 鈥渞elieved鈥� with VAC 鈥榮 announcement that funds are coming to nine legions in her riding to cope with pandemic related funding shortfalls.
