Royal Canadian Legion branches across Leeds and Grenville will receive full rebates on their liquor sales licence fees under a new Ontario government program aimed at helping them dedicate more resources to supporting veterans and their communities.
Effective June 1 and retroactive to April 1, the rebate program covers all 14 Legion branches in Leeds and Grenville.
MPP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark made the announcement on Wednesday in Cardinal.
“Branch 105 in Cardinal is a cornerstone of the community, supporting veterans and bringing people together. By helping reduce operating costs, our government is ensuring legions can continue providing the programs, services and support that veterans and local families rely on,” said Clark.
Attorney General Doug Downey said Legion branches play an important role across Ontario by supporting veterans, local charities and community events.
“That’s why our government is providing liquor sales licence fee rebates that will help Legion branches dedicate more resources to the people and causes they serve across Ontario.”
391 Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario have liquor licences and are eligible for the rebate. Along with Cardinal, other branches receiving the rebate are located in Delta, Lyndhurst, Mallorytown, Prescott, Spencerville, Toledo, Kemptville, Merrickville, Portland, Westport, Seeley’s Bay, Brockville, and Gananoque.
Branches renewing a two-year liquor licence will receive a $1,055 rebate, and those renewing a four-year licence will get $1,355. The Ontario government estimates the program will reduce costs for nearly 400 Legion branches by almost $250,000 over five years.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will issue the rebates within two to four weeks after a licence application or renewal is approved.
