Victoria – MLA for Abbotsford South and Opposition Critic for Citizens’ Services Bruce Banman is reminding Premier John Horgan that it is not too late to offer Legions the help they have been asking for, after he snubbed them from pandemic supports during B.C.’s “circuit breaker.”

“It has been more than four weeks since the Premier received the letter from the Royal Canadian Legion asking to be included in pandemic supports like the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant,” said Banman. “Legions have incurred significant costs and debt during the pandemic and are still feeling the financial impact. For the Premier to exclude them from COVID supports is to blatantly disregard the vital services our Legions provide for our veterans and our communities.”

The Royal Canadian Legion supports veterans, seniors, local community organizations, and youth groups each year. They are also stewards of the annual Poppy Campaign and local Remembrance Day ceremonies honouring those who served and sacrificed for Canada.

“Despite the restricted reopening of restaurants and other businesses, many of our Legions continue to risk permanent closure and could certainly use the support,” added Banman. “The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is still open for applications. We are asking John Horgan to allow our Legions to apply so they can get the help they need to continue to support our valued veterans.”