New liquor licence fee rebates will help legions dedicate more resources to veterans, community programs and local charitable initiatives.
News July 6th, 2026
WHITBY — The Ontario government is making it easier for Royal Canadian Legion branches in Whitby and Brooklin to continue serving veterans and local communities by providing full liquor sales licence fee rebates to eligible branches applying for or renewing their liquor sales licences. The rebate program took effect on June 1, 2026, and applies retroactively to April 1, 2026.
“Ontario’s legions have long been at the heart of communities across our province, serving veterans, supporting local charities and bringing people together,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “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.”
Whitby Legion Branch 112 and Brooklin Legion Branch 152 play a vital role in supporting our veterans and their families, while also advancing the tradition of remembrance, leading fundraising efforts and hosting community events that bring people together.
“The Brooklin and Whitby Legions have a long history of serving veterans and strengthening our community,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government is proud to support legions by reducing costs so they can continue investing in the people, programs and services that matter most to veterans and local families.”
Across Ontario, 391 Royal Canadian Legion branches currently hold liquor sales licences and are eligible for the rebate program.
QUOTES
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112 is extending its heartfelt gratitude to the
Ontario Government for introducing a full rebate on Liquor Sales Licence fees. This
meaningful cost-relief program will eliminate upcoming application and renewal fees for
the next five years, serving as a welcome financial boost. For local institutions like
Branch 112, every dollar saved on administrative overhead is a dollar that can be
immediately reinvested for our Veterans.
-Bobbie Simmons, President, Legion Branch 112
Quick Facts
· Ontario’s legion branches support veterans, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP families, charitable activities, Remembrance Day ceremonies, seniors’ supports, youth education initiatives and community programs.
· Rebates will reduce costs for nearly 400 eligible legion branches by almost $250,000 over five years.
· The rebate for a two-year licence term is $1,055, while the rebate for a four-year term is $1,355.
· Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion do not need to submit a rebate application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Eligible fees will be returned automatically within two to four weeks after the licence or renewal is approved.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141