The Government of Ontario is proud to honour and support veterans, including by working alongside The Royal Canadian Legion to reduce costs and support initiatives that help Ontario branches continue investing in the people, programs and services that matter most to veterans and military families.
Honouring Veterans
• Exempted Ontario branches of The Royal Canadian Legion and Ontario units of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada from paying property taxes through amendments to the Assessment Act.
• Protected every worker’s right to wear a poppy during Veterans’ Week through amendments to the Remembrance Week Act, 2016.
• Introduced and passed the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which renamed the Remembrance Week Act, 2016, to the Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week Act, 2024 to expand provincial recognition for those who served.
• Established the Murray Whetung award to honour the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans, awarding Ontario cadets who demonstrate exceptional community service and leadership through volunteerism.
• Launched the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence (OVACSE) in May 2025, making Ontario the first province in Canada to create an award dedicated exclusively to recognizing the community service of veterans. Legion branches and partner organizations can now nominate outstanding individuals until September 4, 2026.
Increasing Financial Support for Veterans
• In November 2024, we increased the maximum amount Veterans and their eligible family members can receive from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, from $2,000 to $3,000 over a 12-month period.
• Retroactive to April 1, 2026, Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion will receive a full rebate for all fees paid to apply for or renew a Liquor Sales Licence.
Enhancing Community Support for Veterans
• Introduced free year-round GO Transit access for veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Supporting Career Pathways for Veterans
• Accelerated credential recognition for veterans and military families through Round 5 of the Skills Development Fund, including a $42 million investment in 27 veteran serving projects across Ontario.
• Invested $575,000 in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition initiatives that make it easier for veterans and military connected learners to earn postsecondary education course credits based on past military training, enabling them to reduce tuition costs and enter in-demand careers faster.
Eligible Veterans and family members can find out how to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission by visiting ontario.ca/SoldiersAid or calling 416-327-4674.
Find more information at Ontario.ca/Veterans