The BC Government says it is providing $1.5 million in one-time relief funding to the Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command as it continues to weather the impacts of COVID-19.

The money mirrors the average grant given to businesses under the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant and aligns with support provided by the federal government.

“Legions play an important role in our communities, caring for the people who have served our nation,” Premier John Horgan said, in a statement. “Our government committed to finding a solution, and we’re delivering support to ensure legions can keep serving veterans, their families and our communities.”

The government says the money will ensure legions can continue providing essential community services to its 47,000 members in Kamloops and across B.C., including veterans and their families.

“In response to the economic impacts of the pandemic, B.C. has provided the most direct financial support of any province,” Horgan added. “We will continue to support people, businesses and non-profits as we build the foundation of a strong economic recovery for everyone.”

The BC Liberals have been calling on the government to include Legions in pandemic supports like the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant.

“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,” Opposition Critic for Citizens’ Services Bruce Banman said.

Much of the revenue generated by Legions comes through the sales of food and beverages which was often disrupted by public health orders that restricted indoor gatherings.

Banman says despite the restricted reopening of restaurants and other businesses with the lifting of the circuit breaker restrictions, many Legion branches continue to risk permanent closure.

“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,” he added.

Last September, the Past President of the Kamloops Legion told NL News it had been a tough year for Branch 52 largely in part due to COVID-19.

The Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command has 145 branches and about 47,000 members in B.C., including veterans and their families.