North Bay has warm welcome for veterans and legion members as convention continues
Their medals were gleaming in the sunshine as veterans and legion members proudly sang 'O Canada' standing at the base of the Memorial Park Cenotaph in downtown North Bay Sunday morning.
The Royal Canadian Legion's 52nd biennial covention of the Ontario Provincial Command is continuing this weekend.
North Bay Legion Convention
Legion members and delegates laid wreaths at the cenotaph before taking to the streets to march to the North Bay Museum with a crowd of supporters.
"I have been a part of many conventions. This is my first one in North Bay and I have to tell you, it's been a great time," said Royal Canadian Legion Branch #281 Beaver Valley President Shawn McKinlay. "You guys have certainly rolled out the red carpet."
North Bay Legion Convention500 delegates from nearly 400 legions from all across Ontario and other Canadian guests began arriving Friday and they say they've been welcomed with open arms from the community.
"We're here to let people know the legion is still here and what it represents," said Fern Taillefer, First Vice-President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #147 in Barrie. "I've met quite a few friends this morning already that I haven't seen in years. That's what it's all about."
Convention business began Sunday afternoon at Nipissing University. There's a lot to do. One item on the agenda is laying out new legion policies and procedures.
"Then we'll get on with our election of new senior executive officers for Ontario Command for the next three years," explained the legion's Ontario Command Provincial President Garry Pond.
North Bay last hosted the convention in June of 1965. On Friday, the Royal Canadian Legion's flag was raised at city hall to kick off proceedings and to welcome the delegates into the city.
"We're so proud to host this," said convention organizer Marc Picard. "We had a social gathering Friday as everyone started to register and attend."
North Bay Legion ConventionRecently, the legion passed a milestone by helping just over 1,000 homeless veterans with financial support and connecting them to community services for long term solutions. Legion members say there's still work to do to help veterans suffering from PTSD.
"There's all new medical practices and therapies," explained the legion's Dominion Command First Vice-President Owen Parkhouse. "We've now put a new focus on families because families are affected by what veterans have gone through."
The convention ends on Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.