The Royal Canadian Legion’s Maple Ridge branch is placed under trusteeship amid governance concerns

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Maple Ridge Branch 88 has been placed under trusteeship by the legion’s provincial command. In a Sept. 27 letter to all members, BC/Yukon Command president Bob Underhill said the move followed ongoing concerns about the branch’s financial and operational sustainability, governance and adherence to proper procedures, continued conflict within the executive, and concerns raised by several members. Underhill said a key role of the command is to support branches and help them operate effectively under the legion’s bylaws, policies, procedures and other applicable requirements.

Underhill said the powers and bylaws of Branch 88 were suspended effective immediately, and the current branch executive stood down. The command appointed Glenn Hodge, Rosanne Mitchell and Len Bykowski as trustees, citing their expertise. They will have full authority over the branch’s management and operations until it is operating in accordance with the Royal Canadian Legion’s protocols and procedures.

Hodge said the command received numerous complaints and letters from branch members and executive members who were unhappy with what was happening. He also said there were issues between the branch and the housing development. The trustees will review the branch’s committees, how they are financed, their revenues and expenses, how the housing fits with the branch, and whether things are being done properly. They will also work with members to identify people who could serve on a local management committee, assist with Branch 88’s ongoing operations and report to the trustees.

Hodge said the goal is to end the trusteeship as soon as possible and leave the branch in a better operational position. The trusteeship could last from two months to two years, or longer, and the trustees will try to maintain day-to-day operations. Some changes have already been made to different departments. Bykowski said there is a lot of co-operation within the branch, emphasizing that this is not a fight and that the trustees are there to do what is best for the legion. Mitchell said most of the executive members who stood down have agreed to help and keep their committee chairs. She added that feedback so far has been positive and members are happy to see the trustees there.

Hodge said the trustees are in no rush to leave. Branch 88 is the legion’s largest branch in Canada, with just under 5,000 members, and he said there is significant concern about ensuring it is run well. He said the command brought in people with the knowledge and ability to lead it forward. The trustees will remain until they are comfortable that the branch’s problems have been resolved and a new executive election can be held.

In the notice, Underhill encouraged all members to remain engaged and support the branch. He wrote that participation by the general membership is the most important part of helping the branch move forward, and said the BC/Yukon Command is committed to getting it back on track. He added that the branch has a long history of serving veterans, their families and the community, and that the command is committed to helping preserve that future. Bykowski said there should be no reason Branch 88 cannot remain the largest branch in Canada indefinitely. For more information, email info@legionbcyukon.ca.