MLA proposes tax exemption to help legions remain viable

Alberta is mulling over a property tax exemption for Royal Canadian Legions.

West Yellowhead NDP MLA Eric Rosendahl, a member of the Hinton legion, on Thursday introduced Bill 207, the Municipal Government (Legion Tax Exemption) Amendment Act.

Rosendahl told Postmedia the idea is to help ensure legions stay viable so they can support veterans and remain as hubs in small communities.

“A lot of members are disappearing over time, so it will certainly help,” Rosendahl said on Thursday.

Rosendahl and Edmonton Castle Downs NDP MLA Nicole Goehring, government liaison to the Armed Forces, will reach out to legions across the province this summer to consult on the potential change.

They will also contact municipalities to figure out the economic impact of such an exemption. Rosendahl said that’s an important step “to make sure we’re doing the right thing.”

Legions are an essential hub for military and RCMP veterans, Goehring said, and they need to be preserved.

“It’s a gathering place. It’s somewhere they can go and talk to each other and feel supported,” she said.

“Anything we can do as a government to support the legions and make sure they continue is so important.”

FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION FOR SENIORS NEXT WEEK

If you’re over 65, next week is a great time to head to provincial museums or archives.

As part of Seniors’ Week, 20 provincially owned and operated historic sites, museums and archives in Alberta will have free admission for those over age 65.

“This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate (seniors’) contributions to our province by giving the gift of free entertainment and education at our historic sites, museums and Provincial Archives of Alberta,” Tourism and Culture Minister Ricardo Miranda said in a statement Thursday.

More information on Seniors’ Week is available online at Alberta Seniors and Housing.