Ontario Command takes control of Sarnia Legion Branch 62

Ontario Command has suspended the powers of Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and installed three trustees to oversee its operations until January after the branch executive indicated it would provide only limited involvement until its president was reinstated

Ontario Command has suspended the powers of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 in Sarnia and installed three trustees to administer its affairs after Ontario Command said the branch executive had reduced its involvement pending Ron Realesmith’s reinstatement.

An Oct. 14 notice signed by Ontario Command Executive Director Pamela Sweeny says Provincial President Lynn McClellan suspended the branch’s powers effective immediately and appointed trustees “to preserve all property and administer the affairs of the Branch.”

The trustees, Mark Rogers, Gabriele Janka and Caroline Mayo, have been appointed for up to 90 days, with their term ending Jan. 12, 2027.

Realesmith was removed from the president’s office earlier this month pending the outcome of an Article III complaint filed against him. Ontario Command said at the time that John Surins had assumed the presidency.

Sweeny has since publicly confirmed the trustee appointments and said Surins remains president of Branch 62.

Existing branch officers remain in their positions, but their authority has been sharply restricted.

The notice says officers may make only decisions the trustees consider appropriate and will operate under their direct supervision. They may perform their duties and participate in running the branch only to the extent permitted by the trustees.

Branch staff must also follow trustee directions.

Where directions from branch officers conflict with those of the trustees, the notice says the trustees have “ultimate authority and control.” Failure by an employee to comply with a lawful trustee direction could form grounds for dismissal with cause.

Branch expenditures and financial transactions are also subject to controls set out in the notice, including written trustee approval for expenditures and additional restrictions on who may initiate and complete transactions.

Ontario Command said the intervention followed what it described as “minimal engagement” by the branch administration and executive until Realesmith was reinstated.

“This is for the general welfare of the branch,” the notice states.

The Oct. 14 notice cites Sections 418(a), 419(a) and 505 of the Legion’s General By-Laws as authority for suspending the branch’s powers and appointing trustees.

The intervention marks a significant escalation from the earlier action involving Realesmith personally.

While Branch 62’s officers remain formally in place, control over its administration, staff and finances now rests with the trustees for the duration of their appointment.