The Contests
For many, many years, The Royal Canadian Legion has sponsored annual Poster, Essay and Literary Contests that are open to all Canadian school children. The youths that participate in the contests assist the Legion in one of our primary goals – fostering the tradition of Remembrance amongst Canadians.
The contests are divided into four categories:
- Primary (Poster Contest only) – grades 1,2 and 3
- Junior – grades 4, 5 and 6
- Intermediate – grades 7, 8 and 9
- Senior – grades 10, 11, 12
Contest Process
Initial judging takes place at the community level by volunteers at local Legion branch. The winning entries then progress to the District level finally making it to judging at the Provincial level. The winning entries at this level are forwarded to Ottawa where they are judged against all other Provinces and Territories and the National winners are declared. The names and work of all the National winners are published.
The Poster Contest has two divisions – Colour and Black and White. The winning entries for the four
categories (school grades) are displayed at the Canadian War Museum from 1 July – 1 May of the following year. The second place winners and any receiving an Honorable Mention are displayed in the foyer of the House of Commons during the annual Remembrance period in November.
The senior winning entries in the Essay and Poetry contests are also displayed at the Canadian War Museum during the same period.
The Legion also sponsors a trip to Ottawa for the Senior Winners in the four contests (two poster, essay and poetry) to attend the National Remembrance Day Service where they place a wreath on behalf of the youth of Canada. They also have an opportunity to meet and visit with the Governor General.
Students may enter as many contests as they wish. For additional information on the contest please contact the Banff Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Download the Poppy Contest Form
Contest Clicks
