The Canadian Naval Association was formed in 1954 and became the Royal Canadian Naval Association in 1963. A series of reunions were held each year with the fifth in Hamilton in June 1959. The Royal Canadian Naval Association-Niagara Region is a registered not-for-profit, and one of 19 active chapters across Canada. Two of the local branches of the RCNA have recently closed, the Burlington branch in 2015 and the Hamilton Branch in 2018.
The Association's aims and objectives according to our by-laws are as follows:
- To provide a forum or meeting venue whereby persons serving or who have served in the Naval and Maritime Forces of Canada, the Commonwealth or her Allies, and all members of the naval community, in order that they may be kept abreast of changes in maritime matters.
- To support the Canadian Navy, both active and reserve, and to support the Cadet Organization and or organizations connected with the Military Forces of Canada.
- To perpetuate the glorious traditions of the Navy, Army and Air Forces of Canada, and its Allies, the latter being applicable for membership.
- The Association shall perpetuate the memory and deeds of those who gave their lives in all of our military forces.
- The Association will be non-political, non-sectarian and democratic. It will not be affiliated with, nor connected directly or indirectly to any political party.
