Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

(also referred to as Priory Council)

The Priory of Canada oversees St. John Ambulance in Canada. The Board of the Priory of Canada is also referred to as Priory Council and is comprised of five officer positions and the chair representing each of the provincial/territorial council. The Priory Council is the executive arm of Priory Chapter. Priory Council is responsible for policy and governance issues, and is invested with the power to authorize action in the name of Priory Chapter.

Priory Council is committed to sound governance that is based on clarity, transparency and visible accountability.

Officers:

Mairi Arthur, DStJ, MA — Chancellor

Born in Scotland, Mairi was educated at Dunfermline High School, Edinburgh College of Commerce, Dundee University and Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen. Upon receipt of her Master of Arts Degree from Dundee University, she completed a post-graduate Diploma in Personnel Management at Robert Gordon’s and began a career in human resource management, working in health care and with ‘at-risk’ youth in Scotland.
Mairi immigrated to Woodstock, New Brunswick with her husband and infant son in 1975. A second son was born in 1977 and she spent the next 15 years raising her family and contributing to the community through her volunteer efforts with the Carleton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and as Chair of the Canadian Association for Community Living (formerly CAMR).

A St John Ambulance first aid course in 1979 provided an opportunity to become involved in with an organization in which she has served for 31 years. On a Provincial level Mairi has serve on the Board of SJA Council for NS/PEI, Community Services Committee, Standing Committee at the Maritime School of Paramedicine, Superintendent for Halifax Cadet Division, First Aid & CPR Instructor Trainer (1980-2005) and a NB Ambulance Attendant (1980-1985). On a National level Mairi has served as Deputy Chancellor, on Priory Council (Board of Directors), Priory Executive Committee, Priory Chapter; Nominating Committee, National Honours & Awards Committee, Governance Committee and chaired a study group on governance reform.

Since 1995 Mairi has had a successfully progressive human resources career in health care sector and housing services leading to her senior HR role with the NSLC. As a life-long learner, Mairi has completed certificate/diploma courses in negotiation skills, organizational development foundations, counselling, adult education, harassment investigation, and management of behavioural emergencies as well as maintaining interest and knowledge in current aspects of management and human resources. She is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

Rob White — Deputy Chancellor

Rob has been actively involved with St. John Ambulance Ontario Council since 1988, including his role as Chair of Ontario Council. His other achievements include Chair of Ontario Council’s Nominating Committee, Vice Chair of Council for Ontario Senate, Director of St. John Canada (Priory), Member of the Priory Executive Committee for the Priory of Canada, and served as a First Aid and CPR instructor.

Service Recognition: Service Medal and bars to the medal, Order of St. John; Commander, Order of St. John.

A senior director with Shoppers Drug Mart, and 22 years of experience with the company, Rob brings an extensive contribution in leadership, operations and finance.

F. Richard Bruce, MOM, GCStJ, AdeC, BGS, BA, MA, MSt, Dip. Crim, FCAM — Immediate Past Chancellor & Hospitaller

Richard has been a member of St. John Ambulance Manitoba Council since 1997, was elected as Chair of Manitoba Council in 2000, and led the Council through five years of growth. On a national level, Richard has served on Priory Council (Board of Directors) for seven years, and as Chancellor from June 2009 to June 2012, and has been active on many Committees.

Service Recognition: Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces; Bailiff Grand Cross, Order of St. John; Service Medal, Order of St. John; Chancellor’s Commendation, Order of St. John; Recipient, Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal; Police Exemplary Service Medal and Bar; Manitoba’s Excellence in Law Enforcement; Awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Make a Difference Community Award, Westman Region.

Richard retired as Chief of Police from the Brandon Police Service in May of 2006 after completing 35+ years of service. Richard has served on a number of Boards, including: Canadian Cancer Society - Manitoba Division, Brandon & District United Way, Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation Inc., Canadian Institute for the Blind – Brandon Branch and is currently volunteering with United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada, Correctional Services of Canada, Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Brandon. He also serves meals at the Helping Hands Centre Soup Kitchen.

Brock Cairns, KStJ, CA — Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration

Brock has been actively involved with St. John since 1990 with Alberta Council and Brock has been actively involved with St. John since 1990 with Alberta Council and since 2007 with National Office. As Senior Partner with Catalyst LLP in Calgary, Brock brings extensive experience in the areas of business and financial strategies, financial structuring, as well as audit and review engagements.