The Chancellors of the Priory of Canada have come from many different backgrounds and from across Canada.  The role has been filled by members of the armed forces (including many World War II veterans), lawyers, judges, doctors, police officers, and even by a former Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Multiple past Chancellors have been honoured by being promoted to the Orders highest rank, Bailiff/Dame Grand Cross (GCStJ).

From 1933 to 1946, before the elevation to Priory, the Commandery of Canada was headed by the Lieutenant of the Commandery.  This position became known as Sub-Prior in 1946 when the Commandery of Canada became the Priory of Canada.  The title would change to Chancellor during the tenure of the first person to hold this position, Charles Gray, KStJ, who was Chancellor 1946-1960, making him the longest serving Chancellor.  Most of the following Chancellors would serve terms of two or three years.  The current practice is for the Chancellor to serve a two-year term.

The 26th and current Chancellor of the Priory of Canada is Laurie Anderson, DStJ from Alberta.  She began her term as Chancellor in June 2024.

Each of the 26 Chancellors have a unique story, both with regards to the service that they have provided to the Order, but also the service that they have provided to the nation and to their communities.  These stories highlight the many achievements of those who have been appointed to serve as Chancellor in Canada, representing thousands of dedicated volunteers from every walk of life.

Current Chancellor: Laurie Anderson, DStJ

Laurie Anderson, DStJ began her involvement with St John Ambulance in 2008 when she joined the Audit and Finance Committee for Alberta Council. She has held positions on various Board Committees, as Vice Chair and Chair of Audit and Finance, Vice Chair (appointed in 2016) and Chair of the Alberta Council.

For the Priory, she would serve as a Priory Representative, Finance and Audit Committee Member, Co-Chair of the Operating Agreement Committee, and a member of the CEO Search Committee.  She was inducted into the Order as a Member in 2013, promoted to Officer in 2018, Commander in 2021, and finally to Dame in 2024.  She received the St John Ambulance Life Saving Award in 2015.  She is also a recipient of the Service Medal of the Order of St John, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Provincial).

She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and as the Director on the University Hospital Foundation Board.

Professionally she is a Certified Professional Accountant. She currently works for ONE Properties.  From 2001 to 2014, she was the Senior Vice President of Finance, before becoming Chief Financial Officer, a position that she holds to this day.

For a list of past leaders of the Order, please click here.