OTTAWA, ON (June 27, 2022) – St. John Ambulance Canada installed Dr. André M. Levesque as the new Chancellor for the Priory of Canada of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Order of St. John) at its annual National Investiture Ceremony held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 in the Senate Building of Canada. His term as Chancellor began on June 25, 2022.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the Priory of Canada and the St. John Ambulance family in this leadership capacity,” said Levesque who was welcomed into his new role by outgoing Chancellor Alain Laurencelle. “I cherish this opportunity to meet and work with our volunteers, staff, and partners across Canada. At St. John, we continue to respond to the health and safety needs of our greater community and to provide the innovative programs and support that they deserve.”

Levesque is an expert in history, heritage, commemoration, and recognition and completed a Ph.D. in History at the National University of Ireland, University College Cork in 2013. He has received numerous honours and recognitions including the Head of the Public Service Award, was admitted in the Canadian Who’s Who, and was elected as a Fellow Royal Society of Arts in the United Kingdom. He is also an Officer of the Order of Military Merit, a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem and has received from the government of France the Order of Arts and Letters, the National Order of Merit, and in 2017, he was awarded their highest distinction – the Legion of Honour.

He was also a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Army Reserves for 35 years and retired in 2008 at the rank of lieutenant-colonel. During his time in the Army Reserves, Levesque was extensively involved as an instructor with all aspects of St. John Ambulance First Aid training programs in support of the military, the department’s civilian employees, and their dependents. He served on the Board of Directors of the Council for Federal District from 2004 to 2013, and from 2013 to 2020 continued to volunteer as a member of the Community Services Auxiliary before he re-joined the Board in 2020.

About St. John Ambulance 
As Canada’s standard for excellence in First Aid and CPR services, St. John Ambulance offers innovative programs ensuring Canadians receive the best quality training. Revenue generated from training supports St. John Ambulance’s charitable work. St. John Ambulance is an international humanitarian organization and part of the Order of St. John. Our Vision: Everyone in Canada prepared to save a life. Learn more at www.sja.ca.

Contact: communications@sja.ca