OTTAWA, ON (June 21, 2025) – The Deputy Chancellor of the Priory of Canada, Christopher McCreery, invested 25 outstanding Canadian volunteers into the Order of St. John at a ceremony held in the Senate Building of Canada on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Order of St. John recognizes meritorious service and dedication to duty by the volunteers of St. John Ambulance. The Order of St. John is a Royal Order of Chivalry and is part of the Canadian Honours System. As such, all appointments are sanctioned by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, on behalf of King Charles III.
This year, the Order of St. John introduced a new award, honouring organ donors and their families. The Order of St. John Award for Organ Donation recognizes the extraordinary gift of life made by organ donors. Organ donation is a deeply courageous and generous act, often made during moments of immense grief. With more than 3,400 Canadians currently waiting for an organ donation, and hundreds dying each year before an organ becomes available, this award is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact that organ donation can make. This award will be accepted on behalf of each recipient by their loved ones, in recognition of the donor’s selfless contribution and enduring legacy.
Richard Kenny (posthumous) received the Order of St. John Award for Organ Donation.
Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Mackay, OMM, CD (retired), of Ottawa, ON, and Robert Rae Underhill of North Vancouver, BC, were reclassified to Knights of Justice.
Major-General Guy Chapdelaine, OMM, CD, KHC (retired), of Montreal, QC; Michel C. Doré of Lanthier, QC; and Steven Gaetz of Union Square, NS, were invested to the grade of Commander at the ceremony.
Receiving the Insignia of Officer were Lieutenant-Colonel Frances Chilton-Mackay, OMM, MSM, CD (retired), of Ottawa, ON; Lisa Schwann of Regina, SK; and Jason Paul of Mountain, ON.
Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Gauthier, MMM, CStJ, CD; Adam Prieur, OStJ; and Captain Ian Steingaszner, OStJ, received the Chancellor’s Commendation.
The following individuals received the Insignia of Member:
- Carson Ronald Atkinson – Branford, ON
- Nancy Farrell – Ottawa, ON
- Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Jain, OMM, MSM, CD – Stratford, PE
- Jason Willis Michael Kelly – Stittsville, ON
- Sergeant Robert Shawn King – Thompson, MB
- Yi Wing Leo Leung – Delta, BC
- Karleigh Meadow Wellman Libby – Fenwick, ON
- Carley Marie MacIntyre – Kamloops, BC
- Alexandru Razvan Marian – Woodbridge, ON
- Louise Marie Mercier – Ottawa, ON
- Mary-Anne Parkingson – Kamloops, BC
- Christopher Salvatore Spiteri – Ottawa, ON
- Major David Angus Wright, CD – Barrie, ON
About St. John Ambulance
St. John Ambulance is Canada’s leading authority in first aid training and community-based health and safety programs. Our mission is to support communities across Canada by enhancing health, safety, and well-being through training, products, and volunteer services. Annually, St. John Ambulance certifies over 394,000 Canadians in first aid and CPR, equipping them with the skills to save lives and keep their communities safe. Across the country, our dedicated volunteers contribute over 1 million service hours annually, offering medical first response at public events, comfort through therapy dog visits, and critical support during emergencies and disasters. To get involved, learn more at www.sja.ca
Contact:
St. John Ambulance National Office
613-236-7461