André M. Levesque

• Leverage international expertise to provide strategic counsel on the evolution of global commemoration and the preservation of the historic diplomatic bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
• Lead high-level initiatives to modernize remembrance frameworks and strengthen bilateral cooperation through commemorative projects that honor the shared heritage of both nations.

• Provide executive leadership to both the Citizenship and Bravery Divisions, overseeing the merit-based evaluation of over 1,000 nomination files for the province’s most prestigious civilian and first-responder awards.
• Led the strategic development of a highly skilled advisory council.
• Established the body as the gold standard for volunteer committees within the Government of Ontario.
• Facilitated the conferral of over 300 awards.
• Insured the integrity of the selection process for the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, and the Ontario Medals for Police, Firefighters, and Paramedic Bravery. https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Agency/19

• Established and federally incorporated this national organization in 2021 to oversee the design, construction, and promotion of a landmark in Ottawa that celebrates Franco-Canadian ties.
• Partnered with Beechwood Cemetery, the French Embassy, and various educational stakeholders to honour the enduring bond between both nations.
• Formal recognition of the site’s intergenerational and international significance occurred during 2024 inauguration by Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Gabriel Attal. https://www.amicitiafrancecanada.com/en

• President since 2023.
• Lead the Canadian delegation of the SNEMM, the official veterans' organization representing all recipients of France’s prestigious Médaille Militaire.
• Direct the strategic growth of the association in Ottawa and Paris, as the primary liaison for Franco-Canadian military relations.
• Manage high-level engagement with the Canadian Armed Forces and French diplomatic missions to ensure the continued prestige of the decoration and honour the legacy of its recipients, including the 55 Canadians decorated during the First World War, through international cooperation and commemorative initiatives.

• Serve as a senior subject matter expert for a living history association dedicated to preserving Canada’s involvement in the American Civil War.
• Lead the documentation and digital dissemination of historical research, leverage social media to educate a modern audience on the legacy of the 40,000 Canadians who served.
• Curate high-impact content and record key organizational milestones to ensure the accurate recreation of period life remains accessible and engaging to the public.

• Serve as Chair of the Finance Council (2024–Present).
• Provide executive governance and strategic oversight for Ottawa parish through successive leadership appointments.
• Oversee fiscal health, including budget management, financial reporting, and the strategic allocation of resources for operational sustainability.
• Directed the development and implementation of community outreach and spiritual engagement initiatives as Chair of the Pastoral Council (2016–2022).

• Established the society to coincide with the Centennial of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War, creating a dedicated platform for the study and advancement of commemorative practices.
• Lead the organization’s mission to explore the historical significance and evolving meaning of memorials and monuments globally.
• Facilitate scholarly exchange and public learning, providing expert insights into how societies preserve collective memory and honour historical legacies. https://memorialogy.com/

• Lead the Canadian delegation of a historic international organization dedicated to maintaining memorials and graves for those who died for France, overseeing a mandate similar to that of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
• Act as the primary strategic liaison between Ottawa and Paris, managing the preservation of French military heritage and the upkeep of commemorative sites across Canada.
• Direct high-level diplomatic coordination and national ceremonies to ensure perpetual recognition for both French and foreign service members.
• Promoted through advisor and assistant delegate roles.

https://le-souvenir-francais.fr/delegation/can/

• Provide strategic guidance on the interpretation and display of military artifacts and the operational excellence of military museums nationwide.

Support the organization’s mission to foster a deeper understanding of Canadian military history by bridging archival best practices with effective public engagement and museum management.

Appointed Life Member (2015) in recognition of longstanding contributions to the preservation of Canada’s military heritage.

• Appointed as the first and only Chief Historian in the 150-year history of this National Historic Site.
• Supported the conservation of the cemetery’s heritage and bridged expert stewardship with public engagement to ensure its historical integrity.
• Preserved the diverse narratives and legacies entrusted to this national landmark, ensuring all research, archival management, and commemorative activities reflected Canada’s multicultural and multi-faith identity.

Following over four decades of dedicated service, I presided as national Chancellor over Canada’s premier health and safety organization.

• Provided executive oversight for a workforce of 15,000 volunteers and 230 employees.
• Steered the organization through its post-pandemic recovery, delivering over one million annual community service hours and restoring financial stability through strategic corporate re-establishment.
• Reinforced the mission as a leading provider of lifesaving training while maintaining critical global humanitarian commitments, including support for the St. John Eye Hospital Group in Jerusalem.
• Presided over National Investiture Ceremonies at the Senate of Canada to recognize meritorious service. https://sja.ca/en/node/1885342

• Served as a strategic advisor for the second most active national cemetery in the United States, supporting a veteran population of over 1.9 million. Within the Sub-committee for Monuments, provided specialized expertise on the design, approval, and installation of commemorative landmarks, ensuring that all memorial projects maintained the highest standards of historical accuracy and organizational dignity.
• Coordinated with diverse stakeholders to preserve the legacy of service and sacrifice within this high-volume National Cemetery Administration (NCA) site.

• Provided strategic counsel to the President of a prominent veterans' network across Ontario and Manitoba, focusing on the preservation of French military heritage and collective memory.
• Facilitated high-level participation in official commemorations and coordinated with diplomatic stakeholders to ensure the dignified recognition of French veterans.
• Played a key role in maintaining the visibility of Franco-Canadian military ties during national and international remembrance events.

• Conducted high-level, non-partisan research and analysis on critical national security and defence issues, contributing to the strategic dialogue surrounding Canada’s military capabilities and global interests.
• Supported the Institute’s mission to provide expert insights to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the broader Canadian public.

• Directed a dedicated team of volunteers in the strategic execution of fundraising initiatives to provide essential charitable support for the elderly and the infirm who require palliative and hospice care.
• Advanced the quality of end-of-life care through specialized caregiver training and education programs.
• Oversaw humanitarian efforts dedicated to the alleviation of suffering and the clinical care of individuals affected by leprosy, upholding the Order’s global mission of service and compassion.

• Conducted specialized research and strategic analysis for the Principal and Vice-Principal of Research, focusing on institutional excellence and executive development.
• Performed a comprehensive review of professional development frameworks for General/Flag Officers and senior civilian executives, while assessing core policy documents to enhance senior leadership decision-making.
• Rebranded Commandant’s Report with a new performance measurement framework and evaluating faculty research activities and funding structures to optimize academic output. This tenure concluded a distinguished career within the Public Service of Canada.

• Conducted specialized research and strategic analysis for the Principal and Vice-Principal of Research, focusing on institutional excellence and executive development.
• Performed a comprehensive review of professional development frameworks for General/Flag Officers and senior civilian executives, while assessing core policy documents to enhance senior leadership decision-making.
• Rebranded Commandant’s Report with a new performance measurement framework and evaluating faculty research activities and funding structures to optimize academic output. This tenure concluded a distinguished career within the Public Service of Canada.

• Provided corporate leadership for the Government of Canada’s national and international commemoration strategies, overseeing policy development and program frameworks to recognize Canadian military service.
• Negotiated key bilateral agreements, including a modernized Canada-France cooperation treaty and a joint initiative to award the French Legion of Honour to over 7,300 Commonwealth Second World War veterans, including 1,400 Canadians.
• Directed the strategic delivery of major milestones, such as the Centennial of the First World War, the 75th Anniversary of the Second World War, and the national recognition of the mission in Afghanistan.
• Led the development of global learning programs and successfully negotiated eligibility criteria for international honours like the Arctic Star and Bomber Command Bar.

• Served as a strategic advisor on the Board of Directors for the official French inter-ministerial mission tasked with organizing the global Centennial of the First World War.
• Represented Canadian interests and historical perspectives within this high-level international body to coordinate commemorative programming, educational initiatives, and state ceremonies.
• Acted as the primary liaison between the French Government and the Government of Canada to ensure the integrated delivery of bilateral remembrance projects across both nations.

• Served as a senior departmental representative on the Executive Committee of this national non-profit organization dedicated to providing dignified funerals and burials for eligible Canadian and Allied veterans.
• Exercised high-level oversight of policy development and financial accountability for the annual federal funding grant, ensuring the strategic allocation of resources to support the Fund’s primary mission.
• Maintained the integrity of the program’s delivery and strengthened the partnership between the Government of Canada and the Last Post Fund to honour the service of veterans in need.

• Served as the senior representative for the Department of National Defence (DND) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) on a standing committee chaired by the Deputy Secretary to the Governor General. Provided strategic counsel and departmental oversight for the merit-based review and approval of foreign honours bestowed upon Canadian citizens.
• Ensured all recommendations aligned with the Government of Canada’s Honours Policy and maintained the integrity of the Canadian Honours System through high-level interdepartmental coordination.

• Provided corporate leadership for the Government of Canada’s national and international commemoration strategies, overseeing policy development and program frameworks to recognize Canadian military service.
• Negotiated key bilateral agreements, including a modernized Canada-France cooperation treaty and a joint initiative to award the French Legion of Honour to over 7,300 Commonwealth Second World War veterans, including 1,400 Canadians.
• Directed the strategic delivery of major milestones, such as the Centennial of the First World War, the 75th Anniversary of the Second World War, and the national recognition of the mission in Afghanistan.
• Led the development of global learning programs and successfully negotiated eligibility criteria for international honours like the Arctic Star and Bomber Command Bar.

• Served as a strategic advisor on the Board of Directors for the official French inter-ministerial mission tasked with organizing the global Centennial of the First World War.
• Represented Canadian interests and historical perspectives within this high-level international body to coordinate commemorative programming, educational initiatives, and state ceremonies.
• Acted as the primary liaison between the French Government and the Government of Canada to ensure the integrated delivery of bilateral remembrance projects across both nations.

• Served as a senior departmental representative on the Executive Committee of this national non-profit organization dedicated to providing dignified funerals and burials for eligible Canadian and Allied veterans.
• Exercised high-level oversight of policy development and financial accountability for the annual federal funding grant, ensuring the strategic allocation of resources to support the Fund’s primary mission.
• Maintained the integrity of the program’s delivery and strengthened the partnership between the Government of Canada and the Last Post Fund to honour the service of veterans in need.
• Representing Veterans Affairs Canada

• Served as the senior representative for the Department of National Defence (DND) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) on a standing committee chaired by the Deputy Secretary to the Governor General. Provided strategic counsel and departmental oversight for the merit-based review and approval of foreign honours bestowed upon Canadian citizens.
• Ensured all recommendations aligned with the Government of Canada’s Honours Policy and maintained the integrity of the Canadian Honours System through high-level interdepartmental coordination.

• Appointed by the Department of National Defence to provide strategic oversight and support to the FCWM and the Canadian War Museum in achieving their collective mission and long-term objectives.
• Acted as a key intermediary to foster collaborative working relationships between the Board of Directors, the volunteer corps, and the Government of Canada.
• Aligned organisational strategies with national commemorative priorities to ensure the successful preservation and promotion of Canada's military history.

• Served as an appointed expert on a volunteer committee tasked with the strategic review and approval of new permanent commemorations on federal lands within Canada’s Capital Region.
• Provided technical recommendations on historical significance and design suitability to ensure that all memorial projects met the rigorous standards of the NCC.
• Collaborated with federal stakeholders to shape the commemorative landscape of the National Capital, preserving the integrity of Canada's collective memory on prominent public lands.

• Served as the senior representative for the Department of National Defence on a standing committee chaired by the Deputy Secretary to the Governor General. Provided strategic counsel and departmental oversight for the review of nominations for Canadian Bravery Decorations, including the Medal of Bravery, the Star of Courage, and the Cross of Valour. Collaborated with representatives from the Privy Council Office, the RCMP, and other federal departments to provide merit-based recommendations to the Governor General for the recognition of selfless acts performed under hazardous circumstances.

• Led the comprehensive management and administration of national honours for the Canadian Armed Forces, overseeing the departmental program’s evolution from the Directorate of History and Heritage to an executive Director-level mandate. As the departmental focal point, I provided strategic leadership for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of recognition policies and legislative proposals, serving as the official link between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
• Chaired the interdepartmental Victoria Cross Production Planning Group (2006–2008), overseeing the manufacturing of Canada’s highest national honour, and managed the successful conferral of over 200,000 awards to ensure the integrity and prestige of the Canadian Honours System.
• Promoted from Chief, Canadian Forces Honours and Awards

• Represented DND on the federal advisory committees chaired by the Canadian Secretary to The Queen to plan and execute both the Golden Jubilee (2002) and Diamond Jubilee (2012) celebrations.
• Provided strategic counsel on the design and national distribution of commemorative medals, ensuring the equitable recognition of Canadian Armed Forces members.
• Collaborated with the Chancellery of Honours and federal stakeholders to deliver two of the largest honours initiatives in Canadian history, resulting in approximately 46,000 Golden Jubilee medals and 60,000 Diamond Jubilee medals awarded to deserving citizens.

• Concluded a distinguished 34-year military career, serving with the Governor General's Foot Guards, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, and the Public Affairs Branch.
• As a senior officer and Deputy Commanding Officer of a Reserve infantry battalion (1990–2001), developed deep expertise in crisis management and emergency preparedness.
• Final appointment as Special Advisor and Senior Public Affairs Officer to the Commander of the Canadian Army (2006–2008), provided strategic counsel on army history, heritage, and human resources.
• Led high-level initiatives in conflict resolution and institutional recognition, building a reputation for fostering consensus and strategic alignment across the Army's senior leadership.

• Provided strategic counsel to the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff on high-priority internal and external communications, contributing to the development and evaluation of corporate policies and strategies.
• Directed the Canadian Armed Forces Parliamentary Program and Parliamentary Relations, serving as the lead intermediary to enhance Parliamentarians' understanding of military operations and the unique challenges facing the DND.
• Through these outreach initiatives, I facilitated transparent dialogue and strengthened the relationship between federal decision-makers and the Canadian Armed Forces.

• Assisted the Commander, Chief Military Personnel with the strategic planning, development, and establishment of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at Beechwood Cemetery.
• Directed the transition of this site from a conceptual framework to a formal national landmark, culminating in its official dedication by the Governor General of Canada in June 2001. My role involved high-level coordination between the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and military leadership to ensure the creation of a dignified, perpetual place of honour for Canada’s fallen and veterans.

• Directed the planning and execution of national and international initiatives to recognize the 15,000 personnel within the ADM (HR-Mil) branch. Key achievements included organizing Canada’s largest military history conference, publishing the official history of women in the CAF, and relaunching the Canadian Forces Artists Program.
• Established the National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials through a multi-departmental partnership and managed strategic marketing for over 60 accredited military museums nationwide.
• Forged enduring links between the CAF and Canada’s educational, cultural, and diplomatic institutions.
• Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources - Military), DND

• Directed the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier, a landmark national project involving the coordination of over 1,000 military personnel.
• Managed complex international negotiations and high-level engagement with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, foreign governments, Rideau Hall, and major national institutions.
• Led the development and execution of solemn commemorative ceremonies at both the Vimy Memorial in France and the National War Memorial in Ottawa, ensuring the dignified return and interment of this powerful national symbol.

• Delivered strategic counselling and instructional leadership for the Self-Employment Assistance Program (Human Resources Development Canada).
• Empowered aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve economic and social independence by providing expert guidance on small business capitalization and sustainability.
• Developed and facilitated comprehensive seminars on strategic marketing, business planning, market research, and competitive analysis, equipping participants with the operational frameworks necessary to launch and manage successful enterprises.

• During a twelve-year tenure at Ottawa City Hall, I progressed from technical advisory roles into senior strategic management within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). As Projects Manager (1990–1998), I served as a senior advisor on business development and HR policy, directing sustainable development initiatives across the commercial and residential sectors while authoring high-level economic impact reports for City Council. Previously, as Economic Development and Marketing Officer (1987–1990), I led the city’s inaugural Corporate Service Improvement campaign and managed strategic partnerships between the municipal government and the private sector. My career at the city began as a Development Information Officer (1986–1987), providing expert counsel on municipal zoning, land-use bylaws, and regulatory navigation for the Ontario Municipal Board and various Council committees.