André M. Levesque

André M. Levesque is a Canadian historian, former public servant and retired military officer known for his work in commemoration. He is delegate general of Le Souvenir français au Canada, and former chancellor of the Priory of Canada of the Order of Saint John.

Early life and education Levesque completed a bachelor's degree and master's degree in geography at Carleton University in Ottawa, and a PhD in history at University College Cork in 2013. His PhD thesis was entitled "Redefining military memorials and commemoration and how they have changed since the 19th century with a focus on Anglo-American practice".

Career Levesque was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Army Reserves. He served in the Governor General's Foot Guards before transferring to the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. In 2008, he retired after 35 years at the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

He was manager of Operation Memoria, which repatriated Canada's Unknown Soldier from Vimy, France to Ottawa, Ontario. He was volunteer chief historian at Beechwood Cemetery. In 2001, he set up the National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials website. He worked in municipal urban planning and economic development in Ottawa from 1986 to 1998. In 2001, he joined the Public Service of Canada. In 2002, he became Chief of Canadian Forces Honours and Awards, and in 2006 he became Director of Honours and Recognition. He oversaw the awarding of over 200,000 medals. He chaired the Victoria Cross Production Planning Group. thumb André M. Levesque (left), his wife Andrea (center), and Ontario Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont (right) in 2024. In 2019, he retired as visiting scholar at the Royal Military College of Canada. He chairs the International Society for Commemoration, Memorials, and other Monuments. and Monument Amicitia France-Canada, which commemorates the historical friendship between France and Canada. He is delegate general of Le Souvenir français au Canada.

Awards and honours Levesque received the Order of Ontario in 2020 for his work in memorialogy. and an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree from the Royal Military College of Canada.

He has received the following orders and awards. +Orders and awards Description