Former CRTC Boss, KGH CEO to receive Kingston Branch Awards

As the longest-serving Speaker of the House of Commons, Peter Milliken, Arts’68, knows a thing or two about politics. So you have to believe him when he says John Meisel was one of the best political studies professors he had when he was a student.

“Prof. Meisel’s enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring is an inspiration for many. He was a wonderful professor and a pleasure to work with in class and in his office,” says Mr. Milliken, who retired from politics in 2011 after serving as an MP for more than 20 years.

Glowing recommendations like this are the reason why Dr. Meisel will receive the Kingston Branch’s Padre Laverty Award this May for outstanding service to Queen's and Kingston communities.

The Kingston Branch is also recognizing the achievements of Kingston General Hospital CEO Leslee Thompson, NSc’84. Ms. Thompson is the recipient of the Jim Bennett Award, which honours Kingstonians for outstanding achievements in their career, sport, the arts, or volunteer endeavours that contribute to the betterment of Queen’s and/or Kingston. 

Dr. John Meisel, LLD’96, has a long list of notable achievements. The most high profile was serving as the head of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission from 1980 to 1983 and presided over the introduction of pay-TV in Canada. 

Dr. Meisel joined Queen’s in 1949 and spent several decades as a political studies professor. From 1992 to 1995 he was the 103^rd President of the Royal Society of Canada. He was named an Officer in the Order of Canada in 1989 and promoted to Companion in 1999. 

Ms. Thompson has been CEO of KGH for six years before she announced she will be stepping down in February to become the CEO of Accreditation Canada. During her time at KGH, the nursing grad was instrumental in improving the hospital’s finances, patient care, and operating performance. She was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2013.

“Both Dr. Meisel and Ms. Thompson are leaders. I am thrilled the Kingston Branch gets to honour them for their distinguished contributions to both our city and Canada,” says Queen’s Vice-Principal (Advancement) Tom Harris.

The awards will be presented in Kingston on May 26.