In 1973 a provincial Council of the Most Venerable Order of St. John (St. John Ambulance Canada) was established, due in large part to the efforts of Dr. E. L. Edmonds, Dean of Education at the University of P.E.I. Dr. Edmonds had been a member of the British Order while living in his native England. Once established, Don Ross served as the first President. In accordance with the organization's mission "to enable Canadians to improve their health, safety and quality of life by providing training and community service" local organizers worked to establish first aid training courses and provide trained first aid personnel for community events on Prince Edward Island.