Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 30, 2003
• Invested on: October 30, 2004

Daniel Gauthier is a manager whose abilities have enabled him to make his mark at the international level. In particular, he is co-founder and former president and chief executive officer of Cirque du Soleil. Using his outstanding financial and administrative abilities, he established the framework necessary to create and develop this new type of circus, which has become one of the greatest entertainment businesses in the world. He is also recognized for his generosity and concern for young people and the disadvantaged. In addition, he has used the Cirque to develop international social action programs that target troubled youth. This man of exceptional vision, to whom the values of respect and sharing are important, is undoubtedly one of our great builders.