Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 4, 2009
• Invested on: September 03, 2010

A physician and family planning specialist, Gordon Perkin has spent decades helping to improve the health of citizens in developing countries. As co-founder and former president of the non-profit organization PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), he identified problems in international health care delivery, oversaw the development of solutions, and worked to have them implemented by organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization. He also headed the global health program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from its inception and guided the development of some of its most important projects. As well, he has consistently been active as a volunteer and remains so in retirement.