Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 14, 2023

Richard Burzynski, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Richard Burzynski has led the fight against HIV/AIDS in Canada and globally. As co-founder of the Canadian AIDS Society and executive director of the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations, he was instrumental in forming UNAIDS and advocating the Global Fund. Ensuring rights for individuals with HIV and the 2SLGBTQI+ community, he championed treatment access, harm reduction and innovative prevention methods, leaving a legacy of impactful advocacy.