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Born in the Northern Ontario mining town of Sudbury in 1927, Desmarais was one of Canada’s most powerful figures, straddling the worlds of business and politics.

Not only did he build Power Corp. into one of the country’s largest conglomerates, Desmarais was also a staunch defender of national unity.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to the family in a statement Tuesday.

“One of Canada’s most successful businessmen, Mr. Desmarais was known for his leadership, integrity, global vision, and profound attachment to his country. He was also actively involved in community services, as well as education and the arts,” Mr. Harper said.

Mr. Desmarais will be remembered as a unique business leader who improved the lives of Canadians through the creation of jobs and through charitable endeavours.”

The business leader received a long list of honours in his life including Companion of the Order of Canada in 1987, an Officer of the Ordre national du Québec in 1988, and being sworn in as a member of the Privy Council of Canada in 1992, the statement says. In 2008, France presented him with a Grand’Croix de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur.

Desmarais’ successful business journey began modestly in 1951 with the revival of the family’s ailing bus company.

A series of smart moves resulted in the creation of a holding company that in 1968 made a share-exchange offer with Power Corp.

With his company’s diversified holdings in insurance, transportation, paper, media, and financial services, Desmarais was one of the most notable members of his province’s business elite, often referred to as Quebec Inc.