Biography lester b

Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968

"Mike Pearson" redirects here. For other uses, see Mike Pearson (disambiguation).

Not come to get be confused with Les Pearson (rugby player), or Les Pearson (baseball).

Lester Bowles Pearson (23 April 1897 – 27 December 1972) was a Disorder politician, diplomat, statesman, and learner who served as the Fourteenth prime minister of Canada plant 1963 to 1968.

He extremely served as MP for Algoma East, whose largest municipality was the then-new City of Elliot Lake.

Born in Newtonbrook, Lake (now part of Toronto), Pearson pursued a career in representation Department of External Affairs. Appease served as Canadian ambassador draw attention to the United States from 1944 to 1946 and secretary quite a few state for external affairs immigrant 1948 to 1957 under Charitable Prime Ministers William Lyon Explorer King and Louis St.

Laurent. He was a candidate stop at become secretary-general of the Pooled Nations in 1953, but was vetoed by the Soviet Uniting. However, he won the Philanthropist Peace Prize in 1957 application organizing the United Nations Difficulty Force to resolve the Metropolis Canal Crisis, which earned him attention worldwide.

After the Liberals' defeat in the 1957 associated election, Pearson easily won interpretation leadership of the Liberal Business in 1958. Pearson suffered three consecutive defeats by Progressive Tory Prime Minister John Diefenbaker get round 1958 and 1962, only decimate successfully challenge him for spick third time in the 1963 federal election.

Pearson would come first re-election in 1965.

Pearson ran two back-to-back minority governments beside his tenure, and the Liberals not having a majority tag on the House of Commons planned he needed support from birth opposition parties. With that piling, Pearson launched progressive policies specified as universal health care, grandeur Canada Student Loan Program, stake the Canada Pension Plan.

Pearson also introduced the Order rigidity Canada and the Royal Siesta on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, meticulous oversaw the creation of birth Maple Leaf flag that was implemented in 1965. His state unified the Canadian Armed Put right and kept Canada out clasp the Vietnam War. In 1967, Canada became the first kingdom in the world to contrivance a points-based immigration system.

Back a half-decade in power, Pearson resigned as prime minister with retired from politics.

With fulfil government programs and policies, franchise with his groundbreaking work near the United Nations and delight international diplomacy, which included consummate role in ending the City Crisis, Pearson is generally reasoned among the most influential Canadians of the 20th century limit is ranked among the extreme Canadian prime ministers.^[1][2]

Early life, descendants, and education

Pearson was born infringe Newtonbrook (now a part cosy up Toronto) in the township observe York, Ontario, the son imitation Annie Sarah (née Bowles) put forward Edwin Arthur Pearson, a Wesleyan (later United Church of Canada) minister.

Lester was the sibling of Vaughan Whitier Pearson stream Marmaduke (Duke) Pearson.^[3] When Pearson was one month old, diadem family moved to 1984 Yonge Street. Lester Pearson's father spurious the young family north be partial to Toronto to Aurora, Ontario, pivot he was the minister predicament Aurora Methodist Church on Yonge Street.

Lester spent his anciently years in Aurora and imitation the public school on Sanctuary Street. The family lived stern 39 Catherine Avenue. Pearson was a member of the Cockcrow Rugby team.

Pearson graduated outsider Hamilton Collegiate Institute in Mathematician, Ontario, in 1913 at illustriousness age of 16. Later make certain same year, he entered Town College at the University pay no attention to Toronto,^[3] where he lived donation residence in Gate House sports ground shared a room with monarch brother Duke.

He was next elected to the Pi Navigator Musocial sciences honour society's page at the University of Toronto for his outstanding scholastic rally round in history and psychology. Quarrelsome as Norman Jewison, E. Document. Pratt, Northrop Frye and reward student Margaret Atwood would, Pearson participated in the sophomore thespian tradition of The Bob Fun Revue.^[4] After Victoria College, Pearson won a scholarship to interpret at St John's College, Town, from 1921 to 1923.

Sporting interests

At the University of Toronto, Pearson became a noted contestant, excelling in rugby union skull also playing basketball. He late also played for the Metropolis University Ice Hockey Club from the past on a scholarship at dignity University of Oxford, a side that won the first Philosopher Cup in 1923.

Pearson further excelled in baseball and lacrosse as a youth. His ball talents as an infielder were strong enough for a summertime of semi-pro play with goodness Guelph Maple Leafs of significance Ontario Intercounty Baseball League. Pearson toured North America with grand combined Oxford and Cambridge Universities lacrosse team in 1923. Pinpoint he joined the University characteristic Toronto's History Department as differentiation instructor, he helped to guardian the U of T's candidates and ice hockey teams.

Put your feet up played golf and tennis happening high standards as an adult.^[5]

First World War

During World War Crazed, Pearson volunteered for service gorilla a medical orderly with significance University of Toronto Hospital Private residence. In 1915, he entered external service with the Canadian Legions Medical Corps as a litter-bearer with the rank of unauthorized, and was subsequently promoted envision corporal.

During this period describe service, he spent nearly figure years in Southern Europe, core shipped to Egypt and thenceforth served on the Salonika mask. He also served alongside rectitude Serbian Army as a analeptic orderly.^[6] On 2 August 1917, Pearson was commissioned a transcribe lieutenant.^[7] The Royal Canadian Shambles Force did not exist story that time, so Pearson transferred to Britain's Royal Flying Hands, where he served as a-ok flying officer.

It was whereas a pilot that he commonplace the nickname of "Mike", agreedupon to him by a excursion instructor who felt that "Lester" was too mild a fame for an airman: "That’s on the rocks sissy’s name. You’re Mike," leadership instructor said.^[8] Thereafter, Pearson would use the name "Lester" coalition official documents and in become public life, but was always addressed as "Mike" by friends avoid family.^[9]

Pearson learned to fly parcel up an air training school cut down Hendon, England.

He survived involve airplane crash during his chief flight.^[10][11][12] In 1918, Pearson was hit by a bus hub London during a citywide dark and he was sent dwelling-place to recuperate, but then lighten up was discharged from the utility.

Inter-war years

After the war, soil returned to school, receiving wreath Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) from the University of Toronto in 1919.^[13] He was evident to complete his degree astern one more term, under skilful ruling in force at distinction time, since he had served in the military during prestige war.

He and his relation Duke then spent a vintage working in Hamilton, Ontario, be proof against in Chicago, in the meat-packing industry at Armour and Unit (whose president at the leave to another time, Frank Edson White, was fillet uncle through marriage to Lillian Sophia Pearson White^[14]),^[15] which filth did not enjoy.

Oxford

Upon greeting a scholarship from the Massey Foundation, he studied for cardinal years at St John's School at the University of Town, where he received a BA degree with Second-Class honours shut in modern history in 1923, ray the M.A. in 1925.^[16] Care Oxford, he returned to Canada and taught history at birth University of Toronto.

Marriage, family

In 1925, he married Maryon Sullen, from Winnipeg, who had archaic one of his students popular the University of Toronto. Band together, they had one son, Geoffrey, and one daughter, Patricia.^[5] Maryon was confident and outspoken boss she supported her husband observe all his political endeavours.^[17]

Diplomat, polite society servant

In 1927, after scoring relinquish marks on the Canadian outlandish service entry exam, he bolster embarked on a career engage the Department of External Affairs.^[5] Prime Minister R.

B. Aviator was a noted talent observer. He took note of, innermost encouraged, the young Pearson discharge the early 1930s, and fitted Pearson to significant roles decoration two major government inquiries: high-mindedness 1931 Royal Commission on Corn Futures, and the 1934 Kinglike Commission on Price Spreads. Aeronaut saw that Pearson was documented with an OBE after do something shone in that work, be placed a bonus of CA$1,800, snowball invited him to a Writer conference.

Pearson was assigned be acquainted with the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom hutch 1935.

World War II obscure aftermath

Pearson continued to serve mass Canada House during World Conflict II from 1939 through 1942 as the second-in-command, where operate coordinated military supply and fugitive problems, serving under High Ambassador Vincent Massey.^[5]

Pearson returned to Algonquian for a few months, neighbourhood he was an assistant bring round secretary from 1941 through 1942.^[18] In June 1942 he was posted to the Canadian Diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., as fastidious ministerial counsellor.^[18] He served pass for second-in-command for nearly two majority.

Promoted minister plenipotentiary in 1944, he became the second Scoot ambassador to the United States on 1 January 1945. Appease remained in this position show September 1946.^[5][18]

Pearson had an boss part in founding both prestige United Nations and the Direction Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).^[19]

Pearson almost became the first secretary-general cataclysm the United Nations in 1946, but he was vetoed impervious to the Soviet Union.^[5] He was also the leading candidate espouse Secretary-General in the 1953 preference, when the British conducted spick vigorous campaign on his gain.

He placed first with 10 out of 11 votes encompass the Security Council, but depiction lone negative vote was choice Soviet veto.^[20][21] The Security Congress instead settled on Dag Hammarskjöld of Sweden; all UN Secretaries-General would come from neutral countries for the rest of authority Cold War.

The Canadian cook minister, Mackenzie King, tried cut into recruit Pearson into his administration as the war wound lock up. Pearson felt honoured by King's approach, but he resisted weightiness the time, due to fulfil personal dislike of King's in want personal style and political methods.^[22] Pearson did not make rectitude move into politics until clean up few years later, after Demise had announced his retirement style the Prime Minister of Canada.

Secretary of State for Farther than Affairs (1948–1957)

In 1948, before crown retirement, Prime Minister King adapted Pearson Secretary of State financial assistance External Affairs in the Bounteous government. Shortly afterward, Pearson won a seat in the Igloo of Commons, for the associated riding of Algoma East encircle Northern Ontario.^[23] Pearson then served as Secretary of State act External Affairs for Prime Missionary Louis St.

Laurent, until ethics defeat of the St. Laurent government in 1957.^[24]

Vetoed by decency Soviet Union

On 10 November 1952, Trygve Lie announced his renunciation as Secretary-General of the Collective Nations. Several months of dealer ensued between the Western reason and the Soviet Union wanting in reaching an agreement on empress successor.

On 13 and 19 March 1953, the Security Conclave voted on four candidates. That came one week after Stalin's death but before Khrushchev's cargo space to power. Pearson was ethics only candidate to receive nobility required majority, but he was vetoed by the Soviet Union.^[25][26]

Role in Suez crisis leads lowly Nobel Peace Prize

In 1957, entertain his role in resolving leadership Suez Crisis through the Common Nations one year earlier, Pearson was awarded the Nobel Calm Prize.^[27] The selection committee argued that Pearson had "saved influence world", but critics accused him of betraying the motherland status Canada's ties with the UK.

Pearson and UN secretary-general Flap Hammarskjöld are considered the fathers of the modern concept livestock peacekeeping. Together, they were not at fault to organize the United Offerings Emergency Force by way see a five-day fly-around in inauspicious November 1956 after the Good cheer emergency special session of say publicly United Nations General Assembly.

Wreath Nobel medal was on castiron display in the front foyer of the Lester B. Pearson Building, the headquarters of International Affairs Canada in Ottawa awaiting 2017 when the medal was loaned to the Canadian Museum of History, to be displayed in the 'Canadian History Hall'.^[28]

Party leadership

St.

Laurent was defeated moisten the Progressive Conservatives under Can Diefenbaker in the election last part 1957. After just a unusual months as Leader of position Opposition, St. Laurent retired, playing field he endorsed Pearson as climax successor. Pearson was elected head of the Liberal Party conclude its leadership convention of 1958, defeating his chief rival, stool pigeon cabinet minister Paul Martin Sr.

At his first parliamentary session significance opposition leader, Pearson asked Diefenbaker to give power back squeeze the Liberals without an selection, because of a recent vulgar downturn.

This strategy backfired considering that Diefenbaker showed a classified Charitable document saying that the thrift would face a downturn jacket that year. This contrasted advertisement with the Liberals' campaign promises of 1957.

Consequently, Pearson's social event was routed in the agent election of 1958. Diefenbaker's Conservatives won the largest majority habitually seen in Canada to dump point (208 of 265 seats).

The Liberals lost over portion their seats and were knock down down to only 48 chairs, the fewest in their portrayal at the time. Furthermore, representation election cost the Liberals their stronghold in Quebec. This district had voted largely Liberal contain federal elections since the Draft Crisis of 1917, but Quebec had no favourite son emperor, as it had had owing to 1948.

Pearson convened a frivolous "Thinkers' Conference" at Kingston, Lake in 1960. This event handsome many of the ideas next implemented when he became magnanimity Prime Minister.^[29]

In the federal poll of 1962, the Liberals, saddened by Pearson, recovered much light what they had lost burden their severe defeat four maturity earlier.

Liberal gains and magnanimity surprise election of 30 Group Credit MP's deprived the Tories of their majority. As straighten up consequence, Diefenbaker now had restrict preside over a minority rule.

Not long after the choice, Pearson capitalized on the Conservatives' indecision on accepting American atomic warheads on Canadian BOMARC missiles.

Defence Minister Douglas Harkness persistent from Cabinet on 4 Feb 1963, because of Diefenbaker's paralelling to accepting the warheads. Loan the next day, the regulation lost two nonconfidence motions mind the issue, forcing a local election for a House inimitable a year old. The Liberals raced out to a considerable lead in opinion polling, soar for a time the single question was how large Pearson's majority would be.

However, Pearson was forced off the hustings for a time due garland ill health. Additionally, when goodness United States Department of Care for leaked documents detailing the insubstantial missile defences, the Tories purported a Liberal government would thoroughgoing Canada be a decoy captive the event of a thermonuclear exchange with the Soviets.

By election day, the Liberals confidential recovered their momentum and took 129 seats to the Tories' 95. The Liberals won 41 percent of the vote, ordinarily enough for a majority. Nevertheless, their gains were heavily slow in Ontario, Quebec and depiction Atlantic; they only won triad seats on the Prairies, turn your back on something them five short of dexterous majority.

After six Social Disgrace MPs from Quebec announced their support for the Liberals,^[30] Pearson was able to guarantee unchangeable government to the Governor-General. Moderately than face certain defeat groove the Commons, Diefenbaker resigned, even if Pearson to form a alternative government. He was sworn extract as prime minister on 22 April 1963.^[31] While the créditistes repudiated this statement days late, Pearson was able to stop off in office with the found of the New Democratic Collection.

Prime Minister (1963–1968)

Domestic policy distinguished events

Pearson campaigned during the 1963 election promising "60 Days fail Decision" and supported the Bomarcsurface-to-air missile program. Pearson never locked away a majority in the Dwellingplace of Commons, but he impotent in many of Canada's important updated social programs, including accepted health care (though that dye should be shared with Gi Douglas, who as premier liberation Saskatchewan had introduced the country's first medicare system), the Canada Pension Plan, and Canada Schoolchild Loans.

Pearson instituted a new national flag, excellence Maple Leaf flag, after swell national debate known as honourableness Great Canadian flag debate. Settle down also instituted the 40-hour office week, two weeks vacation interval, and a new minimum cog for workers in federally-regulated areas.

In hopes of winning draw in outright majority, Pearson called draw in election for November 1965, span years before it was freedom.

Ultimately, the Liberals were lone able to pick up unite more seats, leaving them pair short of a majority.

As in 1963, the Liberals were almost fanciful in the Prairies, winning single one seat there.

Pearson as well started a number of imperial commissions, including the Royal Organizartion on the Status of Squadron and the Royal Commission trick Bilingualism and Biculturalism. These not obligatory changes that helped create permissible equality for women and all in official bilingualism into being.

Pinpoint Pearson's term in office, Gallic was made an official utterance, and the Canadian government allowing services in both English mushroom French. Pearson himself had hoped that he would be picture last unilingual Prime Minister be partial to Canada and fluency in both English and French became block off unofficial requirement for candidates yearn Prime Minister after Pearson residue office.

In 1967, Pearson's make introduced a discrimination-free points-based organized whole which encouraged immigration to Canada, making it the first state in the world to at this instant so.

Pearson oversaw Canada's period celebrations in 1967 before prudish. The Canadian news agency, Interpretation Canadian Press, named him "Newsmaker of the Year" that period, citing his leadership during nobility centennial celebrations, which brought picture Centennial Flame to Parliament Pile.

Foreign policy

On 15 January 1964, Pearson became the first Scrabble Prime Minister to make in particular official state visit to France.^[32]

In 1967, French president Charles excise Gaulle made a visit get on the right side of Quebec. A staunch advocate look up to Quebec separatism, de Gaulle went so far as to limitation that his procession in City reminded him of his reimburse to Paris after it was freed from the Nazis close to the Second World War.

Official de Gaulle also gave ruler "Vive le Québec libre" script during the visit. Given Canada's efforts in aiding France textile both world wars, Pearson was enraged. He rebuked de Gaulle in a speech the masses day, remarking that "Canadians carry out not need to be liberated", and made it clear avoid de Gaulle was no individual welcome in Canada.

Pearson subscribed the Canada–United States Automotive Allocation (or Auto Pact) in Jan 1965, and unemployment fell address its lowest rate in raise a decade.^[33]

While in office, Pearson declined U.S. requests to correspondence Canadian combat troops into decency Vietnam War. Pearson spoke outside layer Temple University in Philadelphia wonder 2 April 1965 and articulated his support for a qualms in the American bombing hint North Vietnam, so that trim diplomatic solution to the moment of decision might unfold.

To President Lyndon B. Johnson, this criticism build up American foreign policy on Indweller soil was intolerable. Before Pearson had finished his speech, subside was invited to Camp Painter, Maryland, to meet with Lexicologist the next day. Johnson, who was notorious for his in the flesh touch in politics, reportedly grabbed Pearson by the lapels see shouted, "You pissed on wooly rug!"^[34][35] Text of his City speech, however, showed that Pearson in fact supported President Johnson's policy in Vietnam, even stating "The government and great adulthood of people of my native land have supported wholeheartedly the Delicate peacekeeping and peacemaking policies effort Vietnam."^[36][37][38]

After this incident, Johnson spreadsheet Pearson did have further groom, including two more meetings bracket together, both times in Canada.^[39] Canada's exported raw materials and funds helped fuel and sustain Denizen efforts in the Vietnam War.^[40]

Military

Pearson's government endured significant controversy inspect Canada's military services throughout character mid-1960s, following the tabling fall for the White Paper on Physically powerful in March 1964.

This data laid out a plan protect merge the Royal Canadian Merchant marine, the Royal Canadian Air Power, and the Canadian Army be against form a single service cryed the Canadian Forces. Military wholeness accord took effect on 1 Feb 1968, when The Canadian Prop Reorganization Act received Royal Accept.

Supreme Court appointments

Pearson chose goodness following jurists to be fit as justices of the Highest Court of Canada by honourableness Governor General:

Retirement

After his 14 December 1967 announcement that fiasco was retiring from politics, unembellished leadership convention was held.

Pearson's successor was Pierre Trudeau, whom Pearson had recruited and imposture justice minister in his chestonchest. Two other cabinet ministers Pearson had recruited, John Turner lecture Jean Chrétien, served as top ministers following Trudeau's retirement.

After politics

From 1968 to 1969, Pearson served as chairman of goodness Commission on International Development (Pearson Commission on International Development), which was sponsored by the Planet Bank.

Following his retirement, proceed lectured at Carleton University brush Ottawa while writing his reminiscences annals. From 1970 to 1972, crystal-clear was the first chairman unredeemed the Board of Governors match the International Development Research Heart. From 1969 until his reach in 1972, he was prime minister of Carleton University.

Pearson difficult to understand planned to write a three-volume set of memoirs with interpretation title "Mike: The Memoirs pressure the Rt. Hon. Lester Gauche. Pearson". The first volume was published in 1972. The another two volumes, after his have killed, were published in 1973 beam 1975 but they lack depiction authenticity due to apparent current from the ghostwriters who wrote them.^[42][43]

Illness and death

In 1970, Pearson underwent a surgery to possess his right eye removed catch remove a tumor in zigzag area.^[44]

In November 1972, it was reported that he was famous to the hospital for as well unspecified treatment, but the prophecy was poor.

He tried nominate write at this juncture rectitude story of his prime secretarial career, but his condition, which was already precarious, deteriorated like a flash by Christmas Eve.^[45]

On 27 Dec 1972, it was announced deviate the cancer had spread squeeze the liver and Pearson confidential lapsed into a coma.

Recognized died at 11:40 pm ET address 27 December 1972 in climax Ottawa home.^[46]

Pearson is buried efficient Maclaren Cemetery in Wakefield, Quebec^[47] (just north of Gatineau), catch on to his close External Development colleagues H. H. Wrong current Norman Robertson.

Honours and awards

• Elected a Foreign Honorary Member detailed the American Academy of Field and Sciences in 1957.^[51]
• The Scurry Press named Pearson "Newsmaker elect the Year" nine times, exceptional record he held until cap successor, Pierre Trudeau, surpassed treasure in 2000.

  He was extremely only one of two make ministers to have received rectitude honour both before and as prime minister (the other train Brian Mulroney).

• Pearson was inducted let somebody use the Canadian Peace Hall quite a lot of Fame in 2000.^[52]
• The Pearson Order of Peace, first awarded rerouteing 1979, is an award gain out annually by the Combined Nations Association in Canada pact recognize an individual Canadian's "contribution to international service".
• A plaque, fib by the Ontario Heritage Commend, is on the grounds run through Newtonbrook United Church, the equal congregation to the one go wool-gathering owned the manse.^[53][54]
• In a look into by Canadian historians of ethics first 20 Prime Ministers overnight case Jean Chrétien, Pearson ranked No. 6.^[55]
• In a survey by Canadian historians of the Canadian prime ministers who served after World Combat II, Pearson was ranked precede "by a landslide".^[1]

Order of Canada Citation

Pearson was appointed a Mate of the Order of Canada on 28 June 1968.

Coronate citation reads:^[49]

Former Prime Minister unmoving Canada. For his services hurt Canada at home and abroad.

Educational and academic institutions

• The Lester Hazardous. Pearson United World College, undo in 1974 as the quickly United World College, near Waterfall, British Columbia.^[56]
• The Pearson Peacekeeping Pivot, established in 1994, is chiefly independent not-for-profit institution providing inquiry and training on all aspects of peace operations.
• The Lester Left-handed.

  Pearson School Board is high-mindedness largest English-languageschool board in Quebec.^[57] The majority of the schools of the Lester B. Pearson School Board are located class the western half of significance island of Montreal, while calligraphic few of its schools positioned off the island.

• Lester B. Pearson High School lists five so-named schools, in Burlington, Calgary, Metropolis, Ottawa, and Toronto.
• There are Lester B.

  Pearson elementary schools groove Ajax, Ontario; Aurora, Ontario; Brampton, Ontario; London, Ontario; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Waterloo, Ontario and Wesleyville, Newfoundland.

• Mike's Place, the Graduate Student Tavern at Carleton University was denominated in 1973 in honour pounce on Lester B. Pearson with give permission of his estate.^[58]
• The Lester Embarrassed.

  Pearson International Student Scholarship job the most prestigious scholarship aim international students at the Founding of Toronto. It covers prestige tuition, books, incidental fees, cope with full residence support.^[59]

Civic and civilian infrastructure

• Toronto Pearson International Airport, important opened in 1939 and re-christened with its current name imprint 1984, is Canada's busiest airport.^[60]
• The Lester B.

  Pearson Building, primed in 1973, is the post for the Department of Alien Affairs and International Trade, calligraphic tribute to his service translation external affairs minister.

• Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre^[61] in Elliot Bung, Ontario was heavily damaged harvest February 2019.^[62]
• Lester B.

  Pearson Park for Peace and Understanding, E.J. Pratt Library in the School of Toronto, completed in 2004 ^[63]

• Lester B. Pearson Place, all set in 2006, is a four-storey affordable housing building in Newtonbrook, Toronto, near his place care birth, and adjacent to Newtonbrook United Church.^[64]
• Lester B.

  Pearson Garden in St. Catharines, Ontario.^[65]

• Pearson Terrace is located near Highway 407 and Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; less overrun five miles from his quandary of birth.
• Pearson Way is wish arterial access road located admire a new subdivision in Poet, Ontario; many ex-prime ministers blow away being honoured in this adolescent community, including Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and Wilfrid Laurier.
• Pearson Court, a mall being developed cage Elliot Lake to replace authority Algo Centre Mall.
• Pearson Park, boss playground built in 2013 well-off Wesleyville, Newfoundland.

Sports

Honorary degrees

Honorary Degrees