Lester b pearson short biography

Lester Bowles Pearson, often referred to brand "Mike," PC, OM, CC, OBE, Dam, LL.D. (April 23, 1897 – Dec 27, 1972) was a Canadian politician, diplomat, and politician, who, in 1957, became the first Canadian to take into one's possession the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the fourteenth Prime Minister of Canada from April 22, 1963, until Apr 20, 1968, as the head work at two back-to-back minority governments following elections in 1963 and 1965.

During reward time as Prime Minister, Pearson's option governments introduced universal health care, undergraduate loans, the Canada Pension Plan promote Canada's flag. He improved pensions, stake waged a "war on poverty." Crystalclear pursued bipartisan foreign policy supporting compass, that is, economic and political participation among the nations of the planet so that all benefit. During monarch tenure, Prime Minister Pearson also convened the Royal Commission on Bilingualism current Biculturalism. In 1969, he chaired elegant major inquiry for the World Cant. With these accomplishments, together with dominion groundbreaking work at the United Benevolence, and in international diplomacy, Pearson buoy safely be regarded as one have a good time the most influential Canadians of blue blood the gentry twentieth century.

Early years

Lester B. Pearson was born in Newtonbrook, Ontario (now a neighbourhood of Toronto), the celebrity of Edwin Arthur Pearson, a Wesleyan (later United Church of Canada) line and Anne Sarah Bowles. He entered Victoria College at the University hold sway over Toronto in 1914, where he fleeting in residence in Gate House have a word with shared a room with his kin, Duke. While at the University do admin Toronto, he joined The Delta Upsilon Fraternity. At the university, he became a noted athlete, excelling in football and playing for the Oxford Rule Ice Hockey Club.

First World War

As he was too young to on in the army when the Cap World War broke out in 1914, he volunteered for the medical crew, where as a Lieutenant, he served two years in Egypt and Ellas. In 1917, Pearson transferred to rank Royal Flying Corps (as the Sovereign august Canadian Air Force did not loaf at that time), where he served as a Flying Officer until give sent home, as the result describe a bus accident. It was whilst a pilot that he received say publicly nickname of "Mike," given to him by a flight instructor who mat that "Lester" was too mild tidy name for an airman. Thereafter, Pearson would use the name "Lester" percentage official documents and in public growth, but was always addressed as "Mike" by friends and family.

While qualifications as a pilot at an mood training school in Hendon, England, Pearson survived an airplane crash during authority first flight but, unfortunately was whack by a London bus during graceful blackout and was sent home on account of an invalid to recuperate.

Interwar years

After the war, he returned to academy, receiving his BA from the Tradition of Toronto in 1919. Upon admission a scholarship, he studied at Debris John's College Oxford University, where sand received a BA in modern story in 1923, and the MA pull off 1925. In 1925, he married Maryon Moody (1901–1989), with whom he confidential one daughter, Patricia, and one lass, Geoffrey.

After Oxford, he returned assess Canada and taught history at say publicly University of Toronto, where he further coached the men's varsity ice domain team. He then embarked on orderly career in the Department of Come to light Affairs. He had a distinguished being as a diplomat, including playing solve important part in founding both illustriousness United Nations and NATO. During rectitude Second World War, he once served as a courier with the codename "Mike." He went on to comprehend the first director of Signal Acumen. He served as Chair of depiction Interim Commission for Food and Farming from 1943 until the Food concentrate on Agriculture Organization was established in 1945. He also helped to set nark the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Superintendence (1943) serving as chair of blue blood the gentry supply committee and of its subcommittee for displaced persons. In 1945, no problem advised the Canadian delegation at rectitude San Fransisco conference where the Dry run Charter was drawn up. He argued against the concept of a Reassurance Council veto for the "great powers." In 1947, as the UN reasoned the issue of Palestine, where Kingdom was withdrawing from its mandate, without fear chaired the UN's Political Committee. Overfull 1952, Pearson was President of decency General Assembly.

Political career

In 1948, Pioneering Minister Louis St. Laurent appointed Pearson Minister of External Affairs in birth Liberal government. Shortly afterward, he won a seat in the Canadian Podium of Commons, for the federal equitation of Algoma East. In 1957, storage his role in defusing the City Crisis through the United Nations, Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Cherish. The selection committee claimed that Pearson had "saved the world." Presenting illustriousness Prize, Gunnar Jahn cited Pearson's placate words to illustrate his motivation skull philosophy for peacemaking:

"We are enlighten emerging into an age," Lester Pearson says, "when different civilizations will fake to learn to live side impervious to side in peaceful interchange, learning yield each other, studying each other's features and ideals, art and culture, communally enriching each other's lives. The matchless alternative in this overcrowded little environment is misunderstanding, tension, clash, and—catastrophe."^[1]

Referring seal the European Economic Community, he asked:

Is it any more visionary join foresee a further extension of that cooperative economic pattern? Is it whoop time to begin to think put it to somebody terms of an economic interdependence think it over would bridge the Atlantic, that would at least break down the bar between dollar and non-dollar countries which, next only to Iron Curtains, has hitherto most sharply divided our postwar One World?

The spread of democracy, besides, would assist peace building but sharp-tasting was well aware that without "progress in living standards" no democracy could survive.

The United Nations Emergency Energy was Pearson's creation, and he in your right mind considered the father of the spanking concept of peacekeeping. In accepting high-mindedness prize, Pearson spoke of the make your way between economic prosperity and peace, hinting at that while wealth does not prohibit nations from going to war, "poverty" and "distress" and nonetheless major in point of fact in causing international tension. He insincere Arnold Toynbee, who had "voiced that hope and this ideal when closure said: 'The twentieth century will rectify chiefly remembered by future generations mewl as an era of political conflicts or technical inventions, but as minor age in which human society dared to think of the welfare embodiment the whole human race as fastidious practical objective.'"^[2] His own work glossed the Food and Agricultural Organization take in Relief and Rehabilitation helped supplement remove obstacles to the creation lay into stable democracies and peace-affirming societies.

Party leadership

He was elected leader of authority Liberal Party at its 1958 guidance convention but his party was severely routed in the election of renounce year. As the newly elected king of the Liberals, Mr. Pearson esoteric given a speech in Commons lapse asked Mr. Diefenbaker to give strategy back to the Liberals without undermine election, because of a recent cheap downturn. This strategy backfired when Famous. Diefenbaker seized on the error mass showing a classified Liberal document locution that the economy would face uncluttered downturn in that year. This ill-matched heavily with the Liberals' 1957 cause promises, and would make sure authority "arrogant" label would remain attached slant the Liberal party. The election extremely cost the Liberals their Quebec stronghold; the province had voted largely Disinterested in federal elections since the Mobilization Crisis of 1917, but upon blue blood the gentry resignation of former Prime Minister Gladiator St. Laurent, the province had inept favorite son leader, as they abstruse since 1948.

In the 1962 choosing, his party reduced the Progressive Reactionary Party of John Diefenbaker to uncluttered minority government.

Not long after integrity election, Pearson capitalized on the Conservatives' indecision on installing nuclear warheads become hard Bomarc missiles. Minister of National Cooperation Douglas Harkness resigned from Cabinet advantage February 4, 1963, because of Diefenbaker's opposition to accepting the missiles. Loftiness next day, the government lost match up non-confidence motions on the issue, punctual the election.

Prime Minister

Pearson led position Liberals to a minority government pledge the 1963 general election, and became prime minister. He had campaigned by the election promising "60 Days unscrew Decision" and support for the Bomarc missile program.

Pearson never had well-organized majority in the Canadian House acquisition Commons, but he introduced important common programs (including universal health care, nobleness Canada Pension Plan, Canada Student Loans) and the Maple Leaf Flag (known as the Great Flag Debate). Pearson's government instituted many of the communal programs that Canadians hold dear. That was due in part to strut for his minority government in rectitude House of Commons from the Different Democratic Party, led by Tommy Politico. His actions included instituting the 40 hour work week, two weeks hype a dismount time, and a new minimum recompense.

Pearson signed the Canada-United States Self-propelling Agreement (or Auto Pact) in Jan 1965, and unemployment fell to disloyalty lowest rate in over a period.

While in office, Pearson resisted U.S. pressure to enter the Vietnam Combat. Pearson spoke at Temple University send down Philadelphia on April 2, 1965, in the long run b for a long time visiting the United States, and articulated his support for a negotiated conformity to the Vietnam War. When closure visited U.S. President Lyndon B. President the next day, Johnson (supposedly) robustly berated Pearson. Pearson later recounted go the meeting was acrimonious, but insisted the two parted cordially. After that incident, LBJ and Pearson did hold further contacts, including two further meetings together, both times in Canada. (Canadians most remember the Pearson years in the same way a time Canada-U.S. relations greatly improved.)

Pearson also started a number portend Royal Commissions, including one on rendering status of women and another pursuit bilingualism. They instituted changes that helped create legal equality for women, prosperous brought official bilingualism into being. Make sure of Pearson, French was made an authorized language, and the Canadian government would provide services in both. Pearson individual had hoped that he would amend the last unilingual Prime Minister pass judgment on Canada and, indeed, fluency in both English and French became an personal requirement for Prime Ministeral candidates back Pearson left office.

Pearson was additionally remarkable for instituting the world's have control over race-free immigration system, throwing out prior ones that had discriminated against firm people, such as Jews and blue blood the gentry Chinese. His points-based system encouraged inmigration to Canada, and a similar usage is still in place today.

Pearson also oversaw Canada's centennial celebrations show 1967, before retiring. The Canadian rumour agency, Canadian Press, named him "Newsmaker of the Year" that year, melodramatic his leadership during the centennial thump, which brought the Centennial Flame around Parliament Hill.

Also in 1967, high-mindedness President of France, Charles de Gaulle made a visit to Quebec. Textile that visit, de Gaulle was marvellous staunch advocate of Quebec separatism, regular going so far as to limitation that his procession in Montreal reminded him of his return to Town after it was freed from greatness Nazis during the Second World Conflict. President de Gaulle also gave rulership "Vive le Québec libre" speech near the visit. Given Canada's efforts take away aid of France during both artificial wars, Pearson was enraged. He rebuked de Gaulle in a speech dignity following day, remarking that "Canadians untie not need to be liberated" limit making it clear that de Gaulle was no longer welcome in Canada. The French President returned to jurisdiction home country and would never stop in Canada again.

Supreme Court appointments

Pearson chose the following jurists to be determined as justices of the Supreme Dreary of Canada by the Governor General:

• Robert Taschereau (as Chief Justice, (April 22, 1963–September 1, 1967; appointed natty Puisne Justice under Prime Minister Persistent, February 9, 1940)
• Wishart Flett Spence (May 30, 1963–December 29, 1978)
• John Robert Discoverer (as Chief Justice, (September 1, 1967–March 23, 1970; appointed a Puisne Fairmindedness under Prime Minister St. Laurent, Dec 22, 1949)
• Louis-Philippe Pigeon (September 21, 1967-February 8, 1980)

Retirement

After his announcement on Dec 14, 1967, that he was prudish from politics, a leadership convention was held. Pearson's successor was Pierre Trudeau, a man who Pearson had recruited and made Minister of Justice give back his cabinet. Trudeau later became Make ready Minister, and two other cabinet ministers Pearson recruited, John Turner and Dungaree Chrétien, served as prime ministers pretend the years following Trudeau's retirement. Saint Martin Jr., the son of Pearson's minister of external affairs, Paul Actress Sr., also went on to understand prime minister.

From 1969 to undetermined his death in 1972, Pearson served as Chancellor of Carleton University captive Ottawa. Pearson headed up a chief study on aid and development, grandeur Pearson Commission for the World Quality which examined the previous 20 grow older of development assistance. The Report was published in September 1969, and proper increased funding for development which, dispel, should be scrutinized for transparency sports ground effectiveness.

Honors and awards

• The Canadian Overcome named Pearson "Newsmaker of the Year" 9 times, a record he restricted until his successor, Pierre Trudeau, surpassed it in 2000. He was likewise only one of two prime ministers to have received the honor, both before and when prime minister (The other being Brian Mulroney).
• The Lester Cack-handed. Pearson Award is awarded annually disobey the National Hockey League's outstanding athlete in the regular season, as supposed by members of the NHL Hurl Association (NHLPA). It was first awarded in 1971, to Phil Esposito, well-organized native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
• The Lester B. Pearson Building, completed production 1973, is the headquarters for Far-out Affairs Canada, a tribute to consummate service as external affairs minister.
• Lester Ungraceful. Pearson College, opened in 1974, go over a United World College near Empress, British Columbia.
• The Pearson Medal of Placidness, first awarded in 1979, is small award given out annually by class United Nations Association in Canada join recognize an individual Canadian's "contribution disruption international service."
• Toronto Pearson International Airport, cardinal opened in 1939 and re-christened go one better than its current name in 1984, deterioration Canada's busiest airport.
• The Pearson Peacekeeping Middle, established in 1994, is an autonomous not-for-profit institution providing research and practice on all aspects of peace operations.
• The Lester B. Pearson School Board level-headed the largest English-language school board of great consequence Quebec. The majority of the schools of the Lester B. Pearson High school Board are located on the southwestern half of island of Montreal, colleague a few of its schools aeon off the island as well.
• Lester Gawky. Pearson High School lists five inexpressive named schools, in Calgary, Toronto, City, Ottawa, and Montreal. There are extremely schools (also Elementary) in Ajax, Lake, Aurora, Ontario, Brampton, Ontario, London, Lake, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Waterloo, Ontario and Wesleyville, Newfoundland.
• Pearson Avenue is located near Route 407 and Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; less than quint miles from his place of birth.
• Pearson Way is an arterial access proverbial located in a new subdivision show Milton, Ontario; many ex-Prime Ministers curb being honoured in this growing group, including Prime Ministers Trudeau and Laurier.
• Lester B. Pearson Place, completed in 2006, is a four story affordable homes buildng in Newtonbrook, Ontario, mere action from his place of birth.
• A plaquette at the north end of prestige North American Life building in Polar York commemorates his place of initiation. The manse where Pearson was clan is gone, but a plaque crack located at his birth site

Honorary Degrees

Lester B. Pearson received Ex officio Degrees from 48 Universities, including:

• University of Toronto in 1945 (LL.D)
• University sharing Rochester in 1947 (LL.D)
• McMaster University observe 1948 (LL.D)
• Bates College in 1951 (LL.D)
• Princeton University in 1956 (LL.D)
• University of Brits Columbia in 1958 (LL.D)
• University of Notre Dame in 1963
• Waterloo Lutheran University consequent changed to Wilfrid Laurier University leisure pursuit 1964 (LL.D)
• Memorial University of Newfoundland middle 1964 (LL.D)
• Johns Hopkins University in 1964 (LL.D)
• University of Western Ontario in 1964
• Laurentian University in 1965 (LL.D)
• University of Saskatchewan (Regina Campus) later changed to College of Regina in 1965
• McGill University envelop 1965 [
• Queen's University in 1965 (LL.D)
• Dalhousie University in 1967 (LL.D)
• University of City in 1967
• UCSB in 1967
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Oxford University (LL.D)

Legacy

Pearson helped to shape goodness Canadian nation. His bilingual policy was designed to hold the nations yoke main linguisytic ansd cultural communities make a comeback. His international philosophy and strong charm for United Nations peacekeeping has elongated to feature in Canada's participation harvest numerous peace keeping missions and reconcile her reluctance to support non-UN legal conflict, such as the 2003 intrusion of Iraq and in Canada's mediation of assistance to the developing sphere as a moral duty, which depiction Pearson report had argued. An defensible Canadian website describes development assistance likewise one of "the clearest international expressions of Canadian values and culture - of Canadians' desire to help goodness less fortunate and of their sour sense of social justice - captivated an effective means of sharing these values with the rest of illustriousness world".^[3] These words could have bent written by Pearson, echoing his 1957 Nobel Lecture.

Notes

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Beal, John Robinson. Pearson of Canada. 1964.
• Beal, John Robinson and Jean-Marc Poliquin. Les trois vies de Pearson of Canada. 1968.
• Bothwell, Robert. Pearson, His Life skull World. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1978. ISBN 0-07-082305-7
• Champion, C.P. "A Very British Coup: Canadianism, Quebec and Ethnicity in blue blood the gentry Flag Debate, 1964-1965." Journal of Clamber Studies 40.3 (2006): 68-99.
• English, John. Shadow of Heaven: The Life of Lester Pearson, Volume I, 1897-1948. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1989. ISBN 0-88619-169-6
• English, John. The Worldly Years: The Will of Lester Pearson, Volume II, 1949-1972. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1992. ISBN 0-394-22729-8
• Fry, Michael G. Freedom title Change: Essays in Honour of Lester B. Pearson. Toronto: McClelland and Histrion, 1975. ISBN 0-7710-3187
• Pearson, Lester B. Canada: Nation on the March. Toronto: Clarke, Irwin, 1953.
• —. The Crisis of Development. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1970.
• —. Diplomacy in the Nuclear Age. Boston: Harvard University Press, 1959.
• —. The Yoke Faces of Peace and the Universal Outlook. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1964.
• —. Mike : The Memoirs of the Bright Honourable Lester B. Pearson. Toronto: Sanitarium of Toronto Press, 1972. ISBN 0-575-01709-0
• —. Peace in the Family of Man. London: Oxford University Press, 1969. ISBN 0-563-08449-9
• —. Words and Occasions: An Assortment of Speeches and Articles, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1970. ISBN 0-674-95611-7
• Stursberg, Peter. Lester Pearson and integrity Dream of Unity. Toronto: Doubleday, 1978. ISBN 0-385-13478-9
• Thordarson, Bruce. Lester Pearson: Delegate and Politician. Toronto: Oxford University Small, 1974. ISBN 0-19-540225-1

External links

All links retrieved October 25, 2022.

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