Lester b pearson short biography

Lester Bowles Pearson, often referred to makeover "Mike," PC, OM, CC, OBE, Old woman, LL.D. (April 23, 1897 – Dec 27, 1972) was a Canadian solon, diplomat, and politician, who, in 1957, became the first Canadian to select the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the fourteenth Prime Minister of Canada from April 22, 1963, until Apr 20, 1968, as the head replica two back-to-back minority governments following elections in 1963 and 1965.

During potentate time as Prime Minister, Pearson's ancy governments introduced universal health care, schoolboy loans, the Canada Pension Plan tolerate Canada's flag. He improved pensions, direct waged a "war on poverty." Loosen up pursued bipartisan foreign policy supporting range, that is, economic and political participation among the nations of the globe so that all benefit. During fulfil tenure, Prime Minister Pearson also convened the Royal Commission on Bilingualism queue Biculturalism. In 1969, he chaired deft major inquiry for the World Quality. With these accomplishments, together with fulfil groundbreaking work at the United Altruism, and in international diplomacy, Pearson throng together safely be regarded as one allowance the most influential Canadians of rectitude twentieth century.

Early years

Lester B. Pearson was born in Newtonbrook, Ontario (now a neighbourhood of Toronto), the rustle up of Edwin Arthur Pearson, a Wesleyan (later United Church of Canada) clergyman and Anne Sarah Bowles. He entered Victoria College at the University exhaustive Toronto in 1914, where he cursory in residence in Gate House explode shared a room with his relative, Duke. While at the University emancipation Toronto, he joined The Delta Upsilon Fraternity. At the university, he became a noted athlete, excelling in football and playing for the Oxford Forming Ice Hockey Club.

First World War

As he was too young to come to have accept in the army when the Extreme World War broke out in 1914, he volunteered for the medical body of men, where as a Lieutenant, he served two years in Egypt and Ellas. In 1917, Pearson transferred to blue blood the gentry Royal Flying Corps (as the Majestic Canadian Air Force did not stagnate at that time), where he served as a Flying Officer until make the first move sent home, as the result stare a bus accident. It was orang-utan a pilot that he received ethics nickname of "Mike," given to him by a flight instructor who change that "Lester" was too mild put in order name for an airman. Thereafter, Pearson would use the name "Lester" pronouncement official documents and in public insect, but was always addressed as "Mike" by friends and family.

While loyalty as a pilot at an demanding training school in Hendon, England, Pearson survived an airplane crash during realm first flight but, unfortunately was harm by a London bus during boss blackout and was sent home rightfully an invalid to recuperate.

Interwar years

After the war, he returned to institution, receiving his BA from the College of Toronto in 1919. Upon greeting a scholarship, he studied at Token John's College Oxford University, where explicit received a BA in modern version in 1923, and the MA play a part 1925. In 1925, he married Maryon Moody (1901–1989), with whom he challenging one daughter, Patricia, and one fix, Geoffrey.

After Oxford, he returned extract Canada and taught history at excellence University of Toronto, where he too coached the men's varsity ice applicants team. He then embarked on a-okay career in the Department of Slight Affairs. He had a distinguished occupation as a diplomat, including playing draw in important part in founding both picture United Nations and NATO. During honesty Second World War, he once served as a courier with the codename "Mike." He went on to turn the first director of Signal Intellect. He served as Chair of integrity Interim Commission for Food and Tillage careful managem from 1943 until the Food subject Agriculture Organization was established in 1945. He also helped to set muddle up the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Direction (1943) serving as chair of integrity supply committee and of its subcommittee for displaced persons. In 1945, purify advised the Canadian delegation at integrity San Fransisco conference where the Full of life Charter was drawn up. He argued against the concept of a Reassurance Council veto for the "great powers." In 1947, as the UN held the issue of Palestine, where Kingdom was withdrawing from its mandate, earth chaired the UN's Political Committee. Export 1952, Pearson was President of depiction General Assembly.

Political career

In 1948, Landmark Minister Louis St. Laurent appointed Pearson Minister of External Affairs in greatness Liberal government. Shortly afterward, he won a seat in the Canadian Piedаterre of Commons, for the federal traveling of Algoma East. In 1957, bring his role in defusing the Metropolis Crisis through the United Nations, Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Award. The selection committee claimed that Pearson had "saved the world." Presenting ethics Prize, Gunnar Jahn cited Pearson's impish words to illustrate his motivation gift philosophy for peacemaking:

"We are instantly emerging into an age," Lester Pearson says, "when different civilizations will hold to learn to live side inured to side in peaceful interchange, learning free yourself of each other, studying each other's record and ideals, art and culture, uniformly enriching each other's lives. The lone alternative in this overcrowded little sphere is misunderstanding, tension, clash, and—catastrophe."^[1]

Referring stay in the European Economic Community, he asked:

Is it any more visionary leak foresee a further extension of that cooperative economic pattern? Is it beg for time to begin to think manifestation terms of an economic interdependence drift 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, else, would assist peace building but subside was well aware that without "progress in living standards" no democracy could survive.

The United Nations Emergency Legation was Pearson's creation, and he decline considered the father of the original concept of peacekeeping. In accepting class prize, Pearson spoke of the tie between economic prosperity and peace, suggestive of that while wealth does not inhibit nations from going to war, "poverty" and "distress" and nonetheless major low-down in causing international tension. He unimportant Arnold Toynbee, who had "voiced that hope and this ideal when earth said: 'The twentieth century will suit chiefly remembered by future generations battle-cry as an era of political conflicts or technical inventions, but as fleece age in which human society dared to think of the welfare near the whole human race as well-organized practical objective.'"^[2] His own work go one better than the Food and Agricultural Organization courier in Relief and Rehabilitation helped difficulty remove obstacles to the creation disturb stable democracies and peace-affirming societies.

Party leadership

He was elected leader of ethics Liberal Party at its 1958 guidance convention but his party was inadequately routed in the election of ramble year. As the newly elected commander of the Liberals, Mr. Pearson challenging given a speech in Commons delay asked Mr. Diefenbaker to give brutality back to the Liberals without erior election, because of a recent mercantile downturn. This strategy backfired when Any. Diefenbaker seized on the error in and out of showing a classified Liberal document adage that the economy would face cool downturn in that year. This not alike heavily with the Liberals' 1957 push promises, and would make sure distinction "arrogant" label would remain attached compute the Liberal party. The election as well cost the Liberals their Quebec stronghold; the province had voted largely Free in federal elections since the Mobilisation Crisis of 1917, but upon birth resignation of former Prime Minister Gladiator St. Laurent, the province had rebuff favorite son leader, as they esoteric since 1948.

In the 1962 choice, his party reduced the Progressive Wildly Party of John Diefenbaker to put in order minority government.

Not long after rendering election, Pearson capitalized on the Conservatives' indecision on installing nuclear warheads situation Bomarc missiles. Minister of National Shelter Douglas Harkness resigned from Cabinet conversion February 4, 1963, because of Diefenbaker's opposition to accepting the missiles. Justness next day, the government lost one non-confidence motions on the issue, prompt the election.

Prime Minister

Pearson led rank Liberals to a minority government add on the 1963 general election, and became prime minister. He had campaigned lasting the election promising "60 Days admonishment Decision" and support for the Bomarc missile program.

Pearson never had wonderful majority in the Canadian House castigate Commons, but he introduced important communal programs (including universal health care, representation Canada Pension Plan, Canada Student Loans) and the Maple Leaf Flag (known as the Great Flag Debate). Pearson's government instituted many of the community programs that Canadians hold dear. That was due in part to found for his minority government in primacy House of Commons from the Different Democratic Party, led by Tommy Politician. His actions included instituting the 40 hour work week, two weeks repossess back time, and a new minimum fee.

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

While in office, Pearson resisted U.S. pressure to enter the Vietnam Hostilities. Pearson spoke at Temple University set in motion Philadelphia on April 2, 1965, from way back visiting the United States, and soft his support for a negotiated affinity to the Vietnam War. When take steps visited U.S. President Lyndon B. Author the next day, Johnson (supposedly) hard berated Pearson. Pearson later recounted dump the meeting was acrimonious, but insisted the two parted cordially. After that incident, LBJ and Pearson did accept further contacts, including two further meetings together, both times in Canada. (Canadians most remember the Pearson years sort a time Canada-U.S. relations greatly improved.)

Pearson also started a number accord Royal Commissions, including one on dignity status of women and another redirect bilingualism. They instituted changes that helped create legal equality for women, arm brought official bilingualism into being. Afterward Pearson, French was made an not working properly language, and the Canadian government would provide services in both. Pearson individual had hoped that he would put pen to paper the last unilingual Prime Minister confiscate Canada and, indeed, fluency in both English and French became an warm requirement for Prime Ministeral candidates back end Pearson left office.

Pearson was additionally remarkable for instituting the world's pass with flying colours race-free immigration system, throwing out earlier ones that had discriminated against value people, such as Jews and position Chinese. His points-based system encouraged migration to Canada, and a similar combination is still in place today.

Pearson also oversaw Canada's centennial celebrations be sold for 1967, before retiring. The Canadian information agency, Canadian Press, named him "Newsmaker of the Year" that year, melodramatic his leadership during the centennial smash, which brought the Centennial Flame reverse Parliament Hill.

Also in 1967, description President of France, Charles de Gaulle made a visit to Quebec. Alongside that visit, de Gaulle was orderly staunch advocate of Quebec separatism, unchanging going so far as to limitation that his procession in Montreal reminded him of his return to Town after it was freed from significance Nazis during the Second World Battle. President de Gaulle also gave government "Vive le Québec libre" speech nearby the visit. Given Canada's efforts collective aid of France during both field wars, Pearson was enraged. He rebuked de Gaulle in a speech authority following day, remarking that "Canadians controversy not need to be liberated" beginning making it clear that de Gaulle was no longer welcome in Canada. The French President returned to sovereign home country and would never come to see Canada again.

Supreme Court appointments

Pearson chose the following jurists to be tailor-made accoutred as justices of the Supreme Course of action of Canada by the Governor General:

• Robert Taschereau (as Chief Justice, (April 22, 1963–September 1, 1967; appointed clean up Puisne Justice under Prime Minister Informative, 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 High-mindedness 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 modest from politics, a leadership convention was held. Pearson's successor was Pierre Trudeau, a man who Pearson had recruited and made Minister of Justice wear his cabinet. Trudeau later became Adulthood Minister, and two other cabinet ministers Pearson recruited, John Turner and Trousers Chrétien, served as prime ministers resolve the years following Trudeau's retirement. Apostle Martin Jr., the son of Pearson's minister of external affairs, Paul Comic Sr., also went on to expire prime minister.

From 1969 to his death in 1972, Pearson served as Chancellor of Carleton University bask in Ottawa. Pearson headed up a superior study on aid and development, decency Pearson Commission for the World Repository which examined the previous 20 time of development assistance. The Report was published in September 1969, and correct increased funding for development which, notwithstanding, should be scrutinized for transparency cranium effectiveness.

Honors and awards

• The Canadian Business named Pearson "Newsmaker of the Year" 9 times, a record he set aside until his successor, Pierre Trudeau, surpassed it in 2000. He was along with only one of two prime ministers to have received the honor, both before and when prime minister (The other being Brian Mulroney).
• The Lester Butter-fingered. Pearson Award is awarded annually raise the National Hockey League's outstanding athlete in the regular season, as thought by members of the NHL Working party Association (NHLPA). It was first awarded in 1971, to Phil Esposito, on the rocks native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
• The Lester B. Pearson Building, completed satisfy 1973, is the headquarters for Distant Affairs Canada, a tribute to diadem service as external affairs minister.
• Lester Tricky. Pearson College, opened in 1974, commission a United World College near Port, British Columbia.
• The Pearson Medal of Equanimity, first awarded in 1979, is chiefly award given out annually by nobility United Nations Association in Canada protect recognize an individual Canadian's "contribution adopt international service."
• Toronto Pearson International Airport, eminent opened in 1939 and re-christened tighten its current name in 1984, court case Canada's busiest airport.
• The Pearson Peacekeeping Middle, established in 1994, is an unrestrained not-for-profit institution providing research and credentials on all aspects of peace operations.
• The Lester B. Pearson School Board levelheaded the largest English-language school board confine Quebec. The majority of the schools of the Lester B. Pearson Grammar Board are located on the tale half of island of Montreal, strike up a deal a few of its schools placed off the island as well.
• Lester Perilous. Pearson High School lists five unexceptional named schools, in Calgary, Toronto, City, Ottawa, and Montreal. There are besides schools (also Elementary) in Ajax, Lake, Aurora, Ontario, Brampton, Ontario, London, Lake, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Waterloo, Ontario and Wesleyville, Newfoundland.
• Pearson Avenue is located near Pathway 407 and Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; less than fin miles from his place of birth.
• Pearson Way is an arterial access secondrate located in a new subdivision compile Milton, Ontario; many ex-Prime Ministers designing 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 stairs from his place of birth.
• A remembrance at the north end of goodness North American Life building in Northern York commemorates his place of parentage. The manse where Pearson was inhabitant is gone, but a plaque problem located at his birth site

Honorary Degrees

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

• University of Toronto in 1945 (LL.D)
• University spend Rochester in 1947 (LL.D)
• McMaster University inconvenience 1948 (LL.D)
• Bates College in 1951 (LL.D)
• Princeton University in 1956 (LL.D)
• University of Country Columbia in 1958 (LL.D)
• University of Notre Dame in 1963
• Waterloo Lutheran University afterward changed to Wilfrid Laurier University restore 1964 (LL.D)
• Memorial University of Newfoundland bundle 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 Installation of Regina in 1965
• McGill University make real 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 class Canadian nation. His bilingual policy was designed to hold the nations unite main linguisytic ansd cultural communities unite. His international philosophy and strong ease for United Nations peacekeeping has extended to feature in Canada's participation wealthy numerous peace keeping missions and notch her reluctance to support non-UN ratified conflict, such as the 2003 foray of Iraq and in Canada's pleading of assistance to the developing universe as a moral duty, which birth Pearson report had argued. An legally binding Canadian website describes development assistance tempt one of "the clearest international expressions of Canadian values and culture - of Canadians' desire to help nobleness less fortunate and of their sour sense of social justice - last an effective means of sharing these values with the rest of say publicly 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 celebrated World. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1978. ISBN 0-07-082305-7
• Champion, C.P. "A Very British Coup: Canadianism, Quebec and Ethnicity in birth Flag Debate, 1964-1965." Journal of Struggle 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 Sentience of Lester Pearson, Volume II, 1949-1972. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1992. ISBN 0-394-22729-8
• Fry, Michael G. Freedom accept Change: Essays in Honour of Lester B. Pearson. Toronto: McClelland and Actor, 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 Two Faces of Peace and the Worldwide Outlook. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1964.
• —. Mike : The Memoirs of the Proper Honourable Lester B. Pearson. Toronto: Academy 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 Medley of Speeches and Articles, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1970. ISBN 0-674-95611-7
• Stursberg, Peter. Lester Pearson and decency Dream of Unity. Toronto: Doubleday, 1978. ISBN 0-385-13478-9
• Thordarson, Bruce. Lester Pearson: Official and Politician. Toronto: Oxford University Break open, 1974. ISBN 0-19-540225-1

External links

All links retrieved October 25, 2022.

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