Lester B. Pearson facts for kids

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

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson PC OM CC OBE
Pearson in 1957

14th Prime Minister of Canada
In office 22 April 1963 (1963-04-22) – 20 April 1968 (1968-04-20)
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Georges Vanier Roland Michener
Preceded by	John Diefenbaker
Succeeded by	Pierre Trudeau
Leader of the Liberal Party
In office 16 January 1958 (1958-01-16) – 6 April 1968 (1968-04-06)
Preceded by	Louis St. Laurent
Succeeded by	Pierre Trudeau
Leader of the Opposition
In office 16 January 1958 (1958-01-16) – 22 April 1963 (1963-04-22)
Preceded by	Louis St. Laurent
Succeeded by	John Diefenbaker
Secretary of State for External Affairs
In office 10 September 1948 (1948-09-10) – 20 June 1957 (1957-06-20)
Prime Minister	W. L. Mackenzie King Louis St. Laurent
Preceded by	Louis St. Laurent
Succeeded by	John Diefenbaker
Ambassador of Canada to the United States
In office July 1944 (1944-07) – September 1946 (1946-09)
Prime Minister	W. L. Mackenzie King
Preceded by	Leighton McCarthy
Succeeded by	H. H. Wrong
7th President of the United Nations General Assembly
In office 14 October 1952 (1952-10-14) – 23 April 1953 (1953-04-23)
Preceded by	Luis Padilla Nervo
Succeeded by	Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Member of Parliament for Algoma East
In office 25 October 1948 (1948-10-25) – 23 April 1968 (1968-04-23)
Preceded by	Thomas Farquhar
Succeeded by	Riding abolished

Personal details
Born	Lester Bowles Pearson (1897-04-23)23 April 1897 Newtonbrook, Ontario, Canada
Died	27 December 1972(1972-12-27) (aged 75) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Resting place	Maclaren Cemetery, Wakefield, Quebec
Political party	Liberal
Spouse	Maryon Moody (m. 1925)
Children	2, including Geoffrey
Education	Victoria College, University of Toronto (BA) St John's College, Oxford (BA, MA)
Profession	Diplomat historian soldier
Awards	Nobel Prize for Peace (1957)
Signature
Nickname	Mike
Military service
Allegiance	Canada
Branch/service	Canadian Expeditionary Force Permanent Active Militia Royal Flying Corps
Years of service	1915–1918
Rank	Lieutenant Flying Officer
Battles/wars	World War I

Lester Bowles "Mike" Pearson (born April 23, 1897 – died December 27, 1972) was a very important Canadian leader. He was a scholar, diplomat, and politician. He served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968.

Pearson was born in Newtonbrook, Ontario. He worked for the Canadian government in foreign affairs. He was Canada's ambassador to the United States from 1944 to 1946. Later, he became the Secretary of State for External Affairs (like a foreign minister) from 1948 to 1957.

In 1957, Pearson won the famous Nobel Peace Prize. He earned this award for helping to solve the Suez Crisis. This was a big international problem, and he helped create the United Nations Emergency Force to keep peace. This made him well-known around the world.

After his party lost the 1957 election, Pearson became the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 1958. He became Prime Minister in 1963. During his time as Prime Minister, he led two minority governments. This meant his party didn't have the most seats, so he needed support from other parties to pass laws.

Even with a minority government, Pearson introduced many important programs. These included universal health care, the Canada Student Loan Program, and the Canada Pension Plan. He also introduced the Order of Canada and helped create the Maple Leaf flag in 1965. His government also combined Canada's armed forces and kept Canada out of the Vietnam War. In 1967, Canada became the first country to use a points-based system for immigration.

Pearson is remembered as one of Canada's most important leaders of the 20th century. He is often ranked among the greatest Canadian prime ministers.

Early Life and Education

A memorial plaque at his birthplace

Lester Pearson was born in Newtonbrook, Ontario, which is now part of Toronto. His father, Edwin Arthur Pearson, was a minister. Lester had two brothers, Vaughan and Marmaduke. When Lester was young, his family moved to Aurora, Ontario, where his father was a minister. Lester spent his early years there and went to public school.

Pearson finished high school in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1913 when he was 16. He then went to Victoria College at the University of Toronto. He was a very good student, especially in history and psychology. After university, he won a scholarship to study at St John's College, Oxford in England from 1921 to 1923.

Sporting Interests

Pearson was a talented athlete at the University of Toronto. He was excellent at rugby union and also played basketball. While studying at Oxford, he played for the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club. His team won the first Spengler Cup in 1923.

As a young person, Pearson also played baseball and lacrosse. He was good enough at baseball to play semi-pro for a summer. He even toured North America with a lacrosse team made up of players from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Later, when he taught at the University of Toronto, he helped coach their football and hockey teams. As an adult, he was also a good golf and tennis player.

First World War Service

Pearson serving with the Canadian Army Medical Corps in World War I in Salonika

During World War I, Pearson volunteered to serve as a medical orderly. In 1915, he went overseas with the Canadian Army Medical Corps. He was a stretcher-bearer, helping to carry wounded soldiers. He spent almost two years in Southern Europe, including the Salonika front.

In 1917, Pearson became a temporary lieutenant. He then joined Britain's Royal Flying Corps as a flying officer. This is where he got his famous nickname, "Mike." His flight instructor thought "Lester" was too gentle for an airman and said, "That’s a sissy’s name. You’re Mike." From then on, his friends and family always called him Mike.

Pearson learned to fly in England. He survived an airplane crash on his very first flight! In 1918, he was hit by a bus in London during a wartime blackout. He was sent home to recover and then left the service.

Between the Wars

Ice hockey in Europe; Oxford University vs. Switzerland, 1922. Future Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson is at right front. His nickname from the Swiss was "Herr Zig-Zag".

After the war, Pearson went back to school. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1919. He then worked for a year in the meat-packing industry, which he didn't enjoy.

Oxford Studies

Pearson received a scholarship and studied for two more years at St John's College, Oxford. He earned another degree in modern history in 1923. After Oxford, he returned to Canada and taught history at the University of Toronto.

Marriage and Family

Pearson with John Ross McLean, Vincent Massey and Georges Vanier in London, 1938

In 1925, he married Maryon Moody, who had been one of his students. They had a son, Geoffrey, and a daughter, Patricia. Maryon was a strong and supportive partner throughout his career.

Becoming a Diplomat

In 1927, Pearson started his career in the Canadian foreign service. He scored the highest marks on the entry exam. Prime Minister R. B. Bennett noticed Pearson's talent in the early 1930s. He gave Pearson important roles in government studies and recognized his work with an OBE award. In 1935, Pearson was sent to work at the Canadian High Commission in London, England.

World War II and Beyond

Pearson leading a meeting at the founding conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945.

Pearson continued to work in London during World War II. He helped with military supplies and refugee issues. In 1942, he moved to the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He became the Canadian Ambassador to the United States in 1945.

Pearson played a key role in creating both the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). These organizations were formed to promote peace and security after the war.

Pearson was almost chosen to be the first Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1946, but the Soviet Union blocked it. He was also a top candidate in 1953, but again, the Soviet Union said no. Instead, Dag Hammarskjöld from Sweden became the Secretary-General.

Secretary of State for External Affairs (1948-1957)

Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent (left) and Pearson (right) welcome UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Foreign Secretary Sir Anthony Eden in Ottawa, 1954.

René Levesque interviews Pearson in Moscow, 1955

In 1948, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King appointed Pearson as the Secretary of State for External Affairs. Soon after, Pearson won a seat in the House of Commons of Canada. He served in this role under Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent until 1957.

Nobel Peace Prize for Suez Crisis Role

In 1957, Pearson received the Nobel Peace Prize. He won it for his important work in solving the Suez Crisis in 1956. This crisis involved Egypt, Israel, Britain, and France. Pearson helped create the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). This was a peacekeeping force that went to the Suez Canal to stop the fighting.

Pearson and UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld are seen as the founders of modern peacekeeping. Their efforts helped prevent a bigger war. Pearson's Nobel medal is now displayed at the Canadian Museum of History.

Leading the Liberal Party

Lester Pearson at an election campaign event

After the Liberal government lost the 1957 election, Prime Minister St. Laurent retired. He supported Pearson to take his place. Pearson was elected leader of the Liberal Party in 1958.

In his first session as opposition leader, Pearson asked the new Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, to let the Liberals govern again. This was because of economic problems. However, Diefenbaker showed a secret Liberal document that made Pearson's request look bad.

Because of this, Pearson's party lost badly in the 1958 election. The Liberals lost many seats, and Diefenbaker's party won a huge majority.

Pearson organized a special "Thinkers' Conference" in 1960. Here, many new ideas were developed that he would later use as Prime Minister.

In the 1962 election, Pearson's Liberals did better, and Diefenbaker's party lost its majority. This meant Diefenbaker now led a minority government.

Pearson then challenged Diefenbaker on whether Canada should accept American nuclear warheads. This led to a new election in 1963. The Liberals won 129 seats, just short of a majority. With support from some other Members of Parliament, Pearson was able to form a minority government. He became Prime Minister on April 22, 1963.

Prime Minister (1963–1968)

Pearson at his desk in the Langevin Block

Pearson never had a majority government, but he introduced many important social programs for Canadians.

Key Domestic Policies

Universal Health Care: Pearson's government helped create universal health care, which means everyone can get medical care.
Canada Pension Plan: He also introduced the Canada Pension Plan, which helps people save for retirement.
Canada Student Loans: This program helps students pay for their education.
New Canadian Flag: Pearson led the country through the Great Canadian flag debate. In 1965, Canada adopted its current Maple Leaf flag.
Worker Rights: He introduced a 40-hour work week, two weeks of vacation, and a new minimum wage for some workers.
Official Bilingualism: Pearson started a study on bilingualism and biculturalism. This led to French becoming an official language in Canada, alongside English. He hoped to be the last Prime Minister who spoke only one language.
Immigration System: In 1967, his government created a new points-based immigration system. This made Canada the first country to encourage immigration based on skills, not origin.
Centennial Celebrations: Pearson oversaw Canada's 100th birthday celebrations in 1967.

Foreign Policy

Pearson with three of his cabinet ministers who later became Prime Ministers: Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, and Jean Chrétien.

In 1964, Pearson became the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit France officially.

In 1967, French President Charles de Gaulle visited Quebec. He made a controversial speech, saying "Vive le Québec libre" (Long live free Quebec), which suggested support for Quebec separating from Canada. Pearson was very angry. He publicly told de Gaulle that "Canadians do not need to be liberated" and that he was no longer welcome.

Pearson signed the Canada–United States Automotive Products Agreement (Auto Pact) in 1965. This agreement helped the car industry in both countries.

Pearson's government decided not to send Canadian combat troops to the Vietnam War, even though the U.S. asked for help. He spoke in Philadelphia in 1965, suggesting a pause in American bombing to find a peaceful solution. This upset U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, but they later met and continued to have contact.

Military Changes

Pearson's government made a big change to Canada's military. In 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Canadian Army were combined into one service called the Canadian Forces.

Supreme Court Appointments

Statue on Parliament Hill grounds

Pearson chose several judges to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. These included Robert Taschereau and John Robert Cartwright as Chief Justices.

Retirement from Politics

Pearson announced his retirement from politics on December 14, 1967. His successor as Liberal leader and Prime Minister was Pierre Trudeau. Pearson had encouraged Trudeau to enter politics and made him justice minister. Two other cabinet ministers Pearson recruited, John Turner and Jean Chrétien, also later became prime ministers.

After Being Prime Minister

After retiring, Pearson worked as chairman of the Commission on International Development from 1968 to 1969. He also lectured at Carleton University in Ottawa and began writing his memoirs. From 1970 to 1972, he was the first chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre. He was also the chancellor of Carleton University until his death.

Pearson planned to write three books about his life, called "Mike: The Memoirs of the Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson". The first book was published in 1972. The other two were published after he passed away.

Illness and Death

Pearson's gravestone in Wakefield, Quebec

In 1970, Pearson had surgery to remove his right eye due to a tumor.

In November 1972, his health worsened. He tried to write about his time as Prime Minister, but his condition quickly got worse around Christmas.

Lester B. Pearson died on December 27, 1972, at his home in Ottawa. The cancer had spread to his liver.

Pearson is buried at Maclaren Cemetery in Wakefield, Quebec.

Honours and Awards

Pearson's Medals

Pearson received many honours and awards throughout his life:

He was elected an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1957.
The Canadian Press named him "Newsmaker of the Year" nine times, which was a record.
He was inducted into the Canadian Peace Hall of Fame in 2000.
The Pearson Medal of Peace is awarded every year to a Canadian who has contributed to international service.
A plaque marks his birthplace in Newtonbrook, Toronto.
Canadian historians often rank Pearson among the greatest Canadian prime ministers.

Places Named After Pearson

Lester B. Pearson quote on the Peacekeeping Monument

Many places and institutions are named in his honour:

The Lester B. Pearson United World College in British Columbia, opened in 1974.
The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, which provides training on peace operations.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board, a large English-language school board in Quebec.
Several high schools and elementary schools across Canada.
Mike's Place, a student pub at Carleton University, is named after him.

Civic and Other Infrastructure

Tribute plaque to Lester Bowles Pearson

Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's busiest airport, was renamed in his honour in 1984.
The Lester B. Pearson Building in Ottawa is the headquarters for Global Affairs Canada.
The Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake, Ontario.
The Lester B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding at the University of Toronto.
Lester B. Pearson Place, an affordable housing building in Newtonbrook, Toronto.
Lester B. Pearson Park in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Pearson Avenue in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and Pearson Way in Milton, Ontario.
Pearson Plaza, a mall in Elliot Lake.
Pearson Park, a playground in Wesleyville, Newfoundland.

Sports Honours

The award for the best National Hockey League player, voted by players, was called the Lester B. Pearson Award from 1971 to 2010.
Pearson was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at the University of Toronto in 1987.
He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
The Pearson Cup was a baseball competition between the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos. Pearson was also the Expos' Honorary Club President.

Honorary Degrees

Lester B. Pearson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States, at University of Toronto convocation, 1945

Pearson received many honorary degrees from universities around the world, recognizing his achievements.

Location	Date	School	Degree
Ontario	1945	University of Toronto	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
New York	1947	University of Rochester	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Ontario	May 1948	McMaster University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Maine	1 June 1951	Bates College	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Massachusetts	1953	Harvard University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
New Jersey	1956	Princeton University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
British Columbia	25 September 1958	University of British Columbia	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Indiana	9 June 1963	University of Notre Dame	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Ontario	29 May 1964	University of Western Ontario	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Newfoundland and Labrador	September 1964	Memorial University of Newfoundland	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Ontario	December 1964	Waterloo Lutheran University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Maryland	1964	Johns Hopkins University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Ontario	1965	Laurentian University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Saskatchewan	17 May 1965	University of Saskatchewan (Regina Campus)	Doctor of Civil Law (DCL)
Quebec	28 May 1965	McGill University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Ontario	1965	Queen's University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Nova Scotia	1967	Dalhousie University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
Alberta	29 March 1967	University of Calgary
Prince Edward Island	1967	Prince of Wales College
California	1967	University of California, Santa Barbara
Ontario	1967	University of Ottawa	Doctor of Political Science
Ontario	22 May 1971	Royal Military College of Canada	Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
New York		Columbia University
England		University of Oxford	Doctor of Civil Law (DCL)