LESTER PEARSON (1963-1968)
Pearson's world outlook was shaped by his earlier careers as a soldier during World War One, as a diplomat in the inter-war period and World War II, as ambassador to the United States, as a important figure in the foundation of the UN and NATO and as a Foreign Minister in Louis St. Laurent's government. Indeed, Pearson would have been the first Secretary-General of the UN if his nomination had not been vetoed by the USSR and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his role in resolving the Suez Canal Crisis (he has since been labelled the 'father of peacekeeping').
As a result, he redefined Canadian nationalism to include an international-mindedness that looked beyond Canadian borders and did not focus on provincial rivalries. His contribution to Canadian national identity was one of many successes.
As a result, he redefined Canadian nationalism to include an international-mindedness that looked beyond Canadian borders and did not focus on provincial rivalries. His contribution to Canadian national identity was one of many successes.
Domestic achievements
The Auto Pact
In 1964, the Pearson
In 1964, the Pearson