Date of birth:

April 23rd, 1897 (Toronto/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

December 27th, 1972 (Ottawa/Ontario, Canada)

Nationality:

Canadian

Pearson served in World War I before studying at the University of Toronto and Oxford. He began his career as a history professor but soon entered the Canadian foreign service, rising to become ambassador to the U.S. and later Secretary of State for External Affairs. He played a key role in founding the United Nations and NATO, and in 1957, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Pearson entered politics in 1948 and led the Liberal Party from 1958 to 1968. After two election defeats, he became prime minister in 1963, heading two successive minority governments. Despite lacking a majority, his administration introduced transformative policies: the Canada Pension Plan, universal healthcare, student loans, and the Canada Assistance Plan. He also oversaw the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag in 1965 and launched royal commissions on bilingualism and the status of women.

In foreign affairs, Pearson signed the Auto Pact with the U.S., kept Canada out of the Vietnam War, and introduced the world’s first points-based immigration system. He unified Canada’s armed forces and presided over the country’s centennial celebrations in 1967.

Pearson retired in 1968, succeeded by Pierre Trudeau. He continued to contribute to international development and academia until his death in 1972.

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• - Bothwell, R., Pearson (1978)
  - Medal Group