The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

Progressive Dialogue and Policy for a Better Canada

Youth perspectives on Lester B. Pearson

By

avril 22, 2013

Youth perspectives on Lester B. Pearson

Par Adam De Sousa, Erica van Wyngaarden & Sébastien Belliveau

Adam De Sousa:
Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson accomplished many a great things on the international stage throughout his tenure. I need not go into great detail of all of these accomplishments for I am sure that the great many of you are well aware of them. However, a few stand to bare mention today, most notably his instrumental role in the resolution of the Suez Canal Crisis. He led the call for the first major international peacekeeping force that encouraged the withdrawal of British and French troops from and served to establish peace in the region between Israel and Egypt, while also creating a new role for the United Nations in global affairs.

But beyond this, Pearson’s vision in 1956 carved out a niche for Canada on the global stage. Under no illusions that Canada could contend as a global superpower in the 20th century,Pearson instead focused Canada’s international efforts on principles that would become Canada’s own in due time. He laid out stepping stones from which we could use to guide our path as a nation in this world. Peacekeeping, human rights, and a commitment to diplomacy are some of these principles. For much of the remainder of the century Canada came to be recognized in the international community as a nation that others could count on to mediate in situations of conflict; a country that acted as a responsible force for peace in a seemingly volatile world.

Pearson’s vision of a Canada that others could count on in difficult times, a pillar of peace and understanding on the international stage, helped to establish the identity of a young nation in the world. Beyond strengthening what it meant to be Canadian at home, his vision helped to establish what it meant to be a Canadian abroad. A Canadian was someone to be trusted. Canada was a country that brokered peace where it often seemed impossible, and where it was impossible we at least tried to create an understanding, we at least tried to build a more harmonious world. This was Lester Pearson’s vision for Canada. This is what Canada has ever since been known for.

Recently however, we appear to have strayed from the principles that Lester B. Pearson made as Canada’s. We are no longer held in the same high regard that we once were. Our recent track record on a steadfast commitment to human rights, the environment, and peace brokering is not something to be especially proud of.

Despite this there is undoubtedly a silver lining. The silver lining is that we have our roots and we still, as Canadians, have our identity and values. We still have the stepping-stones that Prime Minister Pearson laid out in front of us. The identity and reputation that he created, through great leadership and vision, for Canada, in the world has not gone away. It will always be there. If there is something to be proud of as Canadians it is this identity, both domestically and internationally. This is the legacy of Lester B. Pearson and his government, and it is one that we should honour, embrace, and strive to get back to as quickly as possible. Thank you very much.

Erica van Wyngaarden:
Lester B. Pearson’s legacy as Prime Minister has left a lasting impact on Canada in particular, but he also led and rebuilt the Liberal Party of Canada during a contentious and difficult period which created a lasting vision and foundation for the Liberal Party. I will reflect on how Pearson’s diplomatic, cooperative, and thoughtful leadership of the Liberal party allowed for the development and implementation of many Liberal policies which rebuilt the Party itself and created a strong foundation for the Party to succeed for decades to come. I find that these valuable traits can continue to guide the Party today and in the next 50 years into Government.

As leader, Pearson was a conciliatory figure who worked successfully in two minority governments to pass legislation and create programs which continue to define and promote a strong Canada.During this time, Pearson successfully reconstructed the Liberal Party of Canada, unifying its members and MP’s and recruited a plethora of talented individuals into the Party fold who would continue to lead the Party for decades. From these achievements, Pearson also created a vision and outlook for the Party bybeginning the Thinkers Conference and urging Liberals to strive for more in policy creation and a vision for Canadian identity.

So, what lessons can the Liberal Party take from Pearson’s work as Leader? How is his legacy relevant today, 10 years from now, and 50 years from now?
For today, the political climate of Pearson’s time is very similar to that now. We face the need to rebuild the Party and reassess Liberal priorities, policies, and vision. Pearson’s determination, values, and diplomatic manner of approaching politics can guide the Party and the Party leader in how to successfully achieve this.

Further, we need to promote and reward a Liberal vision of Canada based on the priorities that Pearson espoused, but continue to challenge the Party to evolve and adapt to new realities. The Party needs to continue to defend and create progressive ideas for Canada and present these as a unified front, while also striving for multi-partisanship.

Pearson’s revamping of the Liberal Party can serve as an example of how politics by all parties can be improved in the 21st century, as he redefined not only his own party, but politics in Canada as well.

In conclusion, Pearson’s legacy as Leader and Prime Minister showed a commitment to building Canada, based on a unified identity and a belief in individuals, a commitment to promoting Canada’s role as a strong international mediator, advocate, and actor, and a commitment to both a strong Liberal party which fosters, defends, and promotes this vision of Canada.
Looking back on Pearson’s legacy can also teach us important lessons for 50 years from now for both Canada and the Liberal Party. As Pearson said on Canada’s 100th anniversary:
“It is [now] time to measure, with grateful hearts, the achievements of our past. It is a time to face with confidence the test and opportunity of the future. It is a time to asses our national condition.”
“let us work together as Canadians to make our country [and our party] worthy of its honoured past and certain of its proud future”
Thank you.

Sébastien Belliveau (speaking points):

Mot de bienvenue et remerciement

  • Présenter Adam et Erica
  • Développer la thématique
  • Identité
  • Domestique
  • Internationale
  • Parti libéral du Canada

Un pays de différences

  • Langue et culture
  • Histoire, parents, grands-parents
  • Industrie

Élément rassembleur : le drapeau du Canada en 1965

  • L’unifolié
  • 15 juin 1964, date importante
  • Lancement du débat avec la Résolution de Pearson
  • Pas le premier choix de Pearson- (Pearson pennant)

Débat au sujet du drapeau

  • Les différences historiques et politiques sont mises en évidence
  • Un Union Jack? Des Fleurs-de-lys? Le « RedEnsign »?

Pearson a foncé, non en tant qu’adversaire, mais en tant que rassembleur

  • Démontre que nos différences, bien qu’importantes, ne font pas le poids contre ce qui nous unit.
  • Provinces vs. Provinces. Non-autochtones vs. Autochtones, Francophones vs. Anglophones vs. Allophones.
  • Lorsqu’on fait face à des temps difficiles, il est tentant de mettre l’accent sur nos différences et se diviser.
  • Que l’on soit Acadien, Québécois, Albertain, peu importe qui nous sommes et l’ordre dans lequel nous le sommes, nous demeurons toujours Canadien et partageons un lien avec tous les autres membres de cette communauté, de ce pays.
  • Présent et le futur de ce que Pearson a bâti toutes les fois que j’arrive ici et vois ce drapeau et ce symbole d’un Canada uni.

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