Lester B Pearson Essay

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Lester Pearson is considered one of the best out of the 23 Canadian Prime Ministers. Why? Lester B Pearson is one of the best Prime Ministers in Canadian history. He was one of the two Prime Ministers who were active and served in war and is one of the three Prime Ministers who had an airport named after. Lester Bowles “Mike” Pearson had served from April 22, 1963, to April 20, 1968. The Pearson Airport was named in honor of Lester B. Pearson. He was a good Prime Minister because he contributed significantly to Canada during his time. He worked hard to improve the overall conditions of Canada and neighboring countries. He had introduced the universal health care system, Canada’s new maple leaf flag, and won the noble prize for the Suez …show more content…

That ensign on the flag demonstrated that Canada was still in connection with Britain. The flag consisted of Union Jack on the top inner corner, which is the flag of United Kingdom. The federal government attempted to create their own design a couple of times, but no mutual decision could be reached. Lester B. Pearson had raised the topic of creating a new design for the flag in 1960. However many Canadians opposed this because they were attached to the British Ensign. Finally in 1964, Alan B. Beddoe made a flag with three maple leaves between blue borders and showed it to Lester Pearson. Pearson was pleased with the design and presented it to the parliament. The parliament all indeed agreed to a new flag, but could not decide on a design. Therefore they gave the task of finding a new design to an all-party Parliamentary committee. This committee received over 3000 designs and then narrowed it down to 3 final designs. It was the red, maple leaf on a white square between two red borders which was recommended by the committee. On December 15, 1964 the motion to have this design as the national flag of Canada was passed. Despite the fact it was the committee designing the flag, it was Lester B. Pearson that gave the initial idea that Canada needs its own flag. This was a very significant milestone in Canadian history because this flag gave Canada its own identity and independence. “The flag is the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion,” declared the Speaker of the Senate at the Inauguration of the new flag in 1965”(Government of Canada, May 6 2016). The chosen flag was picked for its easily recognizable design because it was simple, Canada’s official national colours were used in it, the maple leaf was used as a logo for Canadian

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