For Immediate Release
November 9, 2004

BROWN SUPPORTS LESTER B. PEARSON FOR GREATEST CANADIAN

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown expressed his support today for former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson in the CBC's Greatest Canadian Contest.

"I have always been proud to represent the same constituency that Mr. Pearson represented," said Brown. "He is one of those rare people in the history of our nation that have made a significant and lasting contribution to the very way we define ourselves as Canadians."

Mr. Pearson represented the riding of Algoma East from 1948 to 1968, and during that time served as Secretary of State for External Affairs, Leader of the Official Opposition and as Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968. Mr. Pearson is perhaps best know for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his leadership role in establishing the first United Nations Emergency Force to keep the peace during the 1956 Egyptian blockade of the Suez Canal. Since then, Canada has continued to play a leadership role in these Emergency Forces, now called U.N. Peacekeepers, which have been instrumental in preserving peace throughout the world.

Brown recently acted as Master of Ceremonies at a special Ceremony at Queen's Park to proclaim August 9 th Peacekeepers Day, in honour of the more than 100,000 Canadians who have served as United Nations Peacekeepers. At that ceremony Mr. Brown had the opportunity to speak with Kim Harris of the CBC, producer of the Lester B. Pearson episode of The Greatest Canadian .

"After speaking with Ms. Harris I knew that this contest would be a great way to raise awareness of the great things that Mr. Pearson did for Canada in his tenure as the M.P. for Algoma East." said Brown.

In addition to his leadership in establishing Peacekeeping as a role for the United Nations, Mr. Pearson also presided over the introduction of the Canada Pension Plan, Medicare and the Canada Student Loans Programme. He also played the lead role in establishing the Auto Pact of 1965 with the United States.

The episode of the Greatest Canadian highlighting the life of Mr. Pearson first airs tomorrow, Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. on CBC. To cast a vote for Mr. Pearson simply call 1-866-303-VOTE (8683) or visit www.cbc.ca/greatest.

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Contact:
Craig Leroux
Office of Mike Brown, M.P.P.
Algoma-Manitoulin
416-325-3601