
Toronto Pearson International Airport, often referred to as Pearson Airport, is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada. The airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, was originally known as Malton Airport when it began operating in 1939. In 1958, the municipal government of Toronto sold the airport to the federal government, which renamed it Toronto International Airport. It was officially renamed Lester B. Pearson International Airport on January 2, 1984, to honour the Toronto-born politician, who was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lester B. Pearson International Airport |
| Named After | Lester B. Pearson |
| Who is Lester B. Pearson | 14th Prime Minister of Canada, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and recipient |
| Year Named After | 1984 |
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What You'll Learn

Lester B. Pearson was the 14th Prime Minister of Canada
Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ) is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada. The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and is the main airport serving Toronto and the surrounding region known as the Golden Horseshoe. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024.
Pearson is known for his contributions to Canadian politics and foreign policy, including the creation of the universal healthcare system and the Canada Pension Plan. He was also a strong supporter of multiculturalism and official bilingualism, recognizing the importance of both English and French languages in Canada.
During his time as Prime Minister, Pearson faced several challenges, including economic difficulties and rising inflation. He worked to improve relations with the United States and strengthen Canada's role in international affairs. He also introduced a new national flag for Canada, replacing the Red Ensign with the Maple Leaf flag that is still used today.
After his retirement from politics in 1968, Pearson remained active in public life and continued to promote peace and diplomacy. He passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of service and a commitment to making Canada a more just and equitable society.
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He was born in Toronto
Toronto Pearson International Airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the fourteenth Prime Minister of Canada. Pearson was born in Toronto in 1897 and served as the Prime Minister of Canada from April 1963 to April 1968. He is known for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping, for which he was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize.
Lester B. Pearson was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of a farmer and a schoolteacher and grew up in the Newtonbrook neighbourhood, which is now a part of Toronto. Pearson attended the University of Toronto, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1919. After university, Pearson worked as a teacher and a lecturer at a few different schools in Ontario.
Pearson's career in public service began in 1927 when he joined the Department of External Affairs, which is now known as Global Affairs Canada. He served as the Secretary to the High Commissioner for Canada in London, United Kingdom, from 1935 to 1941. During World War II, he served as the Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 1941 to 1945. After the war, he continued to work in various diplomatic roles, including as the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations from 1945 to 1946 and as the Secretary of State for External Affairs from 1948 to 1957.
Throughout his career, Lester B. Pearson was known for his commitment to peace and his contributions to international diplomacy. His work in resolving the Suez Canal Crisis in 1956 earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957. As Prime Minister, he is remembered for his contributions to healthcare, pensions, and the Canada Student Loans Program.
In recognition of his achievements and his Toronto roots, the municipal government of Toronto renamed the airport in his honour in 1984.
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He was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Toronto Pearson International Airport, often referred to as Pearson Airport, is named after Lester B. Pearson, the fourteenth Prime Minister of Canada. Pearson was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, receiving the award in 1957 for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
Lester B. Pearson was born in Toronto in 1897 and died in 1972. The airport was renamed in his honour in 1984. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving around 40-50 million passengers per year. The airport has two public terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and five runways. Terminal 1 is the largest airport terminal in Canada and the 12th largest in the world by floor space.
Pearson Airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, around 20-25 kilometres from Downtown Toronto. It is the main airport serving Toronto and the surrounding region, known as the Golden Horseshoe. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) as part of Transport Canada's National Airports System. It serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet.
The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including lounges, dining options, retail stores, and a hotel. It also has facilities for US border preclearance and handled 8 million passengers through these facilities per year. In 2015, a new airport rail link was opened, connecting the airport to Union Station in Downtown Toronto, providing a fast and convenient transfer option for passengers.
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He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957
Toronto Pearson International Airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada. Pearson was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and won the award in 1957 for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
Lester B. Pearson was born in Toronto and lived from 1897 to 1972. The airport was renamed in his honour in 1984, and it is now the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving around 46.8 million passengers in 2024.
The 1957 Nobel Peace Prize recognised Lester B. Pearson's significant contributions to global peace and security. His work in the field of peacekeeping has left a lasting impact on international relations and conflict resolution. Pearson's efforts helped to establish peaceful solutions to international disputes and promote dialogue and cooperation between nations.
He played a crucial role in establishing the United Nations (UN) and its peacekeeping operations. During his time as Secretary of State for External Affairs in the 1940s, he advocated for the creation of an international organisation to maintain peace and security. This led to the formation of the UN, which continues to be a vital force for global diplomacy and peace.
Lester B. Pearson's Nobel Peace Prize win in 1957 highlighted his exceptional leadership and dedication to international peace. His legacy continues to inspire and guide global efforts towards conflict resolution and a more peaceful world. The recognition he received through this award has cemented his place in history as a prominent figure in the pursuit of global harmony.
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The airport was renamed in 1984
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 25 kilometres northwest of Downtown Toronto. It has five runways and two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, along with numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities.
The history of the airport dates back to the 1930s. In 1936, the Toronto City Council formed an "Advisory Airport Committee" to advise on potential sites for a municipal airport. The following year, in 1937, the airport was established and built by the Toronto Harbour Commission. It was originally known as Malton Airport and served as an alternate airfield to the downtown Toronto Island Airport.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and transfers of ownership. In November 1958, the municipal government of Toronto sold the airport to the federal government, and it came under the management of the Department of Transport. As a result, the airport was renamed Toronto International Airport in 1960.
Today, Toronto Pearson International Airport is a major global hub, serving as the primary airport for the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe region. It offers a wide range of amenities and services for passengers, including dining options, retail stores, lounges, and a hotel. The airport also provides convenient transportation options to the city centre, including an express train that takes just 25 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Pearson Airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and recipient of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize.
The airport was renamed in honour of Lester B. Pearson, who was born in Toronto.
The airport was renamed on January 2, 1984, and has been known as Toronto Pearson International Airport since 1996.

















