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Diefenbaker's answer to the subtle difficulties of biculturalism was to say: "There is only one state, one nation." This unalterable belief in unhyphenated Canadianism was anathema to French Canadians. Quebec's return to Liberalism and its whittling down of Caouette's strength were in part an answer to Pearson's promise of a royal commission to re-examine biculturalism. It was also a thoughtful agreement with his concern that if the nation does not return to the founding idea of "equal partnership, equal rights, equal responsibilities, then we may not succeed in preserving Confederation at all. It is as serious as that."
In the last week of the campaign, Pearson made an uncharacteristically emotional appeal to the voters, as he surveyed the fragile state of Canadian unity. "I am not concerned with power for the sake of pomp or power," he said. "I want to do what I can to make sure that my grandchildren will live in a united Canadian nation, in a world of security and peace. There is so much, so much to be done. Give me your trust. God willing, I will not let you down."
"Egghead Roll." Pearson now has that trust. "The very first thing I will do." he vows, "is to try to establish the climate of confidence." To rebuild swiftly Canada's crumbled reputation abroad, Pearson plans:
> A quick agreement with the U.S. to give the stingless Canadian forces the nuclear weapons they need to fulfill their roles in NATO and NORAD.
> A flight to London to discuss trade and Commonwealth relations with Harold Macmillan.
> A meeting with President Kennedy.
The last time Pearson and Kennedy met was at the White House dinner for Nobel prizewinners last spring, dubbed by Pearson "The President's Easter Egghead Roll." "I believe we can get back on a very friendly and cooperative basis without difficulty," Pearson says. "I know our relations are going to be complicated and at times difficult. The thing that matters is to accept our responsibilities."
At home, Pearson, despite his precarious parliamentary situation, hopes for a blazing "first 60 days" of legislation with a similar aim in mind: to give Canadians confidence in themselves. "Many of our problems, particularly in the economic field, are partly psychological," he says. "If I can at once establish the feeling that the country has a government which will last four years and is determined to get things done, it will go far toward restoring confidence."
Lester Pearson once said that his formula for life was: "To deserve success rather than to achieve it." He now has the chance to do both.