[1] Born in Lethbridge, Alberta,[2] Pearson moved to the Yukon in 1957 and worked for the government from 1960 until 1973 when he entered private business.
Prior to 1978, the territory had a non-partisan legislature with no individual acting as leader of the government or Premier.
In 1982 the Pearson government was re-elected with a majority and attempted to deal with the effects of the economic recession on the territory which was exacerbated by the collapse of the hard mining industry and the closure of the Faro Mine.
Pearson left politics in 1985 but his successor, Willard Phelps, was not able to turn the government's fortunes around.
The Yukon New Democratic Party won that year's election and formed government.