Time and time again, polling has showed that Tommy Douglas is the Greatest Canadian. Tommy Douglas was a Scottish immigrant to Canada who became a Baptist preacher and later the Premier of Saskatchewan. He established North America's first universal healthcare system during his tenure with the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and later the New Democratic Party. When Douglas was child, he broke his leg and his family could not afford treatment. However, a university doctor offered to perform the surgery for free if his students could observe. This event had a profound effect on the young Douglas, influencing his future politics. After becoming premier of Saskatchewan with the CCF, Douglas faced fierce opposition for his simple plan: universal health care for every person living in Saskatchewan. His government became the first to do so in North America. After his premiership, he became leader of the federal New Democratic Party and often held the balance of power in minority government situations. Although the NDP never formed government and he never became prime minister, his influence on Canada cannot be overstated. His tireless campaigning helped create pension plans and strengthen the social safety net. Time and time again, people rank Universal Health Care as one of our greatest accomplishments. Douglas fought hard to create a broad, caring, and strong Canada; his actions have shaped our identity and heritage in that mold. Douglas was a fiery orator, and he managed to drag Canada into a welfare state. For this, everyone who has ever visited a hospital, knows someone who relies on the CPP or GIS, or any of the other social programs we have created, Tommy Douglas is the man to thank.
Tommy Douglas: The Greatest Canadian documentary:
A Douglas speech regarding Medicare: