Tommy Douglas

A small man with a huge personality, Tommy Douglas was gregarious, witty, feisty and kind. The leader of the first socialist government in North America, Tommy Douglas brought massive change to the province of Saskatchewan and led the way for many social reforms in the rest of Canada. Tommy Douglas is considered the Canadian "father of medicare." In 1947 Tommy Douglas introduced universal hospitalization in Saskatchewan and in 1959 announced a Medicare plan for Saskatchewan.

Introduced universal hospitalization in Saskatchewan in 1949 and a Medicare plan for Saskatchewan in 1959. Crown Corporation Act led to the establishment of provincial air and bus lines, SaskPower and SaskTel. Labour legislation included the Trade Union Act, the improvement of workers compensation and minimum wage, and a labour relations board. Industrial development reduced the province's dependence on agriculture. Introduced the first public automobile insurance in Canada.

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