Tommy Douglas is one of the most successful politicians Canadians have ever seen. Heimplemented many social policies and programs in Saskatchewan that were later adoptedthroughout Canada. Most of his programs continue today and are an integral part ofCanadian society. His greatest achievement was his implementation of Medicare inSaskatchewan. Douglas never intended to be a politician but his concern for peopledrove him to be one.Thomas Douglas was born in Falkirk, Scotland on October 20, 1904. Tommymoved to Winnipeg in 1911 along with his mother and sister to meet his father who hadmigrated one year earlier. (1Thomas H Mcleod and Ian Mcleod, Tommy Douglas TheRoad to Jerusalem, (Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1987) 6.) Shortly after arriving,Tommy was diagnosed with osteomyelitis a bone infection. His family could not affordquick or top rate medical care. As a result Tommy almost lost his leg. This could be onereason Douglas desired to have Medicare in Canada. (2Wong, Kevin. Tommy Douglas aRemarkable Canadian 4pp. Online. Internet. 9 Oct. 2000. Available WWW:http://www.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca/business/cupe1975/burs5.html) Douglas entered BrandonCollege in 1924 to become a minister. Tommy Douglas along with his new wife moved to Weyburn in 1929 where hebecame minister of Calvary Baptist Church. Douglas was popular at his new churchbecause of his energy and enthusiasm. He was disturbed by the poverty andunemployment that plagued his congregation. This lead Tommy to advocate on behalf ofthe less fortunate. His concerns soon led him to become politically active. (3T. Mcleodand I. Mcleod 19). In 1932, he helped form the Independent Labor Party in Weyburn andwas the groups first president. He ran for government provincially in 1934 but lost. (4Fisher, Wayne.Tommy Douglas Making Canada Better! 4pp. Online. Internet. 9 Oct.2000. Available WWW: http://www.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca/business/cupe1975/burs7.html) In July of 1932, the socia...
