Tommy Douglas, 1904 – 1981 the founder of Canada’s universal public health system and voted Greatest Canadian in the CBC’s 2004 contest, was a CBWC pastor. Serving Calvary Baptist Church in Weyburn Saskatchewan, Douglas was inspired by his faith to help the community weather the financial hardships of the Great Depression.

Eventually deciding he could serve God more fully as a politician to advocate for social reforms, he joined the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and became a federal member of Parliament for 9 years. He led the CCF to victory in Saskatchewan’s provincial election in 1944, heading the first socialist government in North America and leading the party to five consecutive majority victories. He became the first leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 1961 In 1961, Douglas became the leader of the federal New Democratic Party when the CCF merged with the Canadian Labour Congress and served again as a federal MP until he retired in 1978.

Tommy Douglas made most of his impact as Saskatchewan’s Premier. He passed Canada’s first legislation guaranteeing universal access to medical care in 1961, paving the way for the national health plan introduced in 1966. He also passed legislation that guaranteed a minimum wage, a 40-hour work week and paid vacations. He was the first to ensure First Nations people had the right to vote, was the first to call for a Bill of Rights, spread electricity throughout rural Saskatchewan, ensured universal access to education, and enacted many laws to strengthen the rights and financial stability of farmers.

Douglas died in 1986 at age 81. He will always be remembered as a Baptist preacher, a visionary politician who set Canada aside from other nations with our free, universal health care. Tommy Douglas will always be remembered and respected as a politician and as a compassionate man of faith.