Tommy Douglas

THOMAS (TOMMY) CLEMENT DOUGLAS There are many significant Canadians that have done incredible things for Canada. But, in my opinion, the greatest of all is Thomas Douglas. He was born on October 20, in Falkirk, Scotland. Douglas is historically significant in Canada because of the main reason why Canada is known for, it’s healthcare. He was known to be the “Father of Medicare”. He was the first to create a provincial hospital insurance program which ended up becoming national throughout Canada. An idealistic who achieved his dreams, he changed the face of Canadian politics. He created the safety net which we have as Canadians today that ensures we will always have the help we need. Tommy Douglas is what made Canada’s healthcare what it is, allowing people to get healthcare when they need it. Tommy Douglas is known as the “Father of Medicare” because he was the first to introduce free health care to Canada. He provided full medical, drug and dental coverage to those needing state assistance. This was initially his target because he knows that people with a low income will not be able to afford medicare if they’re injured. An incident occurred back when Douglas was a child. He was diagnosed with an inflammation in his right knee which then led to a disease. Due to family conditions, his family was not able to afford the operation. However, the surgeon was courteous enough to operate for free for his medical expenses. Douglas looked back at the surgeon generosity and knew there should be people like him. Douglas decided that he had to take action and do something to change that. He was the first individual that introduced free air ambulance service which was essential to the north. Lastly, he was the first to introduce a universal Medicare plan in North America. Many Canadians are very thankful for his good deed and appreciate for the wonderful services he has created for us throughout Canada. Douglas was a Canadian that changed the face of Canadian politics

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