How Did Tommy Douglass Change Canada

Have you ever been sick or went to the doctor for a checkup? The chances are that you have done both throughout your life. Medical care is very expensive; a checkup could cost hundreds of dollars and hurt you financially. If it was not for Tommy Douglas and his idea of free universal health care, it is possible that many people would be bankrupt or very ill; he had also re-organized the public-school system and he had made fluctuations to social welfare. Although overlooked, Tommy Douglas has evolved Canada as a nation and has had an important effect on the lives of many Canadians.

In the early stages, Premier Douglas assumed the role of Health Minister, where the first step towards Medicare was taken. Firstly, new policies and projects were

Initially, when Douglas moved to Saskatchewan, “he found people suffering, as the province had been hit by economic depression and drought” (Lovick) which led him to conclude that there was political action needed to reduce the suffering around him. Secondly, his government and the Department of Education made numerous reforms. Moreover, it made improvements for “the establishment of larger school units, increased wages for teachers, with a new salary assembly, the reworking of the high school curriculum, a new system of school grants, and an increased education budget” (“Achievements”). This allowed Canadians to have a better education, better educated teachers and overall a better curriculum, which eventually led to a high literacy rate. Finally, the CCF government also increased the access to university and college level education by improving grants. Additionally, they had provided “funding for university or college grants and they provided entrance scholarships for graduating secondary students” (“Achievements”). This allowed the people who wanted to attend post-secondary and improve their education have a chance of pursing that. The education since then has improved tremendously, our literacy rate since then has improved to 99%. If it wasn’t for Douglas and the CCF it would not have been possible. Douglas had also at this time made changes to social

Originally, the CCF intended to socialize much of the economy, but withdrew from this position and in the 1950s, they concentrated on building a welfare state within their mixed economy (“The Birth of Medicare”). This was because medical care was the centerpiece of their welfare state program and they reached considerable strides by 1959. Primarily, during the early stages, the Douglas government improved on welfare benefits. Furthermore, they had “increased old age pension dramatically, increased mothers’ allowances, and legislated that free medical and hospital care be provided to welfare recipients” (“Achievements”). This had a great impact on the seniors and mothers, as it made it easier for them to afford essential products. Secondly, the social welfare department made progressive changes to the Child Welfare Act. In fact, the “social welfare ministry assumed control of orphaned children from the private establishments that had been providing care before, qualified workers were hired to supervise the program, a better adoption system was created, and the department had taken responsibility for youth corrections” (“Achievements”). Since then the Canadian government has improved on the Child Welfare Act, improving on Douglas’ impression on this act. Finally, the Saskatchewan Government Insurance Office was created. This office had covered all areas with the exception of life insurance; low cost premiums were