Tommy Douglas Canada “father of Medicare” and the architect of Canada’s universal healthcare system
A Walk Through History at Beechwood Cemetery
On my walk through Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, I paused at the grave of Tommy Douglas, the former Baptist minister turned politician, often hailed as the father of universal healthcare in Canada. I offered a silent word of thanks.
In 1930, Tommy married Irma Dempsey, a music student. Together, they had one biological daughter, Shirley Douglas, who became a well-known actress. Shirley later married Donald Sutherland, and they had a son, Kiefer Sutherland, who went on to build a successful career in acting and music.
Born in Saskatchewan, Tommy Douglas served as Premier of Saskatchewan, and in 1961, his government passed groundbreaking legislation to create a universal, publicly funded health insurance program — the first of its kind in North America. When he later became the founding leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), he brought this vision to the federal level, serving as leader for a decade.
Before Medicare, healthcare in Canada was costly and often inaccessible. Falling ill meant making hard choices. A visit to the doctor or hospital came with a price tag many couldn’t afford. People were often forced to suffer in silence, unable to seek help. Thanks to the courage and foresight of Tommy Douglas and others, Canada’s healthcare system evolved through several phases, culminating in the Canada Health Act of 1984 — a milestone in our nation’s commitment to healthcare as a human right.
Today, Canada is ranked fourth among ten countries with the best healthcare systems:
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Taiwan – 78.72
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South Korea – 77.7
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Australia – 74.11
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Canada – 71.3
Thank you, Tommy Douglas, for your vision, your fight, and your legacy.
Thomas Clement Douglas passed away in Ottawa on February 24, 1986, at the age of 81.
His bronze plaque reads: “Courage my friends, it’s not too late to make a better world”
1904-1986
