Thomas "Tommy" Clement Douglas, (October 20, 1904 – February 24, 1986) is thought to be one of the most important advocates for social justice. Douglas was the first leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) and the father of Medicare in Canada.
Tommy Douglas is as highly regarded by the general public now as ever before. A little man with a big heart, in his 44 years as an elected representative, his loving work on behalf of the individual men and women of Canada had a profound impact on society. Tommy Douglas fought for Canadians. His legendary achievements included North America's first government-run medical care insurance plan, public automobile insurance, rural electrification, and a host of other innovative social programs.
In 2004, nearly twenty years after his death, Tommy Douglas was voted “The Greatest Canadian” in a national CBC Television viewer contest.