Tommy Douglas

Douglas was elected Premier of Saskatchewan as the leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). His government was the first socialist government in North America and implemented a series of progressive reforms.

Douglas's government introduced the first universal hospital insurance program in Canada, providing publicly funded hospital care to all residents. This program served as a model for the later national medicare system.

Douglas was elected as the first leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), which was formed from the merger of the CCF and the Canadian Labour Congress. He led the party in three federal elections (1962, 1963, 1965).

Douglas resigned as Premier of Saskatchewan to lead the federal NDP. His resignation marked the end of his provincial career, but his legacy in Saskatchewan included the establishment of universal healthcare and other social programs.

Douglas's government introduced the first universal medical insurance program in Canada, covering doctor's visits. The program faced strong opposition from the medical profession, leading to a 23-day doctors' strike, but was ultimately implemented.