Tommy Douglas recognized as nationally historically significant

When people are asking to come up with some important Canadians, it won’t be too long before someone brings up Tommy Douglas.

This week in Regina, the late politician was honoured with a plaque and recognized as a person of National Historical Significance. The plaque was unveiled at the T.C. Douglas building and will be installed in the lobby.

Current Sask NDP and official Opposition leader, Ryan Meili was on hand for the unveiling.

Meili said Douglas had a lot of influence in Saskatchewan, but also across Canada as a whole.

“Throughout his career, whether here in Saskatchewan or at a national level, (Douglas) was a nation-builder — someone looking to bring us together as a country.”

There are several photos of Douglas in Meili’s office at the legislative building. Meili said they help him try to honour Douglas’ legacy.

Meili said he looks at the photos and remembers that medicare didn’t happen in a day, that it was a struggle.

“That really inspires me to say ‘okay, what you want to do today might not be easy, but it can be done,’ ” said Meili.

Regina MP and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale attended the unveiling as well, on behalf of the Parks Minister and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Ministers and representatives unveil the plaque commemorating Tommy Douglas as a person of national historic significance. Mar. 7, 2019 (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)

Goodale praised Douglas and what he managed to accomplish.

“It’s a long legacy. It’s a diverse legacy. It has the jewel in the crown of medicare, but it’s far, far beyond that.”

He listed Douglas’ work establishing labour and human rights codes, establishing the first arts board, and his work on rural electrification.

“Which is a very practical but absolutely fundamental building block of being able to live a successful life in rural Saskatchewan,” said Goodale.

Like many who were around to see him speak, Goodale also praised Douglas’ communication and oration skills, not to mention his use of humour.

“He would tell you where to do and how quickly, and you would enjoy the trip,” said Goodale.

Even with that, Goodale said the principles for which Douglas stood were always the most impressive thing.

“Tommy Douglas was not a theoretical politician, he made things happen.”

Tommy Douglas served as an MLA in Saskatchewan and served five terms as Premier. He also served as an MP in B.C. for about 16 years.

He created and made changes to numerous social welfare programs, but is probably best known as the father of the Canadian healthcare system.