Addison C.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

What I have learned from this project is summed up by Tommy Douglas' most famous quote. "Courage, my friends; 'tis not too late to build a better world." If one is determined and courageous enough, anything can become a reality. In Tommy Douglas' case, his constant determination has changed Canada to a better place.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Universal healthcare, the staple of modern day Canadian identity. Little do most people know, Tommy Douglas was the one who made it possible. Proposing the idea as early as the year of 1961, he was no successful, but failing did not stop him. Tommy Douglas pushed for more, even while out of office, he was influential enough to make his universal healthcare plan a reality. The first universal healthcare plan established, is only one out of the handful of accomplishments made Tommy Douglas.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Modern day Canada, life today, is only what it is thanks to Tommy Douglas. Many of the increased benefits we have in our country were first established by him. Many live the comfortable life they do, thanks to Tommy Douglas. Looking at the people today compared to those during the 1930s (the time Tommy Douglas was first into politics), we have it way better. The Great Depression played a major part in Saskatchewan, and many other plains areas of Canada. Many families fell into poverty, as workers were cut, and money was significantly harder to earn. Tommy Douglas in many ways, helped both the people back then and today.