Saintly Canadian Politician?

There aren't many books about saintly Canadian politicians.  And even fewer books for children about these exceptional people.

But Beryl Young tells the story and Joan Steacy has illustrated the text about Canada's "greatest Canadian of all time," as established by a national CBC television vote - Tommy Douglas - a Baptist minister, a Premier of Saskatchewan, a leader of the national New Democratic Party, and the father of Medicare for all Canadians. 

For learners of any age who want to know more about this Scottish-born Canadian hero, this colourful graphic helps the story come alive.  Rooted in his personal experience as a boy, Tommy the injured boy  persevered to become the political leader to make the vision happen. 

Medicare

The vision was and remains simple:   every Canadian is entitled to health care when needed and everyone contributes through taxes to make a healthy populace.   Lack of money should never be block people from receiving the best of medical treatment the nation can provide.   

Canadians everywhere know the importance of universal Medicare for their lives.   It is a core value of the Canadian dream.   In spite of ongoing efforts by monied corporate and political interests to nibble away at the universal, single-payer health care system and the lack of political will to include pharmacare, dental care, and mental health care, Canadians tenaciously embrace the Douglas vision.

Tommy knew from personal experience that money obstacles to medical care could result in being crippled, invalided, or dying prematurely.   The generosity of a doctor saved him from having his leg amputated confirming that good medical care is crucial for life to flourish.   Generosity - of all for all - is at the core of the health care system.

Understanding the Socio-Economic System

His work as a minister in Weyburn during Depression years made it clear to him that people were suffering because of the bottom-lined Capitalist  economic system and this was not the Gospel's intent.   

Graduate studies in Chicago confronted him with the brutality of the system.  Thousands of "hobo jungle residents" were eking out a hopeless existence.   As one old railroader told Tommy, "Sonny, you can't do anything to help us, there's nothing you can do.  But go back to this school of yours, and work, and see that this doesn't happen again."     (cited in John Oussoren, "From Baptist Preacher to Social Gospel Politician:  T.C.Douglas' Transition."  VST Chalmers Institute monograph #3 1998, p. 33, quoting L.M. Thomas "The Making of a Socialist", U of Alberta Press, 1982. p. 64.)

Social democratic convictions and allies led to political action to prevent "this" happening again.   Medicare was for Tommy the crucial point in the ongoing struggle for greater social justice and a more equitable society.   Douglas' faith, knowledge, wisdom, humour, energy, and tenacity made it happen.

But there is still a long way to go before social justice reaches the lives of all people.    His dream shared with Shirley his then teenage daughter is far from realized:   "My dream is for people around the world to look up and see Canada like a little jewel sitting at the top of the continent." (in the postscript of the book).

A Hero's Book

The book is a welcome help for children to get to know this Canadian saint and hero.   Perhaps his story will move a child to realize they too could help make our country "a little jewel" of sharing, caring, and justice on the continent contributing to peace and well-being for all.

A great gift for birthdays or Christmas.   

Beryl Young, author; Joan Steacy, illustrator.   "A Boy Named Tommy Douglas".   Midtown Press, 2022.  ISBN 978 1 988242 41 5.   Available at most book stores.  Price 19.95 hard cover.

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Thanks to Mary Sanderson for introducing the book to me and appreciation to my brother, Rev. Dr. John Oussoren, for his OISE/U of Toronto doctoral thesis, "From Preacher to Politician:  T. C. Douglas' Transition"; and  for the VST Chalmers Institute Monograph cited above.