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Tommy Douglas

Broadcast Date: Feb. 25, 1986

At the age of 81, Tommy Douglas succumbs to cancer. He is remembered as an innovator who brought massive change to the province of Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada. Once considered a socialist radical, Douglas and his ideas eventually gained mainstream acceptance. "Douglas doesn't have to kiss babies, babies kiss him" one reporter said of the charming and feisty preacher on the campaign trail. In this CBC Television report, Douglas is remembered as an adventurous politician with tremendous foresight.
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Tommy Douglas

• In 1983 an ailing Douglas struggling with cancer rallied his party one last time. "We're not just interested in getting votes," he said passionately. "We are seeking to get people who are willing to dedicate their lives to building a different kind of society."

• Douglas ran in a total of six provincial and 10 federal elections. He won 11 of his 16 electoral races.

• Douglas said in a 1964 interview with CBC Radio that he would like his epitaph to read "He liked people."

• Douglas was buried in the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. His epitaph reads "Courage my friends, 'tis not too late to make a better world."

Tommy Douglas

Medium: Television

Program: The Journal

Broadcast Date: Feb. 25, 1986

Guest(s): Shirley Douglas, Stanley Knowles

Reporter: Bill Cameron

Duration: 10:27

Last updated:
Aug. 19, 2009