Passion or Profession: Minister and Founder of Socialized Health Care

Period: 1904–1986

Douglas went to school to study religion and he started his career as a Baptist minister. However, when many community members came to him for help during the Great Depression, he became involved in social causes, and ultimately, politics. He eventually was elected premier of Saskatchewan in the first socialist government elected in Canada. He resigned to join the national government, and he was able to push through a medicare program that served as the foundation for socialized health care in Canada.