What if Tommy Douglas had failed?

In the February/March issue of Canada’s History, Christopher Moore takes us through an exercise of alternative history in his article “Canada without Medicare.” Moore asks readers to consider the Canada of today if the 1962 doctor’s strike in Saskatchewan had succeeded and Tommy Douglas’ vision of a socialized healthcare system was shattered. It’s a great way for having students think through this influential event and to understand all the forces that came together to make it a reality. You can pick up an issue on the newsstands or buy a copy today.

We have some more resources you can use to teach about the history of Canada’s health care system. As you explore the resources, here are some of the questions your class may woish to discuss:

• What were some of the arguments made by supporters of medicare? What were some of the arguments made by its opponents? Which do you find more convincing? (Hold a debate in your class!)
• How did events in the 20th century (urbanization, industrialization, the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, eg) lead to changes in Canada’s health care?
• To what extent did different groups and individuals (women, doctors, Tommy Douglas, etc) affect the campaign for socialized health care in Saskatchewan and Canada?

Making Medicare

"Making Medicare" is a virtual exhibit from the Canadian Museum of History that chronicles the history of health care in Canada. The scope of the content is extensive, covering the Canadian experience since 1914 and touching on the history, economics, and key individuals that helped shape today's health care system.

The Fight For Medicare

This video from the NFB provides a good history of Medicare and looks at how Saskatchewan – with its history of pioneering and rural cooperation – became the birthplace of socialized health care.