Extraordinary Canadians: Tommy Douglas

Extraordinary Canadians

by Vincent Lam

Tommy Douglas was a Scottish-born prairie politician who believed in the enormous potential of co-operative action for the common good. Award-winning novelist and medical doctor Vincent Lam brings special insight to his portrait of Douglas, who grew up to become a champion boxer and a Baptist minister and then later exchanged the pulpit for a political platform. A powerful orator and tireless activist, he served for seventeen years as premier of Saskatchewan, where he introduced the universal health care program that would eventually be adopted across Canada . As the new leader of the New Democratic Party, he was a staunch advocate of programs aimed at improving the well-being of ordinary Canadians and a steadfast defender of civil liberties. By his example and unflagging efforts, Douglas made democratic socialism a part of mainstream Canadian political life.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Canada, Politics, Biography Memoir, Ebooks

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jacob Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Not a very critical look at Douglas, but an incredibly informative one. An impressive man, and one that we have to thank for a lot of the comforts we enjoy in Canada today. It's really quite astounding how relevant the reforms Douglas was pushing for in the 30's and 40's are today.

[Ty Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very well-written biography! I learned a lot I didn’t know. I could hardly put it down!

[Jon Coutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible bio of an incredible political life. We're seeing how a cooperative society can be undermined in a generation; Tommy Douglas modeled the hopeful vigilance required. I'd love to see prairie churches do social gospel again.

[Fern Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book about someone I've always admired was a pleasure to read - very well-written. Though I knew most of it, having lived through it, I really enjoyed being reminded of the events and the accomplishments of his life. He was an energetic wiry character who worked fast, hard and long hours throughout. He had a wonderful wife and he would stop for dinner with her every day but then worked again for hours into the night. Even in his later years, his colleagues said he ran from one task to another and was hard to keep up with. He is part of the reason Canada is a wonderful place to live. He is the father of Medicare even though the Liberals like to claim they were the ones who brought it in. Truly an extraordinary Canadian.

[Mary-Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked it but a previous biography by Doris Shackleton had more of his quotes and witty one liners

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touch over-enthusiastic at times, in the end this is a solid, informative primer on a great figure in Canadian political history. Canada's became a center-left nation starts with the influence of Tommy Douglas, and this little bio succinctly explains the why-and-how of this transformation.

[Eagle Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accessible look at the life of one of Canada’s most influential political figures. Covers all the big Tommy Douglas events and goes into detail when needed.

As someone who wasn’t too familiar with Douglas prior to this read, my biggest gripe is the lack of criticism of Douglas. No one is perfect, and this book seems to paint him that way. There was one instance where the author mentioned Douglas once supported some eugenics-adjacent ideas, but they kinda glossed over it which is bizarre.

The father of Canadian healthcare and the first leader of the NDP, Douglas has undeniably had a major impact on the country. This book is an-depth look at that, but I’m left curious about what his flaws were.

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent Lam offers a competent, relevant biography of a Canadian leader whose impact continues to benefit us today. Tommy Douglas may never have held much power in the federal government, but his nearly 2-decade run as premier of Saskatchewan, the example he set, and the party he founded continue to win by influencing policy and politics. As an immigrant (nearly 20 years now), I wanted to better understand the man who helped bring universal health insurance coverage to Canadians, the ideals he intended in founding the New Democratic Party (NDP), and the context in which he operated. Mr. Lam delivered on these fronts. My only criticism is that Lam's text is at times almost laudatory and I'd have preferred a more critical analysis of Douglas' failures and mis-directions. Four stars.

[Ashleigh Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter your political stripe, there are good reasons to read this book. Almost all Canadians know who Tommy Douglas was, but anyone who reads this book will truly understand why he is still discussed decades after his death. Whether or not you support the ideas behind the CCF and the NDP, it’s fascinating to see how and why it came together. A large part of the reason why this book is so successful is Vincent Lam’s writing. He breathes life into history, giving context to events and firmly placing Canada on the world stage. As a reader new to historical non-fiction and biography, I had no problem following along and grasping the sweeping visions of times past.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping, clear, and easy-to-read biography about the political accomplishments of Tommy Douglas. Vincent Lam's writing shines - he masterfully shows how Tommy's vision of the CCF party (and his visionary accomplishments as Priemer of Saskatchewan) shaped the political landscape of the 60s without inserting any biases. Lam writes specifically about how Mr. Douglas became the driving force of the implementation of the ideas of the CCF and NDP parties, and ideas that we are still proud of today - healthcare, pensions, progressive taxes, dual languages, and even our flag. A concise read that gives a well-researched overview on the political life & accomplishments of Mr. Douglas.

[David Kitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Partly this was due to the fact I grew up in Saskatchewan and lived through Tommy Douglas's introduction of universal Medicare there. The opposition especially from doctors was fierce. Yet today, though appreciated by Canadians, this achievement is often taken for granted. Tommy's Christian faith and lived experience shine through especially in his early years.
This book is an excellent counter to the right wing extremism we see rampant today.

[Sam Wollenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and ideologically insightful highlight of Douglas’ life. Lam strives at making perhaps somewhat mundane political history enthralling for the reader and I found it was a quick read for that reason.

Any Canadian currently dismayed at the scope of our political landscape should definitely read this for inspiration of how democratic socialism can thrive in Canada.

[Cyrus Molavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed to know about Tommy Douglas' life!

I was struck by how recently this all went down. Growing up, it felt like universal health care had been a thing for a hundred years. But nope.

I picked up a few ideas about Canadian politics and some key events in our recent history, too.

[audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know much about Tommy Douglas other than he was a Saskatchewan Premier, NDP leader and that he founded our healthcare system. This was a really insightful read on his life and legacy as well as Saskatchewan history. Greatest Canadian indeed.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like a pretty great man. If only politicians (and humans in general) were still like Douglas.

[KendraLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true Canadian hero!

[Astrid Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

liberals love to talk about how he balanced the budget

[Jeannine Silvestrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Vincent Lam's portrayal of Tommy Douglas's life full of revealing facts and humourous anecdotes that made the reading of it come alive. Also, Lam did an excellent job of extensive research on the topic which opened up the behind the scenes workings of the provincial and federal government systems of Douglas's era. Lam's concise writing style kept me involved and in suspense as to how Douglas was going to handle the meriad of. Of course, Tommy's direct approach and political smarts had a lot to do with that too! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn a detailed history of the private/public person of Douglas and the political landscape of his era, as well as having the enriching experience of reading Vincent Lam's extraordinary non-fiction writing.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I could have done without some of Lam's extrapolations on the effects of Douglas' influence. I'm definitely not saying that I disagree with anything he wrote; I just prefer to come to these conclusions myself through the presentation of the facts. I suppose we can't trust all readers to make those connections, though?

Overall, I think Vincent Lam did great justice to Tommy Douglas' story. I loved getting to know the connections between Tommy's personal life and his political beliefs and determination. I also really appreciate Lam's inclusion of anecdotes that colour Tommy's story all the more, like what he said to then NDP MP hopeful Bob Rae in 1978.

If you can, read this book in our nation's capital and plan to eat lunch at the Colonnade on Metcalfe after you finish it. :)

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent Lam provides a good thematic overview of the life and achievements of one of the most influential citizens in Canada's history. It provides a unique insight into the political history of my home province, and the profound impact the CCF/NDP had on the development of my country. I was inspired by Douglas's vision, his profound belief in social democracy, and his unwavering certainty that in the end, reason will trump hysteria. It is easy to be discouraged with the world we live in and be cynical about the motivations and actions of those in government. This book is a great starting point for anyone interested in seeing political life as a way to make the world a better place.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to learn more about Tommy Douglas, and the history of Saskatchewan. It was amazing to me to learn more about how the Saskatchewan I know and love came to be. I think Lam did a great job of researching and interviewing and connecting to people who were close to Douglas. I also liked how he didn't gloss over some of Douglas' shortcomings or weird idiosyncracies.

He really tried to understand the man, and what shaped his life. When I first started the book, I felt that the author didn't really understand Saskatchwan, but this changed by the time I finished the book. I think he did a really good job.

[Erica B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure I want to give it a 5, but for sure over just a 4. Should be essential reading for Canadians, and recommended for everyone. A short easy biography of a great man. Amazing to read about his insights on racism and sexism so long ago. Very much a visionary and am glad he achieved what he did. Sorry he could not be around forever, and wish more leaders and politicians were like him today. Also easy to see how in a round about way he "created" Jack Bauer. Too bad Keifer had that whole drinking and driving problem and isn't quite as stand up as his grandfather. Neat to get tiny tidbits about Keifer's childhood as well.

[Donna B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Douglas' stance on the imposition of the War Measures Act during 1970's October Crisis was highly derided at the time. He took a big gamble on his political future by standing up for his strongly held ideals, and he & the party paid a high price in the polls. However, seems that through the lens of history, he was precisely correct. This section of the book was the most gripping for me, even over the evolution of Medicare. I would recommend this book.

[Scott Neigh]

A straightforward narrative biography of Tommy Douglas (not, contrary to the Goodreads entry, of LaFontaine and Baldwin) written in easy, energetic prose. The analysis is fairly superficial and uncritical but it's still an accessible and useful telling of one prominent life devoted to a particular form of social change in Canada.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm ashamed to say that when Douglas was voted the greatest Canadian of all time I had no idea who he was. So, now I do. This is the second book I've read from the extraordinary Canadians series and they are short books which provide an introduction to the person in question however this was a little dry.

[Michelle Sangster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Canadian should read this book. It's an amazing journey that Tommy Douglas must take in order to integrate universal healthcare into Canadian society. There will never be enough credit given to The Greatest Canadian.

[Jeffrey Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Just like the rest of the series. Every Saskatchewanian, and Canadian should read this.

[Raimo Wirkkala · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better entries in this series on "Extraordinary Canadians". Quick, easy, informative read that actually has led me to more expansive bios of Tommy Douglas.

[Harry Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick easy and very enjoyable read for a .Sunday

[Michael Wiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tsk a is a really good introduction to Tommy Douglas and a period of Canadian politics. There are certainly more in depth biographies, but this was a good Sunday afternoon read.