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How Did Tommy Douglass Change Laws

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Forces that Change Laws: Tommy Douglas Hallmarked as one of the greatest Canadians, Tommy Douglas is credited with Canada’s nationwide universal healthcare program and the creation of the New Democratic Party [NDP]. To apply a single legal theory to his accomplishments would be difficult, however his progressive policies for the common individual resembles the closest to John Locke’s philosophy. Tommy Douglas’ work in advocating for equal accessibility to healthcare and financial aid is very similar to Locke’s arguments that the government should secure the natural laws of every human, namely the right to life, property and freedom (Uzgalis). To explore the close relationship between John Locke’s theory and Tommy Douglas’ endeavors, one must …show more content…

This was especially true when he witnessed firsthand the horrors of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike (Reb). Growing up, he went into politics where he gradually accumulated influence from voters in Saskatchewan’s provincial election to lead the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation [CCF] to form the first socialist government in North America (Bonikowsky). His leadership was often challenged by his political opponents that hailed him as a communist or even a fascist with their aggressive propaganda. However, Tommy responded strategically through radio telecasts that made use of his remarkable oratory skills to secure his seat as Saskatchewan’s premier for 17 years (Wong). Tommy’s humanitarian ideology made Saskatchewan a leader in progressive social policy that is still reflected through the NDP today. During his period in his office, he unionized many workers through the passing of the Trade Unions Act (1985), increased old age pensions and welfare benefits, and introduced the Saskatchewan Bill of Rights Act (1947) that affirms many of the fundamental human rights that is now reflected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) (“Tommy Douglas Achievements”). Clearly, Douglas fought for equality in the working class by securing rights that previously only the elites enjoyed. Likewise, Locke theory revolves around the idea that everyone was born equal and that the entire point of government was to protect humankind’s natural laws; this can easily apply to Douglas’ accomplishments in politics. It is evident that Douglas put the needs of the people first, advocating for civil liberties and beneficial programs that preserve the natural laws of freedom and a good life for everyone. All in all, Tommy Douglas clearly reflects Locke’s legal theory on a government’s role through his benevolent

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