'father of universal health care' voted Greatest Canadian . . .

[OneBlueSky]

an interesting indication of what people really value . . . at least in Canada . . . and I can't help but think that the concept would be greatly valued here, if done correctly . . .

Tommy Douglas 'father of universal health care' voted Greatest Canadian
John Mckay
Canadian Press
November 30, 2004

http://www.canada.com/news/national/story.html?id=14b47624-84f3-4f4f-8832-5bfc319c5648

TORONTO (CP) - T.C. (Tommy) Douglas, former Saskatchewan premier, former leader of the federal New Democratic Party and touted as the father of the country's universal health-care system, has been voted The Greatest Canadian.

The late politician emerged victorious in the public contest initiated by CBC Television this fall and which climaxed in an hour-long prime-time special Monday night. "I feel that Tommy Douglas is getting the recognition he deserves," declared a jubilant George Stroumboulopoulos, the TV host designated as Douglas's official advocate. "When we started this campaign in the summer, folks had never even heard of Tommy Douglas."

Douglas's victory came at the end of a show in which the other advocates were asked to throw their support, political leadership convention style, to another candidate when theirs was voted off. But it was a moral support only, not affecting the public tally.

- more . . .

http://www.canada.com/news/national/story.html?id=14b47624-84f3-4f4f-8832-5bfc319c5648