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In 2004, the CBC polled Canadians on who they thought had the most profound impact on the country’s history. Former Saskatchewan Premier and federal NDP Leader Tommy Douglas was crowned “Greatest Canadian,” ahead of Canadian cultural icons and Prime Ministers. But what did Douglas do to deserve this title?
In this episode, Broadbent Research Fellow Dave McGrane looks at Douglas’ legacy, and outlines ten notable contributions to Canadian society that still resonate today that came from his leadership of Saskatchewan’s first CCF government. McGrane argues that Canada would be a much different country than it is today, and more similar to the United States, if it were not for Douglas and his CCF government in Saskatchewan.
Social Democrats of the North: Canadian Visions for Justice & Equality from Confederation to the Quiet Revolution is a podcast series from Perspectives Journal by Broadbent Research Fellow and Editorial Committee Member Dave McGrane.
Dave McGrane, Professor of Political Science at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan, explores the life, times, and ideas of Canada’s most influential social democrats. From Confederation at 1867, to the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, discover the people who shaped social democracy in Canada, the movements that fought for the working-class, and the legacies they’ve left for the wellbeing of all Canadians. There are lessons for activists, and forgotten struggles that apply to today’s wins. After all, the best teacher for a better world tomorrow, is the past.
Social Democrats of the North is a Perspectives Journal Podcast series, published by the Broadbent Institute.
Host & Episode Research – Dave McGrane
Producer – Clement Nocos
Theme music note
The tune of US folk song “John Brown’s Body” is used extensively for militant labour movements and group marching, referencing US abolitionist John Brown. The tune has evolved into a number of variations, including ‘The March of the Workers’ in the Labor Reform Songster (1892) by Ontario labour leader Phillips Thompson (Social Democrats of the North Episode 2).
Battle Hymn of the Republic medley by Marisa Anderson is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
