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Tommy Douglas, Canadian funny-man
Tommy Douglas was the most influential politician never to be elected Prime Minister. He pursued his radical ideas relentlessly until they became so mainstream rival politicians claimed them as their own. Called a communist and threatened by in-party fighting, Douglas battled hard to bring the New Democratic Party to legitimacy in its first ten years. He was often criticized for his singular idealism but through it all Douglas was undeterred, convinced that he was helping to create a better, more humane society. In 2004, Douglas was voted number one in CBC's The Greatest Canadian contest.
• In 1981 Douglas was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. He was recognized for his government's "new initiatives in the arts, health, industry, road building, energy and justice. Later, as federal leader of the New Democratic Party, he continued his strivings in the wider arena."
Program: Five Nights
Broadcast Date: Feb. 11, 1976
Guest(s): Tommy Douglas
Reporter: Frank Filmore
Duration: 14:10
Photo: Lieut. G. Barry Gilroy / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-138035
Last updated: March 7, 2012
Page consulted on April 18, 2013
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