Tommy Douglas, the father of Canadian Medicare, born on this day 120 years ago
NDP Leader Tommy Douglas speaks at a news conference in Ottawa, June 30, 1968. The Federal Court has ordered the government to reconsider its decision to withhold parts of a secret RCMP dossier on socialist trailblazer Douglas. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Bregg)
On October 20, 1904, Thomas Clement (Tommy) Douglas was born in Falkirk, Scotland.
After moving to Canada with his family at age 15, Douglas became a Baptist minister and settled in Weyburn, Sask., in 1930.
The suffering he witnessed during the Depression prompted him to join the fledgling Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and win a Commons seat in 1935.
Tommy Douglas speaks to the media in Ottawa on July 25, 1969. An RCMP source passed information to Mountie spies about talks between politician Tommy Douglas and actress Jane Fonda on efforts to stop the Vietnam War, newly declassified documents reveal. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chuck Mitchell)
In 1944, Douglas became the Saskatchewan CCF leader and led the party to a landslide victory that made it North America's first socialist government.
During the next 17 years, the Douglas government pioneered Medicare and numerous other programs.
Tommy Douglas receives a standing ovation while arriving at the Palace Theatre to address an NDP rally in Hamilton, Ont. on June 11, 1968. (The Canadian Press)
After the CCF was reorganized as the New Democratic Party in 1961, Douglas served as its first federal leader for 10 years and remained an MP until 1979.
He died of cancer in Ottawa on Feb. 24, 1986.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state 'a great idea'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
After scamming their victims, some con artists go on to scam our courts with impunity
Convicts, including fraudsters, are skipping out on their court-ordered payments to their victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars across the country, according to figures obtained by CTV W5.
There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island targeted by alleged arson
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
The barriers and benefits as a global bank looks to branch out in Canada
It's not every day, or even every decade, that a big foreign bank decides to have a go at Canada's retail banking market. But Spain's Banco Santander is poised to be among the few that have tried as it nears the all-clear to expand in Canada.
NEW
NEW These seniors were hit by the affordability crisis in a different way. They're having to support their children and grandchildren
With the high cost of living increasingly a concern, some seniors are making sacrifices to help their adult children and grandchildren make ends meet. Here are some of their stories.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
5 family members found dead at Utah home and 17-year-old hospitalized with gunshot wound
Five family members including three children were found dead in a home in Utah on Tuesday, and another, age 17, was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound, police said.
Verdicts are due in the historic French rape trial that turned Gisele Pelicot into a feminist hero
French judges plan to deliver hugely anticipated verdicts this week in a historic drugging-and-rape trial that has turned the victim, Gisele Pelicot, into a feminist hero.
Regina
-
Snowfall warnings issued for southern Saskatchewan
Canada's federal weather service has issued snowfall warnings for most of southern Saskatchewan Tuesday.
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state 'a great idea'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall heading to parts of Manitoba
A blast of wintry weather is heading to Manitoba on Wednesday, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall coming to parts of the province.
-
Fire at Brandon mall forces store closures, Santa picture cancellation
A fire at Brandon’s Shoppers Mall on Monday has forced the closure of several stores and the cancellation of Santa pictures for the season.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Family escapes north Edmonton house fire
A family of five escaped a house fire in north Edmonton early Wednesday morning.
Calgary
-
Voters head to polls to fill vacancy in byelection in Lethbridge, Alta.
Voters head to the polls today to pick a new legislature representative in Lethbridge-West.
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
Lethbridge
-
Voters head to polls to fill vacancy in byelection in Lethbridge, Alta.
Voters head to the polls today to pick a new legislature representative in Lethbridge-West.
-
Lethbridge businesses counting on a strong holiday shopping season
Local businesses have been seeing plenty more foot traffic over recent weeks, as shoppers head to downtown Lethbridge to pick up holiday gifts.
-
Lethbridge residents react to Canada Post operations resuming
Lethbridge residents will see mail begin moving again, now that Canadian postal workers are heading back to work.
Toronto
-
Restaurants who charge tax during holiday break could get investigated by CRA: industry expert
Restaurants who fail to honour the holiday tax break could be investigated by the Canada Revenue Tax Agency, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
-
Toronto recreational soccer team calls on league to change gender inclusion policy
A recreational soccer team in Toronto says controversy surrounding its league's gender policy, which temporarily excluded non-binary players from women's teams, has sparked a bigger conversation about accessibility and support for LGBTQ+ athletes.
-
Snow in the forecast for Toronto after mild start to week
Snow is on the way after a stretch of mild weather in Toronto.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
-
Ottawa police looking for missing teenager who could be in the Toronto area
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help locating a 15-year-old who was last seen last month, and who’s believed to be in the Toronto area.
-
'We have nowhere to go:' Brockville, Ont. woman seeking OHIP coverage for rare nerve disease
Sadie van Ravenhorst, diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease, a rare neve disease, is hoping OHIP will cover her surgery.
Montreal
-
Quebec doctors Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Joe Schwarcz appointed to Order of Canada
Numerous Quebecers, including former footballer Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and McGill University's Dr. Joe Schwarcz, were among those appointed to the Order of Canada.
-
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island targeted by alleged arson
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
-
Quebec to tighten obligations for family medicine groups
Family medicine groups will soon have to set aside a minimum number of spots for patients with minor health problems who receive a referral from an emergency department.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Kelowna
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
-
Paramedic threatened at knifepoint inside Kelowna ambulance station, union says
The union representing ambulance paramedics in B.C. is calling on the province to beef up security after they say a knife-wielding woman attacked a worker.
-
Car stolen, fleeing suspect found hiding in basement in Kelowna, B.C.
Mounties have arrested a suspect who allegedly stole a car in Kelowna, B.C., before fleeing on foot and hiding from police in the basement of a home.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
London
-
Structure fire in Goderich leads to highway closure
According to OPP Highway 21 is closed between Newgate Street and Nelson Street.
-
Vehicle fire next to London building
Officials say a transport tractor is on fire in the area of 295 Waterloo St. "with exposures."
-
Power restored, gas leak isolated after vehicle strikes building in London
Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
-
Cambridge kitchen fire results in serious burn injuries
One person was taken to hospital with serious burns after a fire Tuesday at a Cambridge apartment complex.
Northern Ontario
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says it has 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
N.L.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
