Many say the best things in life are free, like family and love. But without health, nothing in this world matters. Thomas Clement “Tommy” Douglas, known as “the father of health care,” was one of Canada's most captivating politicians who was not elected prime minister. (Canadian Health Coalition: Tommy Douglas). He was born in Falkirk, Scotland, and moved to Winnipeg when he was 15. (The Canadian Encyclopedia). He never gave up on his dreams and persevered until his voice was heard. (The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan). Many have described Tommy Douglas as a small man with a huge personality. His impressive interaction skills, his light touch, and the support of millions of Canadians helped him offer Canadians something that stronger, more powerful nations could not: universal health insurance. (Douglas Coldwell Foundation). In addition to introducing universal health care to Canada, he passed several pieces of legislation such as the Trade Union Act, which improved workers' compensation and also increased the minimum wage. (CBC: Canada, “A People’s History”). Tommy Douglas was the best Canadian because he introduced universal health care to North America, led the first democratic socialist government in North America, and established several labor laws that helped the Average Canadian to have a better quality of life. Tommy Douglas was considered the best Canadian. best Canadian because he was the first to introduce universal hospitalization in North America. First, when Douglas was 10 years old, his leg was infected and his parents couldn't afford to amputate it. Luckily, a local surgeon offered to operate on his leg if his class was allowed to watch. Douglas said that this circumstance brought him to the middle of the newspaper in Canada to ensure that Canadians did not have to suffer due to their low income. He passed the first “Universal Hospitalization Act” in North America. Douglas put Canada ahead of many powerful countries in terms of hospitalizations. As premier, Douglas implemented numerous labor laws that gave Saskatchewan workers a better quality of life with higher pay, fixed hours and a union council. Douglas also founded the New Democratic Party of Canada, which was the official opposition in 2011. Tommy Douglas changed the face of Canada in many impressive ways. He wanted to see others do the same. In one of his speeches, he declared with intensity: “Man can now fly in the air like a bird, swim under the ocean like a fish, he can burrow in the ground like a mole. If only he could walk the earth like a man, it would be heaven. (Smart Quotes.)