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Tommy Douglas, 1904-1986 Premier of Saskatchewan and leader of The New Democratic Party - Chronology
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Tommy, Shirley and Irma at home in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, after 1944 election

Tommy, Shirley and Irma at home in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, after 1944 election
Saskatchewan Archives Board
R-B2908-1

Tommy Douglas opens a bowling tournament, 1952

Tommy Douglas opens a bowling tournament, 1952
Photo: Olive B. Roberts
Saskatchewan Archives Board
R-B6541

Tommy Douglas at opening of the University of Saskatchewan Hospital, 1955

Tommy Douglas at opening of the University of Saskatchewan Hospital, 1955
Photo: Len Hillyard
Saskatchewan Archives Board
R-B2876-1

Tommy Douglas, outside Parliament, surrounded by media and crowd, Ottawa, April 22, 1971

Tommy Douglas, outside Parliament, surrounded by media and crowd, Ottawa,
April 22, 1971

Photo: Murray Mosher Photography
5906 0I 32

1904
Born on October 20 in Falkirk, Scotland.

1910
Douglas family emigrates to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

1911
Suffers from osteomyelitis and nearly loses a leg.

1914–1919
Returns to Scotland. Leaves school early to
work in a factory

1919
Douglas family returns to Winnipeg. Works as apprentice in a printing plant and witnesses
the Winnipeg General Strike.

1930
Marries Irma Dempsey, with whom he has two daughters. Appointed pastor of the Baptist Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

1933
Attends inaugural convention of the socialist
Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF).

1935
Is elected federal Member of Parliament for Weyburn.

1944
Is elected Premier of Saskatchewan.

1961
Introduces medicare to Saskatchewan. Resigns
to become Leader of the federal New Democratic
Party (NDP), which replaces the CCF.

1971
Resigns as NDP Leader and is appointed energy
critic for the party.

1986
Dies on February 24 in Ottawa.

Tommy Douglas is elected to Parliament, 1935

Tommy Douglas is elected to Parliament, 1935
Saskatchewan Archives Board
R-A5739-3

Tommy Douglas rides in a dog derby at Hudson Bay Junction, 1955

Tommy Douglas rides in a dog derby at Hudson Bay Junction, 1955
Photo: Gerry Savage Saskatchewan Archives Board
R-B2858-3

Saskatoon election campaign, 1962

Saskatoon election campaign, 1962
Saskatchewan Archives Board, StarPhoenix Collection
S-SP-B5228-4

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