Tommy Douglas was a well-known social activist and politician in Canada who was dedicated to healthcare reform. He was born in Scotland in 1904 and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was a small child. Throughout his life, Douglas gained not only political clout but also the respect of common Canadians who appreciated his empathy.

Douglas's statement regarding the burial of individuals, including a fourteen-year-old girl who passed away from appendicitis, emphasizes the human element of healthcare reform and policy. It emphasizes how people and communities can be personally impacted by medical care—or lack thereof. Douglas's profound empathy for people harmed by subpar healthcare systems is evident in this statement.

Think of healthcare as a garden, where each plant stands for a person's overall health. Strong and healthy growth is guaranteed when plants are given the right care. However, many plants wilt and die early in places with inadequate resources or knowledge about proper care (such as places with limited access to healthcare). Douglas witnessed firsthand the needless suffering and loss that could result from inadequate medical care.

These encounters inspired Douglas to advocate for publicly funded, universal health care. He felt that regardless of socioeconomic background, everyone should have equal access to high-quality medical care. This idea led to the establishment of Medicare in Canada, a program that offers all citizens full health insurance coverage.

Tommy Douglas wanted to change that garden by his advocacy and actions so that no plant suffers from neglect or a lack of resources. His contributions have had a lasting impact on healthcare policies as well as public perceptions of social responsibility and community care in Canada and abroad.