Fathers — in the literal sense — raise their children while passing on knowledge, morals and wisdom. But there are also men who are the fathers of ideas, some of which can change history.
Throughout the history of Saskatchewan, a number of men in positions of power have cemented themselves as prominent “fathers” of the province.
Thomas Walter Scott
When Saskatchewan split from the Northwest Territories and became its own province in 1905, Ontario-born politician, Walter Scott, won a majority government and shouldered the responsibility of developing the nation’s newest province.
But as historian Dr. Bill Brennan explains, he was perhaps most enthused about creating an impressive capital building.
“Arguably Walter Scott’s most important gift to the people of Saskatchewan is that stately building on the other side of Wascana Lake,” Dr. Brennan said.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan’s first premier Walter Scott honoured
In his 11-year tenure as premier, Saskatchewan’s first top official created policies that have lasted to this day.
READ MORE: A list of Saskatchewan premiers
Thomas Clement (“Tommy”) Douglas
Nearly 30 years after Walter Scott’s premiership, another prairie politician went on to change not only Saskatchewan’s history, but also the country’s.
“He took the first big step, and it was a big step.”
Thomas “Tommy” Douglas is widely known as the father of Medicare. Serving 17 years as pemier (1944-1961), he enthusiastically pushed for government-funded health insurance. After substantial struggle, Douglas pushed universal health care in Saskatchewan close to reality. That program was launched by Woodrow Lloyd in 1962 following Douglas’ switch to federal politics.
But as Dr. Brennan explains, Douglas’ influence on Canada’s modern Medicare system can’t be understated.
“Other provinces followed Saskatchewan’s lead and eventually national Medicare becomes the law of the land,” Dr. Brennan said.
“It changed the nation. Not many premiers can make that claim.”
Louis Riel
Before Douglas and Scott was one of the nation’s most well-known and controversial politicians.
“The debate over what Riel tried to do for the Métis in Manitoba and the North West Territories continues to percolate away,” Dr. Brennan said.
Louis Riel is credited with bringing Manitoba into confederation, and fighting for the rights of Métis Canadians.
While he wasn’t originally from Saskatchewan (then the Northwest Territories), he has left a major impact on Métis people in the province and across the country.
In 1884, Riel arrived in Saskatchewan to organize the Métis for what became the following year’s North-West Rebellion.
WATCH: Guy Michaud plays Louis Riel for 30 years
The rebellion earned Riel the black mark of a traitor. He was subsequently hanged in Regina in 1885. Over the years, Riel’s rebel image has been celebrated for the values he championed.
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