A new generation claimed Tommy Douglas as their own in Weyburn last week. Kiefer Sutherland fans came out in droves to see the Hollywood star pay tribute to his iconic grandfather and forced them to consider what Tommy meant to our city, province and country.
Those who never had the privilege of hearing the famous orator speak and those too young to remember his politics were reminded at the unveiling of the bronze statue erected in Tommy?s honour that ?the Greatest Canadian? came from Weyburn. Well, he didn?t actually come from Weyburn, he was born in Scotland, but he did begin his political career here - a career that brought free healthcare to Canada.
While some believe that too much focus was put on Sutherland that day, I disagree. People can?t help but be fascinated by the rich and famous, especially when it comes to entertainers. That?s just the kind of publicity it takes to get some people?s attention.
In any case, it doesn?t matter why young people have a renewed interest in T.C. Douglas, just that they have an interest at all. Being an important figure in history just isn?t enough to spark the imagination of someone who wasn?t even born while Douglas was alive, but having a famous grandson who just finished starring in his eighth season on primetime T.V. definitely helps.
Most young people don?t even know what the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) was let alone what it meant to the development of Saskatchewan.
We all talk about Tommy?s connection to universal healthcare but little mention goes to the fact that CCF was instrumental in building our Crown Corporations, which modernized Saskatchewan by expanding electricity and telephone service, the highway system and the use of natural gas as a heating source.
I think that the actor, whether he realized it or not, made us all feel a little bit special that day. The country turned their attention to us for our proverbial ?15 minutes of fame? and we got to remind Canada that Thomas Clement was voted ?greatest Canadian? in 2004 because he had the greatest impact on our country, and his legacy began right here.
I think Kiefer?s visit will help increase young people?s interest in the history of Weyburn, the province and country solely through his connection to T.C. and I think it?s better late than never.
In the words of the late, great Douglas: ?Courage, my friends; ?tis not too late to build a better world.?
