The Saskatchewan doctors' strike of 1962 was a pivotal 23-day labor action aimed at halting the implementation of universal medical insurance in the province. The origins of Medicare can be traced back to a significant speech made by Premier Tommy Douglas in Birch Hills in 1959. This speech, delivered during a by-election campaign, was where Douglas first announced the groundbreaking Medicare plan. The idea quickly became the central issue of the 1960 provincial election, which Douglas's Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) government won.
Despite strong opposition from the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Bill was passed in late 1961. After Douglas stepped down to lead the newly formed federal New Democratic Party, his successor, Woodrow Lloyd, faced enormous pressure to abandon the plan. When the Medicare program officially took effect on July 1, 1962, approximately 90% of Saskatchewan's doctors went on strike, closing their offices in protest.
The government responded by bringing in doctors from outside the province to maintain healthcare services. The strike ended on July 23, 1962, with the 'Saskatoon Agreement,' which allowed doctors to opt out of Medicare, increased fee payments, and gave them more representation on the Medical Care Insurance Commission. The failure of the strike ensured the continuation of Medicare, and the Saskatchewan model was adopted nationwide within a decade. Although the strike contributed to the defeat of Lloyd's government in the 1964 provincial election, the program became so popular that even the opposing Saskatchewan Liberal Party promised to expand it.

Type of Data Point - Website/Blog Post

Learn about the Saskatoon Agreement of 1962 - Family Doctors for Ontario

Visit page of City/Town - Birch Hills

Inserted: 26-08-2024 18:08:38