I'm sure that the standard of public morality we've helped build will force government in Canada to approve complete health insurance.

In this quote, Tommy Douglas expresses his confidence that the standard of public morality in Canada will push the government to approve complete health insurance for all citizens. Douglas, a pivotal figure in Canadian politics and often regarded as the "father of Medicare," believed that a strong public moral commitment to fairness and equality would ultimately lead to the implementation of a universal health insurance system. He suggested that public opinion and the collective ethical stance of the population would be a driving force behind government action.

Douglas is highlighting the role of public morality—the shared values and ethical beliefs of society—in influencing government policy. By emphasizing that the moral expectations of the people would shape the actions of the government, he implies that a fair and just society would naturally demand access to healthcare for all, regardless of personal financial circumstances. His belief was rooted in the idea that providing healthcare should be a fundamental right, not a privilege tied to income or status.

The quote also points to Douglas’s long-standing advocacy for universal healthcare, which culminated in the establishment of Medicare in Saskatchewan in 1962 and eventually became a model for the entire country. His vision for complete health insurance reflects his deep commitment to social justice, where access to healthcare would not be restricted by one's ability to pay. Douglas saw healthcare as a moral issue, advocating for the government to act in the public's best interests by ensuring that everyone received the care they needed.

Ultimately, Tommy Douglas’s quote reflects his belief in the power of public pressure and moral values to influence political change. His advocacy for Medicare and universal health insurance was grounded in the conviction that a just society would demand equality in healthcare access. His efforts to build public support for such a system were ultimately successful, shaping the Canadian healthcare system as one of the world's most well-regarded models of universal care.