It was a move that shaped the future of healthcare in Canada.
On July 1, 1962, the Saskatchewan Medical Insurance Act came into effect against the wishes of the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons (SCPS) led by president Dr. Harold Dalgleish. Fearing backlash for the medical profession, Dalgleish called on Premier Woodrow S. Lloyd to repeal the act. When the government refused, Saskatchewan doctors took action.
For 23 days, they went on strike, calling out fundamental conflicts. Thousands marched on the grounds of the Legislative Building in Regina, protesting the government's stand in the health care crisis. The history-making strike led to the development of publicly funded health care in Canada. It has been called the most significant strike of the 20th century. The Saskatchewan Doctors’ Strike of 1962 has since been designated a national historic event.
Learn more about 100 Years of CKRM at 620ckrm.com.
100 Years of Saskatchewan History
This article is part of a series that celebrates both the history of Saskatchewan and the 100th anniversary of one of Saskatchewan's most storied radio stations. For more key moments from the last 100 years, visit the CKRM timeline.
