Societal Change

Tommy Douglas was premier of Saskatchewan as a leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, which would eventually become today's NDP in Canada. He would introduce universal healthcare in the province, ending up in federal politics as well, and the federal government followed his example in health care. One of his campaign signs and one of his hats can be seen here.

In addition, he was the father of actress and activist Shirley Douglas. Her son is the actor Kiefer Sutherland. I see a resemblance.

Society underwent momentous change in the years following World War Two, particularly with the baby boom, cultural change, and newly emerging technology.

This is the dress of Marjorie Gehl. Her father was a Canadian diplomat posted in the American south. During the centennial year, Marjorie made this evening dress and wore it to several functions.

Multiple Canadian institutions were created or strengthened after the war. This included Canadian born governor-generals, an act to firmly establish Canadian citizenship and passports, the Supreme Court becoming the final avenue of appeal in legal cases, and the creation of the Order of Canada.

As the Sixties began, the debate over a distinctly Canadian flag took shape.

There were over 1200 designs. Prime Minister Lester Pearson was part of the efforts in favour of a distinctly Canadian flag.

This is the sewing machine used to make some prototypes for the final decision. The Canadian flag we know today was the result.

1967 was the centennial year for Canada, with many events held across the country, but Expo 67 in Montreal was the biggest.