The development of health insurance in England has its origins in concern by employers that a labour shortage would develop as illness and disease spread through the rapidly expanding industrial towns in the 19th century. In Canada, the move by the government to health insurance was brought about by growing working-class Socialist struggle.

Dr. Marion Hillard (1902-1958), toronto, Ontario, 1957. Photographer: Walter Curtain, National Archives of Canada, Neg no.PA137107.