Kiefer Sutherland to Unveil Tommy Douglas Statue

Kiefer Sutherland to Unveil Tommy Douglas Statue

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 | 11:10 AM CST

Kiefer Sutherland, shown in September 2007, is the son of Canadian actors Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland. His mother is the daughter of late politician Tommy Douglas, whose stature will be unveiled in Weyburn, Sask., Friday. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press)

Television action star Kiefer Sutherland is coming to Weyburn, Sask., to unveil a statue of his late grandfather, politician Tommy Douglas.

Sutherland will be representing Douglas's daughter Shirley Douglas, who is Sutherland's mother, and the rest of the family Friday at the unveiling of a statue of Douglas in the city of Weyburn.

Widely known as the father of medicare, Douglas served as Saskatchewan premier from 1944 to 1961, ushering in Canada's first socialist government as leader of the CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation). He later served as leader of the federal NDP, the national successor to the CCF.

Douglas represented the Weyburn constituency during his time as premier. He died in 1986.

The bronze statue of Douglas was created by Czech-born sculptor Lea Vivot, who'll be there at the unveiling at 3 p.m. CST Friday.

Sutherland, 43, the Emmy-award winning son of Canadian actors Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland, is best known for his portrayal of Jack Bauer in the Fox TV action series 24.

Sutherland was also reported to have been interested in playing Tommy Douglas in CBC's 2006 television biography, a role that eventually went to stage actor Michael Therriault.

Weyburn, a city of 9,433, is 68 kilometres southeast of Regina.

Source: cbc.ca