Toronto - Ralph Nader, renowned American consumer advocate and former U.S. presidential candidate, will present a lecture entitled, "Publicly Funded Healthcare and Its Preservation in Canada," at the Great Hall, Hart House at the University of Toronto on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 7 pm.

This lecture is part of the Tommy Douglas Distinguished Lecture Series and is a fundraising event to support the undergraduate Health Studies Program at University College at the University of Toronto.

This event will also commemorate the founding of universal health care in Canada in 1962 by the late Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas who was voted as the Greatest Canadian by CBC Television viewers in 2004. Mr. Nader will be introduced by Shirley Douglas, O.C., daughter of the late Tommy Douglas. Following the lecture, a VIP reception will take place at a private venue with Mr. Nader and leading Canadian healthcare advocates.

Honored by Time magazine as "One of the 100 Most Influential Americans of the Twentieth Century," and recently as "One of the 100 Most Influential Figures in American History," by The Atlantic, Ralph Nader, has devoted his life to giving ordinary people the tools they need to defend themselves against corporate negligence and government indifference.

With a tireless, selfless dedication, he continues to expose and remedy the dangers that threaten a free and safe society. Recently the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary, An Unreasonable Man, he has also written numerous best-selling books including: Winning the Insurance Game; Why Women Pay More and Getting the Best from Your Doctor. At his lecture at U of T, Mr. Nader will comment on the considerable misrepresentation of the Canadian healthcare system during the debates surrounding the healthcare reform proposals in the United States.

Founded in 2001, the Health Studies Program at the University of Toronto aims to be at the forefront of the discussion around health, well-being and healthcare. The program of courses, research and community interactions are training a new generation of young Canadians who will understand how fairness and equality produce healthy, prosperous communities. Combined with a strong academic course of study, the Health Studies Program helps develop graduates with skills rooted in the promotion of social justice.

Tickets for the Ralph Nader lecture are $19.62. VIP tickets to attend the lecture and post-lecture reception are $196.20. Tickets can be ordered by calling 416-978-8849 or by visiting www.uofttix.ca.