The rights that women enjoy in Canada today are connected to the efforts and contributions of the suffragette movement dating back to the early 1900’s. The role of women in society has evolved tremendously over the years and this can be directly associated with the duties they performed during World War I and II, the impact of the Famous Five and the Persons Act, and finally, the work of the women’s suffrage movement and the granting of the right to vote.
The role of women changed dramatically during World War I as they evolved from the primary role of homemaker of the family to taking on a variety of positions that men occupied as they went off to war. These roles included working as police officers, postal workers, farmers and munition factory workers. They also spent a lot of their time preserving and conserving food, volunteering their services and raising funds for hospitals, aircrafts and hostels. By World War II, women had enlisted in the military and served as nurses, machine operators, cooks, radar operators and secretaries. As women demonstrated their ability to take on many of the positions that men had historically filled, they became increasingly aware of the lack of equality within society. It was time to take a stand.
The right to vote represented an important step forward of gender equality. It gave women hope for the opportunity for better education, healthcare and employment. As a result of the dedication of the women’s suffrage group, women in the four western provinces were finally granted the right to vote and run for office in the provincial elections in 1916 (Élections Canada). The province of Ontario followed in 1917, and the maritime provinces followed shortly thereafter. Quebec was the final province to grant women the right to vote in 1940 (Élections Canada). While this was a gesture of equality, it did not include asian and indigenous women until 1960 (Senate of Canada). The right to vote was a very important accomplishment because it was a significant milestone in the quest for women’s equality.
The Famous Five and the Person’s Act helped lead the way for all women in Canada today. They created a petition stating that women should be legally created “persons”. In 1927, the Famous Five – Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Marryat Parlby, Louise Crummy McKinney and Henriette Muir Edwards presented their case to the Supreme Court of Canada. They were denied. The Famous Five were determined and delivered their case to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain and won. On October 18, 1929, the Famous Five succeeded and won the right for women to be declared as “persons” and serve in the Senate (cbc.ca). This event was a turning point for women in Canada and October 18th will forever be known as the Person’s Day.
Agnes Macphail and Nellie McClung were two female figures that played a large part in defining equality for women. Agnes Macphail was a Canadian politician from Ontario. She was the first female Member of Parliament in 1921 when she was elected to the House of Commons (thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/agnes-macphail). Agnes was a strong believer in gender equity and was known for being a courageous politician that stood her ground, believing that women are people and should have the right to vote. Nellie McClung was a women’s rights activist, legislator and author and was a member of The Famous Five. Nellie is recognized as being one of Canada’s most influential leaders, helping women to secure the right to vote. She continued to be an important member in Canadian politics, fighting for human rights and social reform until her death in 1951 (nelliemcclungfoundation.ca).
The development of women’s rights in Canada, including the suffrage movement, were important events in creating gender equality. While society has become more inclusive, there are still some inequalities. The Black Lives Matter cause is an ongoing example, focused on racial inequality, as all people should be treated equally, no matter their skin colour. Today, it will take modern day leaders like the Famous Five to create awareness around this topic.
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