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Rights in Canada
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Women in Canada Eligible to Vote
All female citizens of Canada over the age of 21 are eligible to vote in federal elections. -
Women in Canada & House of Commons
In July of 1919, women in Canada earn the right to stand for the House of Commons. -
Dominion Elections Act
This act was established in Canada under Prime Minister Robert Borden. The Dominion Elections Act gave almost all women the right to vote in federal elections. Aboriginal women and other small minorities were excluded. -
First Women Elected to the House of Commons
In 1921, Agnes Macphail became the first woman in Canada to be elected to the House of Commons. Agnes Macphail was a long time advocate for women's rights. She said, "I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality." -
Women Granted Right to Hold a Seat in the Senate
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The Persons Case
The "Famous Five", Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Edwards challenged the Supreme Court of Canada that the term "person should include women. They lost the case, however when taken to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of London, they won. Women were now legally considered "persons" in Canada. -
The United Nations is Created
The UN is formed on this day. Canada is one of the original members. The main goals of this international organization are solving economic, social, and humanitarian problems, as well as "to save future generations from the scourge of war". -
New Immigration Policy
During this year, Prime Minister Mackenzie King liberalized Canada's immigration policy. Over 2 million newcomers are welcomed into Canada from all over the world, as well as 250,000 immigrants from Europe. -
The Declaration of Human Rights
The Declaration of Human Rights is drafted on this day by the United Nations Human Rights Commission. This declaration outlined the rights and freedoms which all people in the world should receieve. Not only was Canada among the signing nations, but Canadian-born John Humphrey, was a primary drafter of the document. -
Canada Changes its Immigration Policy
During this decade, Canada's immigration policy changed drastically, eliminating race, religion, and national origin from grounds to refuse an immigrant. Prior to his, Canada only allowed "desirable future citizens" to enter Canada, meaning Western European immigrants only. -
The Canadian Human Rights Act
The Canadian Human Righst Act was passed by the government on this day. The Prime Minister at the time was Pierre Trudeau. This act protected all citizens from harassment and discrimination based on sex, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, colour, and much more.
