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The British Matrimonial Causes Act
The British Matrimonial Causes Act was adopted by Canada and allowed women to divorce their husbands if they were unfaithful. Before, it was seen as commonplace for men to be unfaithful so they would have to have abused or deserted their wives before the wife could divorce them. -
First University Degree
Grace Annie Lockhart attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick and earned the first university degree by a women in Canada and the entire British Empire. She received a bachelor's degree in Science and English literature. Her achievement prooved that women had the capability to excel in education and should have full rights to higher shooling. -
The International Council of Women
The International Council of Women(ICW) was founded and remains the oldest transnational women's organization. Canada was one of the first of 9 nations to join the ICW and the participation of the dominion influenced the creation of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC). The NCWC was founded in 1893 that helped influence women's rights movement in the country. -
The Married Women's Property Act
Married women in Manitoba gained the same legal rights as a man to own property. Before, when a woman got married, her property became vested in her husband. -
Military Voter's Act
Women who are in active service to Canada gain the right to vote. Aboriginal women and women not currently residents in Canada but serving Canada were included. This also comprised of both women serving in the armed forces and working as nurses. -
Women's Right to Vote
An Act to confer the Electoral Franchise upon Women was the act that allowed all women who were British subjects in Canada, 21 years old or older, the right to vote. Asian women and Aboriginal women were excluded. All provinces followed this act soon after it was created except Quebec which didn't give women the right vote until 1940. -
The Persons Case
The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously decided that women were not "persons" who could hold office as senators. A year later, the Famous Five, Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Muir Edwards and Louise Crummy McKinney, took the case to England where The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned the decision of the Supreme Court. -
Asian Right to Vote
The Dominion Elections Act was repealed which included race as a reason to exclude people from federal voting. The right to vote was extended to Asian citizens of Canada, both male or female. -
The Female Employees Equal Pay Act
The federal government of Canada passed The Female Employees Equal Pay Act which entitles women to be paid the same wage as men. Paying less due to sexual discrimination is outlawed. -
Aboriginal Right to Vote
Prime Minister Diefenbaker pushed legislation to allow Aboriginal people, both men and women, to have the right to vote in federal elections. Before, First Nations people had a conditional right that allowed them to vote only if they give up their treaty right and aboriginal status. The new legislation illiminated those conditions. -
Royal Commission on the Status of Women
Ontario activist Laura Sabia led a coalition of 32 women's organizations that campainged for the government to discuss the status of women. Prime Minister Pearson instituted The Royal Commision on the Status of Women which investigates the status of women and makes recommendations to the government to ensure equality for women.
