Women In Canada

Viola Desmond

1946

Viola Desmond confronted the racism that people of color faced, when she refused to move from her seat in the “whites-only” section of the Roseland Theatre. Because of this remarkable event she was the first non-royal person on a canadian bank note

All Canadian women were given the right to vote

1960

All women were given the right to vote in all federal elections, In 1960 before the Canadian elections act First nations women could not vote unless they gave up their treaty rights and Indian status. All women including indigenous women are currently allowed to vote in all federal elections at the legal age of 18.

Réjane Laberge-Colas, first woman appointed as a judge to a superior court

1969

Reberge Laberge-Colas was a Canadian activist who fought for the rights of women and children, in relation to family law and domestic violence. She was the first woman in Canada to be appointed as a judge to a superior court. She also became the queen's council in 1968.

Women’s rights were enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

1981

Women’s rights, making sure there is equality before and under the law, were enshrined in the new Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This has stayed the same currently because the charter of rights and freedom continues to protect the rights of women and make sure they are treated equally and fair under the law.

Jean Augustine

1993

Jean Augustine holds historical significance because she was the first Canadian woman of color elected to the Parliament of Canada. She has made contributions to Canadian society through her political and social work.