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Women's Suffrage Movement
The suffrage movement aimed to grant women the right to vote and participate in politics. It gained momentum during WWI as women took on roles traditionally held by men. -
Women Win the Vote in Prairie Provinces
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta become the first provinces to grant women the right to vote in provincial elections. This marks the beginning of legal change in women's political rights in Canada. -
Military Voters Act
Women serving in the military and nurses gain the right to vote federally. This was a wartime measure that began to expand federal voting rights. -
Federal Suffrage for Most Women
Women over 21 who are British subjects win the right to vote in federal elections. This was a huge shift in political recognition. -
First Woman Elected to Parliament
Agnes Macphail becomes the first woman elected to the House of Commons, showing progress in women’s political participation. -
Famous Five Launch Petition
The Famous Five petition the Supreme Court to interpret "persons" under the BNA Act, arguing that women should be allowed to sit in the Senate. -
Supreme Court Rejects Petition
The Court rules that women are not "persons" in the legal sense. This decision highlights gender bias in the law. -
British Privy Council Overturns Ruling
On October 18, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK overturns the Supreme Court’s decision and declares that women are indeed "persons" and can hold Senate office. -
Persons Case
Although it fits into Event 2, the Persons Case marks the end of this period with women finally being recognized as "persons" under the law. -
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The Persons Case
In 1929, the British Privy Council ruled that women were "persons" under the law, allowing them to hold Senate positions. -
Commission Established
The Canadian government creates the Royal Commission in response to growing concerns about gender inequality in the workforce and society. -
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The Royal Commission on the Status of Women
Established in 1967, the Commission examined the status of women and recommended steps to ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of Canadian society. -
Final Report Released
The Commission publishes a 488-page report with 167 recommendations addressing gender discrimination, pay equity, and childcare. -
Policy Reforms Begin
Though implementation is slow, the report influences government policies on equal pay, maternity leave, and women’s rights advocacy. -
Charter Enacted
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is passed, guaranteeing equality rights in law, including protection from gender discrimination. -
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Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1983-present)
Enacted in 1982, the Charter guarantees equality rights, prohibiting discrimination based on gender. -
Morgentaler Decision
The Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s abortion law, marking a significant reproductive rights victory under the Charter. -
Pay Equity Legal Wins
Women win several court cases ensuring equal pay for equal work, using Section 15 of the Charter to argue discrimination. -
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Ongoing Legal Challenges
The Charter continues to be used in cases related to domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and equal opportunity rights.