After the end of the Second World War, Canada was in a state of reconstruction, both socially and politically. The conclusion of this terrible war brought a will and need for change. The government and its citizens took vows to implement progressive change for the future of the country. Among thousands of people who started gradually working towards causes to make a difference, some reformists attracted more attention to the eyes of Canadian citizens as well as the Federal Government. A particular activist, who started her campaigning even before the beginning of WWII, achieved the most progress for her cause during the years after the war. Due to her work dedicated to women’s rights in Canada, especially in Quebec, and her impressive political …show more content…
Mrs. Casgrain, a reformist, activist, feminist and politician, was born in Montreal, Quebec on the July 10th, 1896 to a wealthy family. He father, Rodolphe Forget, was a lawyer and conservative politician. As she grew up in a politically involved family, naturally, she married liberal politician, Pierre-François Casgrain in 1916 at the age of 20 (Stoddart 2001). Casgrain began her career as an activist fairly early since she had such an influential political background. Throughout her lifetime, Casgrain has achieved many goals to positively impact Canadians. Here a few examples to demonstrate her success.
As her first conquest, Mrs. Casgrain led the Ligue des droits de la femme from 1928 until 1942 (Stoddart 2001). The purpose of the non-denominational organization was intended to draw attention to the serious discrimination existing against all women, especially in the Province of Quebec (Casgrain and Monk 1938). She fought relentlessly against women’s suffrage; Women obtained the right to vote federally in 1918 after the First World War, but they only gradually through time, were able to vote at the provincial
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She wrote and published ‘Une femme chez les hommes’, an autobiography as well as a novel of her struggle and success throughout her career. She became co-president for the Women’s Surveillance Committee for the Wartime Price and Trade Boards during the Second World War. Casgrain also ran as an Independent Liberal Candidate in the Charlevoix-Saguenay region which also happened to be the seat previously held by her father and her husband (Stoddart 2001). She finished second to Frédéric Dorion (Wikipedia 2016). She continued her efforts and ran for office from 1952 until to 1963, though she was defeated every time. After these consecutive loses, she turned things around and in 1946, joined the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, now known as the NDP and soon became the leader of the Québec wing from 1951 until 1957. At this point, Mrs. Casgrain was making her mark in Canadian politics, being the first woman in history to lead a political party. All the while heading a healthy political career, Casgrain founded the Québec branch of Voice of Women in 1961(Stoddart 2001), an unbiased organization with aspirations to end war and violence and to promote peace (Macpherson 2001). Mrs. Thérèse Casgrain fulfilled many other achievements, but one in particular she may be very proud of as well was her appointment to the Senate of Canada in 1970 at the age of 74 (Edimage.ca 2016). In her book, ‘Une femme
In Canada, women make up slightly more than half of the population. However, throughout Canadian history and modern day, women are needing to stand up for themselves and other women to bring about change. Canadian women are strong and have the power to work together and bring about change. Jennie Trout stood up for Canadian women that wanted to be in the medical field, women during WWI made a difference in their lives by entering the workplace and standing for their right to work, Nellie McClung was a leader for women’s suffrage, and The Famous Five campaigned and won The “Persons” Case allowing women to be considered persons under the Canadian Constitution. These women were instigators of change. Change for women only occurs when ambitious and courageous women stand up for a difference that they deserve.
Canadian history consists of many memorable moments, including many great leaders that helped Canada become what it is today, like the well-known Louis St. Laurent. He was born on Feb. 1st, 1882 in Compton, Quebec, and died on July 25, 1973 in Quebec City (Coucil, 13). Louis St. Laurent was raised in a mixed family, with a French - speaking father, and English - speaking Irish mother, and was fluently bilingual. He studied many years in law, where he graduated from law school, at Laval University in 1914, and had been a successful corporation lawyer (“St-Stephen, St. Laurent”). Laurent entered politics a lot later in his years, as he became older; however he still managed to have a large impact on Canada, and achieved many accomplishments. Louis St. Laurent was an extremely important, and well-respected politician, because he helped resolve the conscription crisis from 1940-1944 (,Pickersgill,14), and prevented the government and cabinet from collapsing, which would have caused the society to fall apart at the time, he was involved in the establishment of the Canada Council, which introduced support for Canadian arts, to help Canada separate from the influence of American culture (Jocelyn), and lastly he welcomed Newfoundland into confederation in 1949 (“Newfoundland History”), which was a large accomplishment because of the failures Many other politicians experienced in trying to do so before.
In the year 1957, Canada elected its first Prime minister without English or French root, John Diefenbaker. While growing up in the city of Toronto, because of his German name, he was often teased. [1] He grew up as an outcast, and so he was able to relate to the discrimination and inequality many of the minorities in Canada felt. This essay will attempt to answer the question: To what extent did Prime Minister John Diefenbaker help promote equality to the minority communities. . The minorities in this time period were the women, aboriginals, and immigrants. During his time as the Prime Minister, he was able to help protect the rights of this group because many of their rights were being abused by the society. Diefenbaker also helped the minorities to stand up for themselves and other groups. Diefenbaker was able to bring positive change to the minority communities by making an official Bill of Rights and appointing people of discriminated groups to the parliament while other members did not.
Annie McClung introduced Nellie McClung to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, W.C.T.U.. Annie McClung, “showed Nellie the urgency for women’s rights in the issues of temperance and female suffrage” (****-1981). Soon, Nellie became a temperance leader herself and joined the W.T.C.U.. This involvement would prove to be a huge aspect in Nellie McClung’s life, one that could contribute to her legacy in Canadian history. From this guidance of Annie McClung, Nellie was also introduced to being a speaker and the campaign of universal franchise. In addition to the deep social concerns Annie McClung brought into Nellie’s life, she also introduced Nellie to her son, Wesley McClung.
Before World War I, equality for woman and men were very unfair. Woman weren’t even legally “persons”; they weren’t allowed to join parliament or the senate because they weren’t legally “persons”, therefore these jobs were occupied by men only. During World War I and World War II, many men had left for war, thus meaning there were many job openings that needed to be occupied as soon as possible, women then began to take on stereotypical male jobs which men thought women couldn’t do or couldn’t do as well. Women showed their capabilities and realized they shouldn’t be considered less than men. In retaliation of not being considered “persons”, women decided to take action. The famous five brought the persons case upon the supreme court of Canada in 1927, which was finally determined by Judicial Council of Britain's Privy Council in 1929. The “persons” case involved women not legally being “persons”. After the famous five won the case, women were legally considered “persons” then women began to join important jobs such as members of parliament and the senate. Along with becoming “persons”, women were beginning to get their right to vote in provinces slowly. In 1916, four provinces gave women the right to vote provincially and, finally, in 1940, the last province (Quebec) gave women the right to vote provincially. Later, in World War II, there was another change in
The discrimination suffered by the “ethnic Canadians” increased during the war was inflicted by both society and the government. An example of the discrimination suffered by “ethnic Canadians” is Sarah Mann, a Canadian-German living though World War 1. Before the people of the town knew she was of German descent, she lived a normal life. But, that all changed when they found out; they vandalized her house by breaking the windows, painting harsh words in red paint or blood, which is overall person to person discrimination. However, throughout the war, it was not just the Canadian-Germans who suffered from discrimination, all ethnicities either than English-Canadian or French-Canadian. Also, they did not only receive discrimination through vandalism, and other person to person discrimination, “ethnic Canadians” faced discrimination by the Canadian government. The governments’ discrimination was caused by the pressure of frightened public experiencing panic because of the Great War. Therefore, the government took action by passing the Wartime Elections Act and the Wartime Measures Act. The Wartime Elections act meant the “ethnic Canadians” would lose their right to vote. The “ethnic Canadians” would also be put into concentration camps or have to register to the police on a regular basis. The historical significance...
"Social Movements in Canada." Web log post. Social Movements in Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. .
In the years after 1870 there were many reasons for the development of the women’s suffrage movement. The main reasons were changes in the law. Some affecting directly affecting women, and some not, but they all added to the momentum of Women’s campaign for the vote.
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
The contentious little book titled Women, Power, Politics maintains politics to be devalued, acknowledging the fact that only few people do vote, and women are unable to achieve within the realm of Canadian politics. Sylvia Bashevkin, the author of the book argues that Canadians have a profound unease with women in positions of political authority, what she calls the "women plus power equals discomfort" equation. She evaluates a range of barriers faced by women who enter politics, including the media's biased role of representing the private lives of women in politics, and she wonders why citizens find politics is underrepresented in Canada compared to Belgium. In clear, accessible terms, Bashevkin explains her ideas on how to eliminate “low voters turn-out,” “devaluation of politics,” "gender schemas," and "media framing.” She outlines some compelling solutions to address the stalemate facing women in Canadian politics which are; contesting media portrayals, changing the rule of the game, improving legislative quotas, electoral reform, movement renewals, and so on. This response paper would addresses the reality of a political mainstream, actions which should be taken against the oppressive elements of reality, and the awareness it brings through economic, social, and political environment.
MacLean, Nancy. A. The American Women's Movement, 1945-2000. A Brief History with Documents. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, a.k.a.
...nadian women could no longer be denied the access to education, equal pay, employment, and their rights. At last, after a century, Canadian women had gained the rights they fought so hard to possess.
During the 1920’s, life in Canada was rapidly changing. For instance, there was a growing material abundance. Seven out of ten homes now had hydroelectricity, thanks to the Queenston hydro-electric power house operating. With many Canadian installing electricity it seemed as though every day a new product that would make one’s life easier was invented. Take the vacuum cleaner, or dishwasher, even the refrigerator and table lamps for example, all of which revolutionary products invented during the 1920’s. In addition, women were also know encouraged to lead double lives. Margaret Fea wrote in The Chatelaine, “Every woman should have as distinctly dual a life interest as has the average man … Women, too should have a double life.” With the help of women's rights activist’s like Nellie McClung, women now had more opportunities than ever before.
In the 1960’s and 70’s, historians evaluated and it was realized that change happens by “ordinary citizens compelling national debates about America's founding principles… Alice Paul gained increasing attention as a commanding figure who reshaped the suffrage landscape and spurred victory” (Zahniser). Alice’s accomplishments were looked over later and it was recognized that this ordinary citizen had changed the entire feminist and suffrage movement. She impacted half of the population by achieving women’s suffrage and moving on to helping others by writing the Equal Rights Amendment and starting the NWP (“Suffragette City”). Olympe de Gouges was also looked over in her time, only thought to be a minor play write, but upon later research, it was realized that she paved the way for suffrage in modern day France (Hesse). “Gouges's Declaration of the Rights of Woman received little attention upon its initial publication in 1791... It is only since the 1970s, with the renewal of the feminist movement in France, that Gouges has begun to receive scholarly and public recognition as one of the political founders of modern France” (Hesse). A true hero leaves an impact on the future, even if it is not recognized at the time. Alice Paul and Olympe de Gouges definitely impacted many people’s lives and helped pave the way for feminism, suffrage and minorities’
On the 8th of November 1894 Maria Grant enthusiastically introduced Lady Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks Aberdeen and her new National Canadian Council of Women to a large public meeting celebrating her and her husband’s, the Governor General of Canada, visit Victoria, BC. On stage beside her were a number of government officials and religious supporters as well as a large crowd of men and women, many of whom represented the various societies, associations, and unions which had worked together to organize this moment. Both the Colonist and Standard featured the story on their front pages citing Grant’s call to ‘unite women of all nationalities, creeds and societies together’ as a perfect reflection of the Council of Women’s beliefs. However it is not this phrase that historians or even contemporaries focused on for their understanding of the Council. The rest of Grant’s speech and Lady Aberdeen’s response to it, are traditionally mined for phrases such as ‘womanhood’, ‘unity’, ‘women helping woman’, women helping society’, morality’, and the’ Golden Rule’ and despite the apparent openness to women of all kinds in their speeches, historians e...