History
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.This Month in
Herstory
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This Month in Canadian Herstory:
December
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December 2, 1989
Audrey McLaughlin became the first woman in Canada to lead a federal political party, when she was elected leader of the New Democrat. She was voted in as a Yukon MP in 1987, and just two years later became leader of her party. After the NDP lost its official party status in the 1993 election, Audrey McLaughlin decided to resign as party leader. She became a member of the Privy Council in 1991.
Agnes MacPhail, 1921
(Kelsey Studio/Library and Archives Canada/C-006908) |
December 6, 1921
Agnes MacPhail was elected as a federal MP, becoming the first woman in Canadian history to sit as a member in the House of Commons. Way to go Agnes! She had taught school in rural Ontario before becoming interested in politics, and joined the United Farmers of Ontario. As the first woman MP in Ottawa, Agnes had a tough time at first because her every move was scrutinized--but she became an accomplished parliamentarian who served as a fine role model for the other Canadian women who followed her.
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December 6, 1989
In a tragedy now known as The Montreal Massacre, an irate young men screaming "I hate feminists." gunned down female engineering students at the École Polytechnique. The madman shot 27 women, and 14 died. The federal government later set up the Panel on Violence Against Women, and December 6 is now The National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Violence Against Women.
More from the CBC Archives.
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December 11, 2006
Speedskater Cindy Klassen won the Lou Marsh Award.
Watch a TV clip from CBC Archives.
A self-portrait of Emily Carr, ca. 1938. National Gallery of Canada.
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December 13, 1871
Artist Emily Carr was born in Victoria, British Columbia. She became one of the most accomplished painters in Canada and also an award-winning writer.
More in our Biography section.
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December 23, 1983
Jeanne Sauvé was appointed as the Governor General of Canada, marking the first time that a woman had been named to the post. Mrs. Sauvé, who was installed as the 23rd Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada in the spring of 1984, noted that this was "a magnificent breakthrough for women."
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