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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.
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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. -
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. -
Women over 21 who are British subjects win the right to vote in federal elections. This was a huge shift in political recognition. -
Agnes Macphail becomes the first woman elected to the House of Commons, showing progress in women’s political participation. -
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. -
The Court rules that women are not "persons" in the legal sense. This decision highlights gender bias in the law. -
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. -
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. -
In 1929, the British Privy Council ruled that women were "persons" under the law, allowing them to hold Senate positions.
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The Canadian government creates the Royal Commission in response to growing concerns about gender inequality in the workforce and society. -
Established in 1967, the Commission examined the status of women and recommended steps to ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of Canadian society.
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The Commission publishes a 488-page report with 167 recommendations addressing gender discrimination, pay equity, and childcare. -
Though implementation is slow, the report influences government policies on equal pay, maternity leave, and women’s rights advocacy. -
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is passed, guaranteeing equality rights in law, including protection from gender discrimination. -
Enacted in 1982, the Charter guarantees equality rights, prohibiting discrimination based on gender.
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The Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s abortion law, marking a significant reproductive rights victory under the Charter. -
Women win several court cases ensuring equal pay for equal work, using Section 15 of the Charter to argue discrimination. -
The Charter continues to be used in cases related to domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and equal opportunity rights.