Case study: Women – language learners version

Context card

Context card	Source: Reg Innell, Toronto Star Photo Archive	In 1867, only men could vote in elections. In the decades that followed, women formed groups to fight for equality and the right to vote. Women’s groups focused on getting the right to vote at the provincial level. The first successes came in 1916 when Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta gave women the vote. Two years later, in 1918, the federal election law changed to give women the same voting rights as men. This did not mean that all women could vote in federal elections. Some women were still barred from voting for other reasons such as their racial background. It was not until many years later that all Canadian citizens got the right to vote in federal elections.

Black and white photograph of a young women placing her ballot in a metal ballot box, while smiling. — Source: Reg Innell, Toronto Star Photo Archive

In 1867, only men could vote in elections.

In the decades that followed, women formed groups to fight for equality and the right to vote. Women’s groups focused on getting the right to vote at the provincial level. The first successes came in 1916 when Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta gave women the vote.

Two years later, in 1918, the federal election law changed to give women the same voting rights as men. This did not mean that all women could vote in federal elections. Some women were still barred from voting for other reasons such as their racial background. It was not until many years later that all Canadian citizens got the right to vote in federal elections.

Activity cards

1867	Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA-091061	At Confederation, you can vote only if you: are male are at least 21 years old own property Women cannot vote in federal or provincial elections.

1867

Black and white photograph showing a group of men, including Sir John A. MacDonald, gathered on steps holding their top hats. — Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA-091061

At Confederation, you can vote only if you:

are male
are at least 21 years old
own property

Women cannot vote in federal or provincial elections.

1876	Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA-028033	The National Council of Women is created to fight for women’s right to vote. Women create similar groups across Canada.

1916	Source: Foote and James, Archives of Manitoba, PR1967-43, N9905	Manitoba is the first province in Canada to allow women to vote. Some women are still not allowed to vote for reasons other than their gender. Women in Manitoba took civic action to achieve this success. Over 40,000 people signed the final petition for women’s voting rights.

1916

Black and white photograph showing four women seated around a table. On the table is a large stack of paper. — Source: Foote and James, Archives of Manitoba, PR1967-43, N9905

Manitoba is the first province in Canada to allow women to vote. Some women are still not allowed to vote for reasons other than their gender.

Women in Manitoba took civic action to achieve this success. Over 40,000 people signed the final petition for women’s voting rights.

1917	Source: William Rider-Rider, Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada, PA-002279 (modified from the original). Colourized image courtesy of the Vimy Foundation.	During the First World War, these women are allowed to vote in federal elections: Canadian women in the military Women related to men in the military In this photo, Canadian military nurses vote while serving in France.

1917

Photograph of a group of female military nurses lining up and voting outside during the First World War. — Source: William Rider-Rider, Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada, PA-002279 (modified from the original). Colourized image courtesy of the Vimy Foundation.

During the First World War, these women are allowed to vote in federal elections:

Canadian women in the military
Women related to men in the military

In this photo, Canadian military nurses vote while serving in France.

1918	Source: The Grey Roots Archival Collection	Canadian women win the right to vote in federal elections. Some women are still not allowed to vote for other reasons such as their racial background. One year later, they win the right to be a candidate for the House of Commons. Agnes Macphail is the first woman elected to Parliament, in 1921.

1918

Black and white photograph of Agnes Macphail, seated. — Source: The Grey Roots Archival Collection

Canadian women win the right to vote in federal elections. Some women are still not allowed to vote for other reasons such as their racial background.

One year later, they win the right to be a candidate for the House of Commons.

Agnes Macphail is the first woman elected to Parliament, in 1921.

1940	Source: André Larose, Library and Archives Canada, PA-178194	Quebec gives women the right to vote in provincial elections. It is the last province to do so after opposing the idea for decades. It took the work of activists like Thérèse Casgrain to make this change.

1940

Black and white photograph of Thérèse Casgrain. — Source: André Larose, Library and Archives Canada, PA-178194

Quebec gives women the right to vote in provincial elections. It is the last province to do so after opposing the idea for decades.

It took the work of activists like Thérèse Casgrain to make this change.

1960	Source: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, John G. Diefenbaker fonds MG 411, JGD 3636	All First Nations people, women and men, are given the right to vote in federal elections. Before this, they could vote only if they gave up their Treaty rights and status. Here, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker greets a First Nations woman and child in Yellowknife.

1960

Black and white photograph showing Prime Minister John Diefenbaker shaking hands with a First Nations woman, amid a small crowd of people of all ages. The woman has her arm around a young child. — Source: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, John G. Diefenbaker fonds MG 411, JGD 3636

All First Nations people, women and men, are given the right to vote in federal elections.

Before this, they could vote only if they gave up their Treaty rights and status.

Here, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker greets a First Nations woman and child in Yellowknife.

1993	Source: The Canadian Press / Phil Snel	Kim Campbell becomes the first female prime minister of Canada. She takes over the position when the previous Prime Minister resigns.