Canadian Firsts — Groundbreaking Moments in Canadian History

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1921 ON

First woman to run for Canadian Parliament

👤 Agnes Macphail

Agnes Macphail became the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1921, the same year women gained the right to vote federally. She served for 19 years and championed prison reform and farmers' rights.

🍁 Macphail broke open the door of federal politics for women at a time when many still questioned whether women should participate in public life.

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1999 ON

First woman Governor General

👤 Adrienne Clarkson

Adrienne Clarkson, a Chinese-Canadian journalist and broadcaster, became Canada's 26th Governor General in 1999 — the first immigrant and second woman to hold the role.

🍁 Clarkson's appointment reflected Canada's evolution as a multicultural nation and the expanding role of women in its highest offices.

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2018 NS

First woman on a Canadian banknote

👤 Viola Desmond

Viola Desmond became the first Canadian woman to appear on a regularly circulated Canadian banknote — the $10 bill — in 2018.

Meet the person behind this first →