Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Women Winning the Right to Vote in Federal Elections
News release
OTTAWA, May 24, 2018
One hundred years ago today, women in Canada achieved an important victory in the quest for equal rights through a vitally important legislative change: gender was removed as a barrier to vote in federal elections.
Although not all women were enfranchised because other barriers remained, the elimination of gender reflected a change in attitude and was an important step toward equality for women in Canadian society.
Among the many activities held across the country to mark this significant milestone in our democracy, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced today that the Government of Canada is funding four organizations that support women and girls:
Girls Action Foundation received $91,250 for a project that helps young women across Canada participate in community events to encourage conversations about women’s civic engagement and political participation, and to develop tools and best practices for inclusion and engagement.
The Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada received $66,412 to produce a radio program in honour of the 100th anniversary of women winning the federal vote. This program will be broadcast in May and June on 26 French-language radio stations across the country.
Historica Canada received $341,408 for their project “Women in Canadian History Education Campaign.” This project consists of developing educational material to explore key themes and figures in women’s history and their significance in shaping Canada. It will raise awareness of the accomplishments of exceptional women in Canadian history.
Equal Voice has received $348,500 for “From Votes to Victory.” Equal Voice is developing social media tools for multiple platforms so that more women can maximize their participation in the political sphere through a series of micro-actions that can lead to increased and sustained engagement.
Funding was provided through the Commemorate Canada component of Canadian Heritage’s Celebration and Commemoration Program.
Quotes
“As a woman and politician, I am very proud to mark the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in federal elections. This outcome was the result of many years of activism, hard work and dogged determination by Canadian women and those who supported them. Although other barriers, including ethnicity, continued to be an impediment to voting for some women in Canada, this anniversary remains an important step forward. The projects we are funding will help women and girls understand the road we have travelled so far, and better equip them to participate in the civic life of this country.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Quick facts
-
On January 28, 1916, women won the right to vote in the Manitoba provincial election; Saskatchewan and Alberta followed.
-
On May 24, 1918, women won the right to vote in federal elections in Canada when the government passed An Act to confer the Electoral Franchise upon Women, thereby removing gender as a barrier to voting. This did not mean that all women were granted the right to vote; some were still excluded on the basis of other factors, such as ethnicity.
-
Many events will be held to mark this day, including a special panel discussion and display of artifacts at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa.
-
The Museum of Nature holds a special place in this historic milestone: the legislation was actually signed there because this was where the government was sitting during the repair of Centre Block after the fire of 1916.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Page details
- Date modified: