Women in early Canada fought long and hard in seeking equal voting rights. A tireless campaign spearheaded by Dr. Emily Stowe crossed over four decades before Manitoba passed legislation allowing women to vote. It took twenty-four more years before all women across Canada had the right to vote both federally and provincially.
Voting was not always a right, not even for men. After Confederation, the provinces maintained authority as to who was entitled to vote. Each province had its own criteria. The federal government took over this power in 1885, yet returned it to the provinces in 1898. Women property owners had the right to vote prior to Confederation but thereafter were excluded.
The Suffragists
Public debates took place among members of the Toronto Women’s Literary Club (founded in 1876 by Dr. Stowe). The group was a screen for suffrage activities. In 1883, this group became The Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association. Shortly after, campaigns started across Canada to educate women on importance to advocate for their right to vote. Many educated and articulate women rose to the forefront of this historical movement. They were referred to as being “suffragettes” pejoratively, but grew into this label with pride.
Canadian suffragettes were inspired by British activists whose campaigns to get women the vote dated back to about 1860. They also had contact with American suffragettes whose successes in many states as early as 1869 gave them inspiration and hope.
The suffragettes knew they had to obtain support from many organizations in order to have their voice heard. They attained this support from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the Grain Growers’ Association and the Young Women’s Christian Association. The memberships of these organizations were overwhelmingly women. These groups were concerned with promoting family and community health through legislated changes such as prohibition, labour, property and dower laws. Therefore, a woman gaining the right to vote was a very important to these organizations.
Dr. Emily Stowe passed away in 1903 but her daughter, Augusta, continued in the political trenches fighting for change.
The Right to Vote
The relentless campaign of petitions, lectures and demonstrations spanned over four decades. Undeterred by hostile politicians and public opinion these women overcame enormous obstacles. Manitoba was the first province to allow women to vote.
Regardless of women being able to vote provincially or not, on May 24, 1918, the Canada Elections Act enfranchised all Canadian women 21 years of age and over for federal elections.
Dates When Women Gained the Right to Vote
- January 28, 1916 Manitoba
- March 14, 1916 Saskatchewan
- April 19, 1916 Alberta
- April 5, 1917 British Columbia
- April 12, 1917 Ontario
- April 26, 1918 Nova Scotia
- May 24, 1918 Canada
- April 17, 1919 New Brunswick
- May 20, 1919 Yukon
- May 3, 1922 Prince Edward Island
- April 3, 1925 Newfoundland and Labrador
- April 25, 1940 Quebec
- June 12, 1951 Northwest Territories
Compared to the flamboyance and on occasion violent suffrage campaigns in England, France and the United States, Canada’s campaign was peaceable. At times there was humour and a lot of frustration.
Canadian women today have the perseverance of Dr. Emily Stowe and her supporters to thank for the rights we take for granted today.
For a closer look at how many women are voting today Vote this Election shows how voter turnout has been on a steady decline since 1958.
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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