Agnes Macphail

Agnes Macphail

Background

Interest

Impact

Agnes Macphail became the first woman elected to the Federal Parliament, proving that women are capable of having such a position of authority. Her position also showed to women all over Canada that they have the power to be in a political position like that, and that they can make a difference.

Quotes

WikipediaFamous Quotes

Agnes Campbell Macphail was born in Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario on March 24, 1890. She attended Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institude for one year, but transferred to Stratford Normal School to board with a relative. She also taught in several rural schools, and while working in Sharon, she became politically active.

Agnes Macphail became interested in women's rights and politically active while working as a schoolteacher in Sharon, Ontario. She joined the United Farmers of Ontario (UFO) Party and its organization for women, the United Farm Women of Ontario. Around this time, she also became a columnist for the newspaper, the Farmer's Sun.

"I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality.""Never apologize. Never explain. Just get the thing done, and let them howl.""When I first came to the House of Commons and walked out into the lobby, men sprang to their feet. I asked them to sit down since I'd come to walk around. I didn't want them doing me favours."

Sources