Thérèse Casgrain (1896 – 1981)

Thérèse Casgrain was a politician and social reformer who served on the front lines of feminist activism for decades. Born in Montréal, she led the 20-year struggle for women's suffrage, finally winning, in 1940 the Quebec women's right to vote in provincial elections. In 1951, she became the first woman to head a political party in Canada. Casgrain also founded the Quebec branch of the Voice of Women and established the Fédération des femmes du Québec. Between 1952 and 1963, she was a candidate in seven elections yet won none. She spent the final years of her political career, from 1970 to 1971, as a Senator. A dedicated human rights advocate, Casgrain received countless honours during her lifetime and posthumously, including Member of the Order of the British Empire and a Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

“All my life, I have recommended that one must ask questions, take a position, and act upon it.”