January 8, 2016
Manitoba Marks 100-Year Anniversary Of Voting Milestone For Women
– – –January Proclaimed Women's Equality Month, Special Initiatives to Mark Historic Achievements for Women: Minister Irvin-Ross
The Manitoba government is marking the 100th anniversary of voting and political milestones for women with a series of special events and initiatives in January, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
“The Manitoba government is proud to proclaim January as Women’s Equality Month. Part of the ongoing journey to achieve equality for women is to recognize our past and celebrate our future,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “Marking Manitoba’s role as the first province in Canada to give some women the right to vote in provincial elections and hold provincial office is part of all Manitobans’ shared heritage.”
In 1916, some women in Manitoba became eligible to vote and hold office in provincial and federal elections. They had to be British subjects by birth or naturalization, at least 21 years old and meet other requirements. By 1918, some women in Manitoba and other provinces were granted the right to vote in federal elections.
Special events will mark this milestone toward achieving equality including:
• a new woman’s tour of the Legislative Building will be available for the rest of the year, celebrating notable female firsts in Manitoba;
• special banners on display on the Legislative Building grounds throughout the year to mark the 100th anniversary;
• a display on the external dome of the Legislative Building starting today bearing a special image commemorating electoral progress;
• a presentation at the Union Centre on Jan. 13 on Manitoba’s voting patterns and other issues related to women in politics with Dr. Andrea Rounce, associate professor, University of Manitoba political studies department;
• an ice sculpture commemorating the 100th anniversary, to be placed on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature as part of Festival du Voyageur.
• The public is invited to view petitions, newspapers and correspondence that document the campaign for women’s suffrage at an open house tomorrow in the Manitoba Archives research room at 200 Vaughan St. from 12 to 4 p.m.; and
• The original signed legislation will also be on display today at the Legislative Building.
A centennial gala will be held on Jan. 28 for the Nellie Awards, a partnership between the Nellie McClung Foundation and the Winnipeg Free Press, to honour Manitoba women who have made significant contributions to social justice and human rights.
The minister noted the 1916 milestone was an important first step in the journey of women’s right to political participation, but more work continued after 1916. She noted First Nations people did not obtain the right to vote in provincial elections in Manitoba until 1952, and could not vote in federal elections without giving up their treaty rights and registered status until 1960. Many people with physical disabilities had no guaranteed access to polling stations until 1992. Some people with intellectual disabilities remained disqualified from voting provincially until 1998 and federally until 1992, the minister added.
“Over the last hundred years, many people have worked collectively to increase equality for all Manitobans and this journey continues today,” said Minister Irvin-Ross.
- 30 -