The Government of Manitoba is proclaiming January as Women's Equality Month. 

100 years ago, Manitoba became the first province to give women the vote and the Manitoba Government is hosting a series of events to celebrate what they say is an important first step in the journey of women’s right to political participation.

"Part of the ongoing journey to achieve equality for women is to recognize our past and celebrate our future," said Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross in a release. "Marking Manitoba's role as the first province in Canada to start giving women the vote in provincial elections and hold provincial office is part of all Manitoban's shared heritage." 

 

Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross spoke to a crowd today about the importance of the 100th anniversary celebration

A number of the special events that will mark this milestone include:

  • The public is invited to view petitions, newspapers and correspondence that document and outlining the campaign for women’s suffrage at an open house in the Manitoba Archives research room located at 200 Vaughan Street from 12-4pm on Jan. 9. 
  • A woman’s tour of the Legislative Building, celebrating female firsts in Manitoba
  • Special banners on display around the grounds of the building marking the anniversary
  • A display on the external dome of the Legislative Building with an image commemorating the electoral process
  • On Jan. 13, there will be a discussion and presentation on Manitoba’s voting patterns and other issues related to women in politics with Dr. Andrea Rounce, associate professor with the University of Manitoba political studies department
  • An ice sculpture on the grounds of the building commemorating the anniversary, as part of Festival du Voyageur
  • The original signed legislation granting some women the right to vote is on display at the Legislative Building

The province does recognize, however, that the legislation in 1916 – while an important first step – was a small step in the journey of true voter equality in Manitoba. The women in 1916 had to be British subjects by birth of naturalization and at least 21 years old and women weren’t able to vote in federal elections until 1918.  First Nations people did not obtain the right to vote in provincial elections in Manitoba until 1952 and couldn’t vote in Federal elections until 1960, the province says in a release.

 

The official Proclomation making January Women's Equality Month