Human Rights A Day

Agnes Macphail becomes first woman sworn in to the Ontario legislature. Agnes Macphail was born in Proton Township, Ontario on March 24, 1890. As a teacher in rural Ontario schools, she joined the United Farm Women of Ontario, attended meetings of the United Farmers Ontario, wrote articles for the Farmers’ Sun and discovered a bent for politics. Her activism was timely in that women had just been granted the federal vote (1918) and the ability to run for federal office (1919). This undoubtedly helped inspire Macphail to aim for the House of Commons, where in 1921 at age 31, she became the first elected female parliamentarian. Despite being ridiculed by male colleagues, Macphail held onto her seat for an impressive 19 years. A strong advocate of human rights, Macphail championed peace and disarmament, old-age pensions and farmers’ co-operatives. Her tireless efforts brought about Canada’s first meaningful prison reform, including McPhail’s involvement in the Elizabeth Fry Society of Canada, which continues to