Casgrain was an instrumental advocate of the feminist movement, social justice, and civil liberties
November 7, 2022 Gatineau, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the history of Canada. They tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of Thérèse Casgrain as a person of national historic significance under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration due to her pivotal role in the Quebec feminist movement and her championing of social justice and civil liberties issues throughout her career as an activist and politician.
Born in 1896 into a wealthy French-Canadian Catholic family, Casgrain (née Forget) was a founding member of the Provincial Franchise Committee in 1922 and president of the Ligue des droits de la femme (League for Women's Rights) from 1928 to 1942. Thanks in part to the work of Casgrain and other feminist leaders, the Quebec government passed a bill in 1940 giving women the right to vote in provincial elections.
Casgrain continued to fight for social justice and civil liberties through her involvement with the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), now the New Democratic Party, from 1946 to 1963. From 1951 to 1957, she led the CCF Quebec wing, becoming the first woman to head a political party in Canada. During her political career and in senior roles on numerous committees and associations, Casgrain fought against social, economic, and political injustices in employment, health, education, and housing.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.
