Women's Work: Achievements and Milestones

The Canadian Government has designated this year’s theme for Women's history month to be Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future. The emphasis will be the significant contributions women have made to the workforce throughout history. Below is a brief selection of women who have made contributions to Canada and beyond, spanning two centuries. More information is available on the national page for Women's History Month. 

Dr. Alice Hamilton

Born in 1869 in New York City, Hamilton was a leading expert in the field of occupational health. She was a pioneer of toxicology, studying occupational illnesses and the dangerous effects of industrial metals and chemical compounds.

Mary Ann Camberton Shadd

Born 1823 in Delaware, Shadd was the first Black woman in newspaper publishing in North America. She promoted the abolition of slavery through her newspaper and aided the emigration of former slaves to Canada.

Agnes Macphail

Born 1890 in Ontario,  Macphail was an activist and founder of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Canada, and became the first woman elected to the House of Commons.

Dr. Vera Peters

Born 1911 in Ontario, Peters  conducted groundbreaking research on Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer, and pioneer of patient-centered care, now the standard model in health care.

Réjane Laberge-Colas

In 1969, Laberge-Colas was a member in the Quebec supreme court, and became the first woman in Canada to be appointed as a judge to a superior court.

Women and Gender Equality Canada

For more information about Women's History Month and women in Canada and beyond who are noted for their achievements and impact in Canada and beyond, go to the federal website's page for women and gender equality.