Manitoba Celebrates 100 years of Women's Suffrage

100 years ago the province of Manitoba became the first province to extend the right to vote to all women.  The decision came after a 14 year struggle led by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement marking the occasion.  It reads in part: “These brave suffragettes led by example then, and they continue to inspire us now- all Canadians, women and men alike, should be proud to call themselves feminists.  We remain committed to advancing gender equality so that our society is one where all women and girls can reach their full potential.”  Women weren’t allowed to sit in Parliament until 1929.

Trudeau has been leading by example.  His cabinet is 50% male, and 50% female.  When asked about it by reporters on the day  he was sworn in, he answered: “Because it’s 2015.”