The Women's Movement In Canada

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier was correct in 1904 when he declared that this century would belong to Canada. Canada has been a shining example of Social Movements over the past 100 years. The Women’s Movement throughout the years has proven Laurier’s quote. It is divided into two waves. The Feminist Movement during World War One and Two allowed many women in each province the right to vote, women were allowed in the labour force, and had access to attend the Olympics for the first time as apart of the Canadian team. During the Cold War period, the Royal Commission on the Status of Women shone the spotlight on the ladies, the Native Women’s Association of Canada was established, the federal government declared a fair wages policy, and Quebec passed a …show more content…
It was in honour of Florence Bird, as also known as the Bird Commission, established on February 3, 1967 (Canada Our Century Our Story pg. 248). In the commission's 1970 report, it made 167 recommendations for greater equality of women. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson established the Royal Commission in response to a months-long campaign by 32 women’s groups which was led by Ontarian Laura Sabia, and the president of the Canadian Federation of University Women. It was launched at the time when the women’s movement was in full action, and governments worldwide were addressing similar issues, this was to be the first Royal Commission chaired by a woman in Canadian history. The commission held public hearings across the country, it reviewed 468 briefs, and received over 1000 opinion letters with additional testimony, all confirmed the widespread problems women in Canadian society faced. It brought women’s issues into the public eye, which provided an exceptional platform for the women’s voice. In every province in Canada, women’s groups were formed to ensure that the commission’s recommendations were implied, and to fight for gender equality. Margaret Mead announced, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, it is the only thing that ever …show more content…
This action proved that Sir Wilfrid Laurier was accurate declaring that this century would belong Canada, as this action is still present in today’s society. On January 28, the Supreme Court struck down Canada’s abortion law as unconstitutional (Pro Choice Action Canada). The abortion law was found to violate section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms because it infringes upon a woman’s right to life, liberty, and security of the person. Canada became one of a small number of countries without a law restricting abortion. “Abortion is now treated like any other medical procedure and is governed by provincial and medical regulations” (CBC News). In Canada, all abortions are funded by taxpayers even though polls have revealed that a majority of people disagree. Abortions were to be provided only in a hospital if a committee of doctors decided that continuing the pregnancy might endanger the mother's life or health. Today, abortion is used as a “back-up” birth control method in more than 96% of the instances. "In 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women have the right to make choices concerning their own reproductive health. I am proud to have played such a pivotal role in that decision. Dr. Henry Morgentaler said, “I also believe that the world is a kinder, gentler place for women in Canada
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