Women's Rights In Canada

Throughout the last century, Canada has changed greatly as a nation. Events varying from World War battles to human rights breakthroughs have shaped Canada into what the country is presently. Prideful events such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge established identity, independence and nationalism for Canadians. Shameful events though, such as the Internment of Japanese-Canadians, violated human rights and promoted inequality. Canada developed as a nation during the twentieth century through the victory of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War One, the Persons Case in 1929 and the internment of Japanese-Canadians throughout the Second World War. The Battle of Vimy Ridge gave Canadians a sense of nationalism, independence and identity (Foot). Proving
Up until 1929, Canadian women were not legally considered “persons.” Women had few rights during the early 1900s, and were forced to live with their father or husband (Fonseca, Famous Five). Women’s Suffrage gave more rights however the highest governmental position available to females was only in the House of Commons. After the Supreme Court of Canada refused to cater to the Famous Five, the Privy Council in Britain made the court decision that women could be Senators, and were legally equal to men. The Persons Case was a key factor for women’s rights in Canada. Gender equality legally and in government paved the way for other inequalities to be eliminated such as the wage gap and sexual harassment which are still an issue for women presently (“Women in Canada - History Timeline”). The Persons Case allowed equality for women in government and ultimately changed women’s rights in
The nation was formed through moments of pride and embarrassment. The Persons Case and Japanese Internment displayed Canada’s inequality and discrimination towards certain races or genders. They were key in forming the country as while they were mistakes, they served as guidelines to make a country with less systematic racism and sexism. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was key in giving Canada full independence from Britain and forming pride among Canadians. Canada would not be the same country without the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War One, the Persons Case in 1929, and the internment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World