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Minister Burke marks passing of Canada�s first female cabinet minister Joan Burke, Minister Responsible
for the Status of Women, today expressed condolences to the family and
friends the Right Honourable Ellen Fairclough, Canada�s first female
cabinet minister. A pioneer in the fight for equal pay for equal work, Ms.
Fairclough died Saturday at the age of 99.
"Ms. Fairclough paved the
way for female politicians in Canada," said Minister Burke. "Her
courage in running for public office was certainly an inspiration to other
women and as an MP, she was a prolific speaker for women�s rights,
averaging 150 speeches a year. Prior to becoming a part of government she
had even introduced private member�s bills for equal pay for work of equal
value.
"Her desire to improve the
status of women in Canada has led the way toward many advances for women,
work which I and others continue to this day. Her life serves as a reminder
of what one woman can do. I extend sympathies to her family."
Ms. Fairclough was appointed
secretary of state under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in 1957 and became
minister of citizenship and immigration in 1958 until 1962 when she became
postmaster general. She had previously served on Hamilton city council for
five years before being elected as Conservative MP for Hamilton West in a
1950 by-election. She was the only female MP for three years until the 1953
election. She received many honours over the years, including being named an
Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978 and a Companion of that order � the
highest level � in 1995.
Media contact: Kelly Foss,
Communications (709) 729-6225.
2004 11 15 4:25 p.m. |
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