International Women’s Day: five women who have marked the history of Quebec

Over the years, women have helped shape the Quebec of today, standing out in many fields, such as politics, the arts and health.

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Here are five women who have marked the history of the province:

1. Pauline Marois (1949 – )

In addition to having held various ministerial posts throughout her political career, Pauline Marois became the first woman to hold the post of premier in 2012 within a minority PQ government. During her first speech as Premier of Quebec, she was the target of a political terrorist attack.

In 2014, she was defeated and left politics. In December of the same year, she was named honorary president of the ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of Polytechnique.

2. Jeanne Mance (1606 – 1673)

Arrived with the missionaries at the time of New France, Jeanne Mance founded the Hôtel-Dieu in 1644-1645. Caring for the sick and wounded from the clashes with the Iroquois, she is considered to be the first lay nurse in Canada. She devoted herself to caring for the sick and injured until her death in 1673.

Jeanne Mance left an enormous legacy to Quebec and to Montreal society, with the Hôtel-Dieu having treated patients until 2017, after 375 of services to the population. Some buildings of the Hôtel-Dieu have regained their vocation during the Covid-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2022.

3. Therese Casgrain (1896 – 1981)

A strong women’s rights activist, Thérèse Casgrain is one of the key figures in the fight to obtain the right to vote for women in Quebec. She has thus multiplied public appearances, notably on Radio-Canada and at the Dorion Commission on the Civil Rights of Women in Quebec.

At the same time, Thérèse Casgrain has been involved in various charities in addition to helping other causes for the advancement of women’s rights.

4. Lucille Teasdale (1929 – 1996)

Having obtained international honors, Lucille Teasdale was one of the first female surgeons in the country. She is known for having worked in humanitarian aid in Africa.

Recognized for her altruism and humanitarian determination, she was named a member of the Order of Canada and a “Grand Officer” of the Ordre national du Québec.

5. Elsie Gibbons (1903 – 2003)

Born in Ottawa, Elsie Gibbons was the first woman elected as mayor of a municipality in Quebec. On May 13, 1953, she became mayor of Portage-du-Fort after her fellow citizens elected her by acclamation and in her absence.

During her election, Elsie Gibbons noted that the title “Mayor of Portage-du-Fort, Mrs Gordon Gibbons” (the mayor of Portage-du-Fort, Mrs. Gordon Gibbons) concealed her legal personality and made her name disappear in favor of that of her husband. Thus, in 1959, she had her feminized gender and functions recognized, introducing herself as “Lady Mayor, Elsie M. Gibbons” (Madame Mayor Elsie M. Gibbons).