Canadian History for Kids: Nellie McClung

Nellie McClung, born in Chartsworth Ontario in 1873, was a dominant figure in Canadian feminism. This Canadian History for Kids Beaver Tale discusses her importance in having women be legally recognized as “persons”!

Nellie and her family moved to Manitoba in 1880. She learned to read at the age of 9 and graduated from a Winnipeg Normal School in 1889. She received her first teaching assignment in Manitou, Manitoba.

McClung’s marriage and family life were very happy, but Nellie saw a lot of suffering around her. Especially the suffering of women and children. In the eyes of the law, women had very little rights. If a woman had any money or property they legally belonged to her husband as did her wages and their children.

McClung belonged to the Canadian Women’s Press Club and the Political Equity League. These groups used speeches and conferences as a way to convince politicians to grant women the right to vote.

On January 27, 1914, a group of women headed by McClung petitioned Manitoba’s parliament asking for the right to vote.

On January 27. 1916 the Bill for Enfranchisement of Women was passed and women in Manitoba had the right to vote and the right to run for office.

And that’s this week Canadian History for Kids Beaver Tale!
 

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