People

athlete and musician: Sylvia Sweeney

by DG Graham | Oct 3, 2002

October is Women’s History Month in Canada. Status of Women Canada has chosen 2002’s theme as “Women and Sports – Champions Forever!” It is right to celebrate our champions, all of whom combine great talent with great tenacity and perseverance to reach their goals. To us, however, the most compelling thing about women and sport in Canada is that women and girls throughout our history have been determined to play sports in their communities no matter what barriers we faced. read more

passionate campaigner for choice: Barbara Cadbury

Jul 9, 2002

Improving the status of women is essential to reducing poverty. Family planning, maternal health care and reproductive health services are essential to improving the status of women. Barbara Cadbury knew that and she made it her life’s work.  read more

social activist and mayor: Grace Hartman

by Mary Lue Hinds | Jan 30, 2002

When Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” she could have been talking about Grace Hartman. Grace’s commitment to cultural, civic and women’s issues led her to become Sudbury’s first woman controller and first woman deputy mayor – paving the way for women to run for public office and continue their education to the highest level. read more

Beth Powning

by Ann Farrell | Dec 27, 2001

Miscarriages and stillbirths are a universal part of women’s experience. And, even with the medical psychological knowledge we have today, they are often treated as taboo subjects. Indeed, as many aspects of women’s sexuality – fertility and reproduction – across different cultures and countries are treated. Beth Powning, whose son, Tate, died of stillbirth in 1975, has played an integral role in the course of her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, writer, potter, actor and activist. read more

the workers’ fighter par excellence: Eileen Tallman Sufrin, 1913–1999

by Ann Farrell | Jul 13, 2001

Eileen Tallman Sufrin was a worker’s advocate from her early days of employment, focusing mostly on the plight of women in the workplace. Over her life and up to her final days, she was a tireless advocate of strikes, improved labour conditions and unionization. Her biggest battle, though a failed attempt, to unionize Eaton’s workers from 1948–1952, is recorded in a book used as a teaching tool for union organizers today. read more

artist and writer: Emily Carr

by Elizabeth Dobson | Jul 11, 2001

Whether they know it or not, many people who live in or visit Canada have met Emily Carr, the artist who helped give shape to Canada’s unique identity. There is no monument to her, save for a footbridge erected near her house in Victoria, British Columbia, but her art, inspired by the spirit of Canada, and her passion for painting native life, is everywhere within view. read more

Cairine Wilson

by Ann Farrell | May 9, 2001

Cairine Wilson paved the way for the future of women in politics by becoming, in 1930, Canada’s first female Senator. Though by no means a radical, she broke away from the role of society matron and undertook a career as a political Liberal with substantial help, at the outset, from her husband’s connections. Over the years, she worked in the Legislature on behalf of women, Medicare, divorce, and was on numerous committees, making life easier for people and women in Canada. read more

dancer, choreographer: Claudia Moore

Mar 12, 2001

At 47 years young, working from the stuff of everyday human experience to create a cross between dance, theatre, music, performance art and visual design, is what Toronto-based choreographer Claudia Moore does best. Through MOonhORsE Dance Theatre, working with dancers, composers, musicians and designers to create dances called, “Wombdoor and Crow Sisters,” Moore is a sensitive commentator on the human condition and women’s lives in particular. read more

Lea Roback

by Judy Rebick | Dec 4, 2000

Canada has a special gift that is rarely recognized – a generation of women who blazed the trail for feminism and remained active throughout their lives. Doris Anderson, Kay Macpherson , Muriel Duckworth and Madeleine Parent are but a few of the best known. An even earlier pioneer died in 2001 in Montréal at the age of 96 – Lea Roback, union organizer. read more

new Canadian: Maria Smeriglio

by Maria Smeriglio | Nov 29, 2000

Arriving in Toronto from Italy in 1973, Maria Smeriglio was determined to learn English once her children settled into school. Starting in 1983, her journey learning the English language has given her many challenges and successes, and she has grown intellectually and culturally, passing the lessons on to her two sons. She now works as a head librarian. read more