Famous Canadian Women's Historic Timeline - 1970-1979

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1970 AD to 1979 AD
Events listed relate to Canadian women with a few extra items added to give the timeline perspective.

This timeline is not all inclusive.

The timeline was fun to prepare and hopefully it will be fun to read. Perhaps it will even be useful.

Events listed are drawn from various sources including those listed on other areas of http://famouscanadianwomen.com

If you wish more information on the women listed in this timeline be sure and check out the birthdays listed in
"Do you share a birthday with a famous Canadian woman?"

LAST UPDATED March 2008

DATES	EVENTS
1970	The Canada Royal Commission on the Status of Women tables a report with recommendations to eliminate sexual inequality in Canada. Sue Johanson opens in Don Mills Birth Control Clinic, the first such clinic in a High school in North America. With the approval of three doctors abortion becomes available in some hospitals on a case-by case basis. ( http://herstory.womenspace.ca/timeline.html ) The Abortion Caravan crosses Canada and stops in Ottawa with a specific demonstration at Parliament. 30 women chain themselves to the parliamentary gallery in the House of Commons, closing the Canadian parliament for the first time in its history. Source : A History of Abortion in Canada http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/history.html (accessed July 30, 2003) June - Dr Henry Morgentaler's office is raided by the police and he is charged with conspiracy to perform an abortion. Source : A History of Abortion in Canada http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/history.html (accessed July 30, 2003) November 20-21 - The first national conference of the Canadian Women's Liberation Movement at the University of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Source: http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/44/279.html Reprinted from The Militant December 4, 1970. (accessed July 4, 2005) The first Women's studies courses are offered at the University of Toronto, Mcgill University, University of Waterloo, Université de Montréal and the University of Guelph. . Source A Chronology of the development of women's studies in Canada. The Canadian Electronic Feminist Network http://www.unb.ca/PAR-L/chronology1.htm (accessed April 28, 2003. ) Births: April 22 - Born Robbyn Hermitage, champion badminton player. July 7 - Born Cree Summer, actress. July 28 - Born Isabelle Brasseur, with skating partner Lloyd Eisler she was one of Canada's finest pairs figure skating champions, with world and Olympic Medals. August 21 - Carrie-Anne Moss , international model and actress. October 5 - Born Tina Poitras top ranked sport walker. November 30 - Born Sandra Oh, actress. Deaths: July 9 - Died Flora McCrae Eaton (1881-1970) businesswoman, social activist and author. August - Died Marion Long (1882-1970) portrait painter. October 20 - Died Judith Jasmin (1916-1972) pioneer and accomplished broadcast journalist. October 22 - Died Pauline Donalda ( real name Pauline Lightstone) (1882-1970) internationally renowned opera singer.
1971	November 12 - Stewardess Mary Dohey saves the lives of passengers and crew of an Air Canada flight from a hijacker. Gwen Landolt forms "The Right to Life", an anti-abortion organization. *Joyce Wieland* (1931-1998.) is the first living Canadian woman artist to have a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada. Births: May 25 - Born Nicole Luiken, author. June 26- Born Christine Nordhagen Vierling ( 1971- ) world wrestling champion. July 2 - Evelyn Lau, author, the youngest poet to be nominated for a Governor General's Award. July 29 - Born Annie Perreault, once of Canada's most decorated Olympians. Deaths: March 25 - Died Anne Douglas Savage ( 1896-1971) pioneer educator and artist. December 11 - Died Kate Aitken (1891-1971) journalist, author, radio and TV Personality, lecturer, "Busiest woman in the world".
1972	Rosemary Brown (1930-2003) is the first black woman elected to a provincial legislature as a member of the New Democratic Party in British Columbia. Muriel McQueen Furgusson (1899-1997.) is named the first woman Speaker of the Senate of Canada and the becomes the first woman speaker in the Canadian Parliament. The Canadian Income Tax Act allows the deduction of the cost of child care from the income of working mothers. The Canadian Newsletter of Research on Women/ Recherches sur la femme-bulletin d'information begins publishing. Source A Chronology of the development of women's studies in Canada. The Canadian Electronic Feminist Network http://www.unb.ca/PAR-L/chronology1.htm (accessed April 28, 2003. ) Pat Messner (1954- ) is the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in water skiing. Microwave Ovens hit the Canadian market. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. pg 18 Eva Von Gencsy (1924- ) founds Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal Births: Born Rachel Zimmerman (1972- ) inventor of a computer program using Bliss symbols to help the speaking impaired communicate. February 16 - Born Milaine Clouther, medal winning badminton player. February 24 - Born Manon Rhéaume, first woman to play in the National Hockey League. March 17 - Melissa Auf Der Maur (1972- ) rock music performer April 9 - Born Karen Clark medal winning synchronized swimmer. June 19 - Born Anna Van Der Kamp, medal winning rower. August 29 - Born Amanda Marshall singer. September 3 - Born Christine Boudrias, Olympic medal winning speed skater. September 27 - Born Clara Hughes, medal winning cyclist October 10 - Born Marianne Limpert swimmer with 20 national titles and 81 international medals. November 14 - Born Lori Dupuis (1972- ) silver and gold medalist in women's Olympic Hockey. Deaths: Died Albertine Caron-Legris (1906-1972) Pianist, composer and teacher. January 10 - Died Mary Emma Quayle Innis (1899-1972) noted economic historian.
1973	The Montreal Gay Women publish the first Canadian lesbian journal, Long Time Coming. The National Native Women’s Association is established in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sylvia Olga Fedoruk (1927- ) is the first woman appointed to the Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada. The first rape crisis telephone line is Canada is opened by Vancouver Rape Relief. ( http://herstory.womenspace.ca/timeline.html ) November 13 - Henry Morgentaler is acquitted of illegal abortion charges in Montreal. Five undergraduate courses in Women's studies are offered at the University of British Columbia , the first academically credited women's studies program in Canada. Source A Chronology of the development of women's studies in Canada. The Canadian Electronic Feminist Network http://www.unb.ca/PAR-L/chronology1.htm (accessed April 28, 2003. ) Rosella Bjornson (1947- ) is the first woman to be hired as First Officer in North America on scheduled jet equipment and the first woman hired by a commercial air line in Canada. She is also the first woman to e a member of the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association. Source: Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame http://www.cahf.ca/members/B_members.htm (accessed July 18, 2005) Births: March 13 - Born Allison Higson (1973- ) world record holder in the breast stroke swimming Deaths: April 26 - Died Norma Abernethy (1914-1973) Pianist and teacher September 17 - Died Mary Susanne Edgar (1889-1973) youth leader and camp founder and director.
1974	The first National Conference on Women in Sport is held in Toronto. This leads the way to the creation of Sport's Canada's Women's Program. Source Canada Women's Foundation. History of the women's movement: selected moments of importance in the history of Canadian women , 2004 http://cdnwomen.org. Pauline McGibbon (1910-2001) is appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario (1974-1980) and became the first Canadian woman to obtain such a position. The National Film Board of Canada opens Studio D. This is the first women's English film studio in the world. It will produce films from a women's perspective. Source Canada Women's Foundation. History of the women's movement: selected moments of importance in the history of Canadian women , 2004 http://cdnwomen.org. 17 year old *Lucille Lessard* is the first Canadian to win the World Field Archery Championships. Women comprise 80% of librarians in Canada. Men held 90% of administrative positions within the profession.Source: Canadian Chronology Http://tdi.uregina.ca/~maguirec/chron.html (accessed April 28, 2003) *Pauline Jewett* (1922-1992) is appointed president of Simon Fraser University, the first woman to be head of a major co-educational university in Canada. CORA, The Feminist Bookmobile is launched by Judith Quinlan and Ellen Woodsworth to take feminist literature to rural areas of Ontario. ( http://www.coolwomen.ca/) August 16 - Long distance swimmer, 16 year old *Cindy Nicholas, breaks the record for a crossing of Lake Ontario.* September 17 - The Royal Canadian Mounted Police accept 4 women recruits, the first females to join the force. Medical doctor Major Wendy Clay qualifies for her pilot's wings six years before the pilot classification of the Canadian Armed Forces is opened to all women. Source "Women throughout Canadian military history." in Canadian Forces Personnel Newsletter Issue 2/05 23 February 2005. The Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) is founded as the first national group promoting abortion rights in Canada. Source : A History of Abortion in Canada http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/history.html (accessed July 30, 2003) The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada is established. Source : www.anac.on.ca Catherine Parr Trail (1802-1899), pioneer and author is designated a National Historic Person by the Historic Sites and Monument Board. An historic plaque is erected at Young's Point, Ontario in 1995. Births: June 1 - Alanis Morissette, singer August 1 - Born Beckie Scott, Olympic gold medalist in Cross Country skiing. October 28 - Born Naida Cole, piano soloist. Deaths: August 17 - Died Cecilia Krieger (1894-1974) noted mathematician. December 15 - Died Helen Griffith Wylie Watson (1911-1974) award winning nurse and officer in the Order of Canada.
1975	The United Nations declares International Women's Year 1975 - it will become a whole decade! The World YWCA Councils holds its meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia. 450 delegates participate from 70 member countries. Grace Hartman (1918-1993.) is elected to the national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and is the first woman to hold the top position in a Canadian Union. ( http://www.coolwomen.ca/ ) February 18 - Sylvia Ostry (1927- ) becomes the first woman to hold the rank of Deputy Minister in the government of Canada. May 30 - The Canadian Post Office issues a commemorative stamp honouring the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), founder of the Congregation de Notre-Dame de Montréal. Mother Marguerite Bourgeoys was canonized ( declared a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church in October 1982. Cathy Townsend (1937- ) is the first Canadian woman to win the Bowling Cup. Dow Chemical introduces the Zip Lock sandwich bag. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. The Historic Sites and Monument Board erect an historic plaques for National Historic Person, Catherine Parr Trail (1802-1899) , pioneer and author at Young's Point, Ontario. Births: January 28- Born Anne Montming, winner of 19 international medals in the sport of diving. September 6 - Born Juliette Kang internationally celebrated violinist. *Deaths:* Died Mary Evelyn Gannon (1900-1975) "Just Mary" storey teller supreme wrote for Radio, TV and books. January 25 - Died Charlotte Whitton (1896-1975) Social activist, politician, and first woman to become mayor of a large urban centre in Canada (Ottawa) February - Died Anna Mae Aquash (1945-1976) Social activist on behalf of Aboriginal North Americans. May 3 - Died Sarah (Nini) Fischer, (1896-1975) internationally renowned soprano who was made an honorary member of the Royal College of Music in London. May 14 - Died Hilda Neatby (1904-1975), historian, author, educator and critic of the Canadian education system. September 24 - Died Patricia Lowther (1935-1975) respected poet, the Patricia Lowther Award now honours the best Canadian Poets.
1976	The United Nations hosts the first international conference on women in Mexico City. Iona Campagnolo (1932- ) is appointed the first federal Minister of Sport for Canada. February - Catherine Priestner (now Priestner-Allinger) is the first Canadian woman to win an individual medal in speed skating at the Olympic Winter Games, Innisbruck, with a silver in the 500 metre event. *February 16 - Stewardess Mary Dohey* becomes the firs living person to receive the Cross of valour in recognition for saving the lives and crew of an air Canada flight in 1971. July 17- 31- Montreal hosts the Olympic Games. December 5 - The first Canadian women to be granted the Rhodes Scholarships to continue their education are selected. Melanie Dobson, Mary Sheppard, Eileen Gillespie and Jessie Sloan head for Oxford University. Previously Rhodes Scholarships had been available only to men. Sue Holloway (1955- ) is the first Canadian woman to ever compete in both winter and summer Olympic Games in the same year. MATCH International Centre, a Canadian-based non-governmental organization, is established** by Canadian women following their attendance at the 1975 United Nations Conference for Women held in Mexico City. It is created to bring to life a feminist vision of what development work can, and should, mean: equality, dignity, opportunity, and a better life for women and men, the world over. Source: http://www.web.net/~matchint/en/about.html (accessed May 15, 2004) Eaton's Department Stores closes their catalogue services after several years of losses exceeding millions of dollars. It is the death of a Canadian tradition. Source: Before e-commerce : a history of mail order catalogues http://wwwcivilization.ca/cpm/catalog/catooooe.html (Accessed December 4, 2004. Births: March 19 - Born Rachel Blanchard, actress. August 27 - Born Sarah Chalke, Star of TV and movies. October 21 - Born Melanie Turgeon, medal winning alpine skier. Deaths: Died Mona Parsons (1901-1976) used her home in the Netherlands a a refuge for escaping allied airmen until she was captured by the Germans.
1977	The Canadian Citizenship Act is amended to allow women to confer Canadian Citizenship on their children. Sandra Lovelace, an aboriginal woman from Tobique Reserve in New Brunswick, appeals to the United Nations Human Rights Commission against the injustice of Canada's Indian Act which gave native status through the male head of the household. The UNHRC would rule in Lovelace's favour. Source: Many names to consider by Thomas Axworthy in The Ottawa Citizen Monday, April 11, 2005 pg. A13. Mary Wong of Hamilton Ontario becomes the first Canadian of Chinese descent to be appointed as a Citizenship Court Judge. Highway signs appear in metric system. *The Manitoba Bar admits Lawyer Marion Ironquil Meadmore, the first aboriginal Canadian woman, to the bar.* Source: Canadian Chronology Http://tdi.uregina.ca/~maguirec/chron.html (accessed April 28, 2003) The first Canadian "Take Back The Night March" is held in Vancouver, British Columbia. ( http://herstory.womenspace.ca/timeline.html ) Melanie Dobson, Mary Sheppard, Eileen Gillespie and Jessie Sloan are the first Canadian women to win Rhodes Scholarships to Oxford University in England. Source: Canadian Chronology Http://tdi.uregina.ca/~maguirec/chron.html (accessed April 28, 2003) The first home pregnancy test is available. Source : Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas : women of the Great White North by Ann Douglas Toronto, McArthur and Co., 2002. Simpson's Sears catalogue services is bought out and becomes Sears Canada. Source: Before e-commerce : a history of mail order catalogues http://wwwcivilization.ca/cpm/catalog/catooooe.html December 2004. Births: Born Natasha Cecily Bacchus, track athlete. April 14 - Born Jessica Rakoczy World Lightweight boxing champion Deaths: July 26 - - Died Gena Brancombe (1881-1977) composer, choir conductor, teacher and pianist. December 25 - Died Emma Caslor (1913-1977) folksinger and pianist.
1978	September 21 - the Canadian Post office issues a commemorative stamp celebrating the life of *Marguerite d"Youville* (1701-1771) founder of the "Grey Nuns". *Judy Cameron* is the first woman pilot hired by Air Canada. Birth control pills carry warnings of health risk for smokers and women over forty years of age. Statistics Canada reports that women university graduates earned $4,000 to $7,000 less than men with equivalent. jobs and skills. Helen Marie Rathwell, A Saskatchewan farm wife, wins a landmark decision, from the Supreme Court of Canada which grants half the property acquired in her husband’s name. The Canadian Omnibus Bill is passed, eliminating pregnancy as a basis for layoff or dismissal. The Independent order of the Daughters of the Empire officially become the IODE. The Simone de Beauvoir Institute at Concordia University, Montreal is founded 'to promote the understanding of the historical and contemporary situation of women in society.' Source A Chronology of the development of women's studies in Canada. The Canadian Electronic Feminist Network http://www.unb.ca/PAR-L/chronology1.htm (accessed April 28, 2003. ) Corporal Gail Toupin is the first woman member of the Sky Hawks, the Canadian Army's skydiving demonstration team. Source "Women throughout Canadian military history." in Canadian Forces Personnel Newsletter Issue 2/05 23 February 2005.
1979	The first female students enrolled in Canadian military colleges. June 10 - The Feminist Party of Canada is launched in Toronto. The University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario establishes an undergraduate BA program in Women's studies. Source A Chronology of the development of women's studies in Canada. The Canadian Electronic Feminist Network http://www.unb.ca/PAR-L/chronology1.htm (accessed April 28, 2003. ) *Nellie J. Cournoyea* ( 1940- ) is elected to the Legislature of the Northwest Territories and becomes the first native woman to lead a provincial territorial government in Canada. Pat Messner (1954- ) is the first Canadian woman to win a world championship in waterskiing. Rosella Bjornson (1947- ) is the first pregnant commercial air pilot!! Source Rosella Bjornson Canadian Hall of Fame inductee . Canadian Ninety-nines http://www.canadian99s.org/articles/P_bjornson.htm (accessed July 18, 2005) Ione Christensen (1933 - ) becomes the Commissioner of the Yukon Territories. Births: January 8 - Born Sarah Polly, actress. January 21 - Born lana Miller, actress. August 12 - Born Cindy Klassen, medal winning world champion speed skater.