Ellen Fairclough Biography | Canadian Political Leader

Ellen Louks Fairclough

Born: January 28, 1905
Died: November 13, 2004
Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario

Ellen Fairclough was the first female to be appointed to a cabinet position in the federal government.
As a youth, she had a good role model in her mother who ran a boarding house.
In addition, the church had a strong influence on Fairclough becoming a reformist and a humanitarian.
She was first elected as a federal MP in 1950.
Fairclough became an active advocate for women's issues.
She was appointed the Secretary of State in the Diefenbaker government of 1957.
In 1975, Fairclough was named "Woman of the Year" by the Province of Ontario.
At one point, she was the first woman to be appointed Acting Prime Minister.
She was instrumental in bringing about a revised Immigration Act for Canada.
Fairclough was given special recognition by the House of Commons in 1978 for her parliamentary contribution.
In 1995, Ellen Fairclough became a Companion of the Order of Canada.

For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following:

BACK HOME PAGE