Idola Saint-Jean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Idola Saint-Jean
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Idola Saint-Jean
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| Born | May 19, 1880 |
| Died | April 6, 1945 (aged 64) |
| Known for | Getting women the right to vote in Quebec. |
Idola Saint-Jean (born May 19, 1880 – died April 6, 1945) was a brave woman from Quebec. She was a journalist, a teacher, and a strong supporter of women's rights. Idola Saint-Jean spent her life working for equal rights for women in Quebec. Thanks to her efforts, women in Quebec finally won the right to vote in 1940.
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Idola Saint-Jean's Life Story
Early Life and Work
Idola Saint-Jean was born in Montreal, Canada. She taught French studies at McGill University. She also worked as a secretary for the Montréal Juvenile Court. In 1925, she was chosen to be part of a special group. This group worked to set a minimum wage for women in Quebec.
Fighting for the Right to Vote
In 1927, Idola Saint-Jean started an organization called the Alliance canadienne pour le vote des femmes au Québec. This group worked to get women the right to vote in Quebec. She was part of a group of women who met with the Quebec prime minister, Louis-Alexandre Taschereau. They demanded that women be allowed to vote.
Idola Saint-Jean went back to the Quebec National Assembly every year after that. She kept asking for women to have the right to vote. She did this until 1940, when women finally won this important right.
In 1930, she tried to become a member of the Canadian House of Commons. She ran as an independent candidate in the Saint-Denis area. She did not win, but she showed that women could run for political office.
Idola Saint-Jean passed away in Montreal when she was 64 years old.
A National Honor
In 2016, Idola Saint-Jean was one of five women chosen as finalists. They were considered to be featured on Canadian banknotes. This competition was only for women. She was a strong contender but ultimately the honor went to civil rights activist Viola Desmond.
Her Lasting Impact
Idola Saint-Jean's work is still remembered today. A street in Sherbrooke and a park in Montreal are named after her.
The Prix Idola St-Jean is a special award. It is given by the Fédération des femmes du Québec. This award honors a woman or group of women who have greatly helped improve life for women in Quebec.
In March 1981, a Canadian stamp was released. It featured a picture of Idola St-Jean. This showed how important she was to Canadian history.
In 2012, the Quebec Premier Pauline Marois unveiled a statue. This statue honored Idola Saint-Jean, Thérèse Casgrain, and Marie-Claire Kirkland. The statue was created by Jules Lasalle. It celebrated 50 years since Kirkland became the first Canadian female minister.
